West High School is the oldest public high school in the U.S. state of Utah. It was founded in 1890, and it is part of the Salt Lake City School District. Its original name was Salt Lake High. The school colors are red and black and the school mascot is a black panther. It has a current enrollment of 2,840.
Serving 2,503 students in grades 7-12, West High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Utah for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35% (which is lower than the Utah state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is higher than the Utah state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Utah state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Utah state average of 31% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 2,503 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in UT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West High serves the northern part of Salt Lake City, covering an area of approximately 64.6 square miles. Most students can expect a typical drive of 10-12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 4.6 miles to the nearest edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 11.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Utah for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
West High School's student population of 2,503 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 109 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
2,503 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
109 teachers
Showing 2012–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1890
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering all students to succeed
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the top 50% of all 957 schools in Utah (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#314 out of 957 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
40%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60%
43%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)48%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
Showing 2012–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
7%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
47%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
White
26%
69%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
9%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
87%
88.3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.6%
26.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
23%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Red
School Mascot
Panthers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #314 out of 957 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Utah.
What schools are West High School often compared to?
West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School, Highland High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% UT state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% UT state average).
What is the graduation rate of West High School?
The graduation rate of West High School is 87%, which is lower than the Utah state average of 88.3%.
How many students attend West High School?
2,503 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of West High School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are White, 9% of students are Hawaiian, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West High School?
West High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Utah state average of 21:1.
What grades does West High School offer ?
West High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12
What school district is West High School part of?
West High School is part of Salt Lake School District.
In what neighborhood is West High School located?
West High School is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Salt Lake City, UT. There are 2 other public schools located in Capitol Hill.
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