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 2,505 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 33% (which is lower than the Utah state average of 39%). 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 22:1 is higher than the Utah state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Utah state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 2,505 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 82% (Btm 50% in UT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- 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
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
West High School's student population of 2,505 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 113 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
Total Students
2,505 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
113 teachers
Year Founded
1890
Colors
Black, Red
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the top 50% of all 975 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 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#320 out of 975 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)33%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)60%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)48%
45%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
7%
2%
Hispanic
47%
20%
Black
5%
1%
White
27%
71%
Hawaiian
8%
1%
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
82%
88%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
24%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panthers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #320 out of 975 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?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% 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 82%, which is lower than the Utah state average of 88%.
How many students attend West High School?
2,505 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of West High School students are Hispanic, 27% of students are White, 8% 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 22:1, 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.
School Reviews
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