Waterloo West High School is one of three public high schools under the auspices of the Waterloo Community School District in Waterloo, Iowa. The school is located at the intersection of E. Ridgeway Ave. and Baltimore Ave.
Serving 1,713 students in grades 9-12, West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 58% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,713 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 85% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 58% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
West High School's student population of 1,713 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 99 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,713 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
99 teachers
Year Founded
1922
Colors
Black, Old rose
School Mascot
Wahawk
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West High School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#957 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
3%
Hispanic
15%
13%
Black
21%
7%
White
47%
71%
Hawaiian
5%
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wahawk
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #957 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are West High School often compared to?
West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
58% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of West High School?
The graduation rate of West High School is 85%, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend West High School?
1,713 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of West High School students are White, 21% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West High School?
West High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does West High School offer ?
West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is West High School part of?
West High School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
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