West Harrison High School is a public high school located in Gulfport, Mississippi, United States. Opened in 2008, it includes a reinforced storm shelter with a 2000-person capacity built as part of a $9 million FEMA grant. The principal is Dr. Michael Weaver, with assistant principals Denise Briggs and Erin Cates.
Serving 1,154 students in grades 9-12, West Harrison High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 92% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,154 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 92% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 81% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Harrison High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
West Harrison High School's student population of 1,154 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 65 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,154 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Year Founded
2008
Colors
Green, Orange
School Calendar
School Motto
Strive for Excellence
School Mascot
Hurricanes
School Rankings
West Harrison High School ranks within the top 1% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Harrison High School is 0.59, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6 out of 795 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
55%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
4%
5%
Black
32%
47%
White
56%
42%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hurricanes
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Harrison High School's ranking?
West Harrison High School is ranked #6 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are West Harrison High School often compared to?
West Harrison High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harrison Central High School, Pass Christian High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
92% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Harrison High School?
The graduation rate of West Harrison High School is 91%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend West Harrison High School?
1,154 students attend West Harrison High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of West Harrison High School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of West Harrison High School?
West Harrison High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 13:1.
What grades does West Harrison High School offer ?
West Harrison High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Harrison High School part of?
West Harrison High School is part of Harrison Co School District.
School Reviews
5 7/4/2014
West Harrison is a great school that has caring and dedicated teachers and administrators. Created to ease the over-population of Harrison Central High School, West Harrison has grown into a level A school--the only high school in the district to garner such an honor--in just five short years of existence. I'm so proud to be a part of such a wonderful school environment.
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