Serving 4,325 students in grades 9-12, Waukegan High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 7% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 4,325 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Waukegan High School's student population of 4,325 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 304 teachers has grown by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
4,325 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
304 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Mascot
Bulldogs
School Rankings
Waukegan High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Waukegan High School is 0.32, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3310 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
6%
Hispanic
82%
28%
Black
12%
16%
White
2%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
45%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waukegan High School's ranking?
Waukegan High School is ranked #3310 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Waukegan High School often compared to?
Waukegan High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Zion-benton Twnshp Hi School, North Chicago Community High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 7% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Waukegan High School?
The graduation rate of Waukegan High School is 78%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Waukegan High School?
4,325 students attend Waukegan High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Waukegan High School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waukegan High School?
Waukegan High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Waukegan High School offer ?
Waukegan High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Waukegan High School part of?
Waukegan High School is part of Waukegan CUSD 60 School District.
School Reviews
2 4/28/2022
You have room and opportunities to succeed if you want to. You don't experience or face violence unless you are the one causing it. That said, those who complain about it are the issue.
1 2/17/2020
This school is horrible. If you want to constantly worry about your child's safety, then enroll them in Waukegan. The constant violence that is allowed in this facility is inappropriate. From the teachers and the administration being unprofessional is the reason why I stopped supporting this school. I went here and can honestly say I regret graduating from here; it is an embarrassment.
5 8/26/2019
Great opportunity to succeed....if you want to!
2 5/31/2010
The quality of the academics is only decent when the student is enrolled in the Honors classes of the College Studies Program. A ton of art, music, sports and other extracurricular activities are being cut because the school doesn't have enough money to pay for them. The facilities are shoddy. The level of parent involvement is pretty poor, aside from the athletics booster club.
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