Watkins Memorial High School is a public high school located in Etna Township, southeast of Pataskala, Ohio, United States. It is the only high school in the Southwest Licking Local School District, which was formed in 1950 by the merger of the Etna Township, Kirkersville, and Pataskala one room K-12 buildings.
Serving 1,397 students in grades 9-12, Watkins Memorial High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Ohio state average of 35% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,397 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 72% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Watkins Memorial High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Pataskala, OH, covering an area of approximately 65.3 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of around 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 6.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Overview
Watkins Memorial High School's student population of 1,397 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,397 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
Average Class Size
25 students
School Motto
Warrior Way: Educating students to become responsible citizens who lead successful and fulfilling lives in a safe environment.
School Rankings
Watkins Memorial High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watkins Memorial High School is 0.37, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1657 out of 3181 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
54%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
60%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
9%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
4%
8%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
17%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
79%
65%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
91%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.8%
30.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watkins Memorial High School's ranking?
Watkins Memorial High School is ranked #1657 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What schools are Watkins Memorial High School often compared to?
Watkins Memorial High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hilliard Davidson High School, Hilliard Darby High School, Licking Heights High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watkins Memorial High School?
The graduation rate of Watkins Memorial High School is 91%, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Watkins Memorial High School?
1,397 students attend Watkins Memorial High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Watkins Memorial High School students are White, 9% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watkins Memorial High School?
Watkins Memorial High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Watkins Memorial High School offer ?
Watkins Memorial High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Watkins Memorial High School part of?
Watkins Memorial High School is part of Southwest Licking Local School District.
School Reviews
5 5/9/2026
This school is amazing and I know I am being taught very well in my advanced and AP classes, and I''m being prepared for college.
5 10/10/2025
Very good academic program. For a small-town school there is a wide variety of courses, to include AP and college credit courses for seniors. Limited sports program - only the major sports (Basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track, women's volleyball, tennis, golf). Decent band programs.
Parent involvement is encouraged. Facilities are adequate, but nothing fancy.
5 10/10/2025
do not build a new high school, simply add another building on the high school property and save the tax payers millions of dollars. Please start spending money like it was your own . I would recommend this school if it does not build a whole new high school.
5 10/10/2025
Our son attended all four years and graduated from Watkins High School with honors. Our experience was nothing but the best from freshman year to senior. Pataskala is an amazing community and it carries over into the school with the teachers who live in this community and even those who don't. Although a new school is a very high expense for the tax payers, it is a necessary one! We have to put our money back into our community i.e. roads, buildings and schools if we want to keep the community dynamics they way they are now!
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