West Mecklenburg High School, colloquially known as West Meck, is a high school located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and was opened in 1951. The sports teams are known as the Hawks.
Serving 1,290 students in grades 9-12, West Mecklenburg High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,290 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 70% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Mecklenburg High serves the west part of Charlotte, NC, covering an area of approximately 53.7 square miles, with most students living about 10-12 minutes away and an average distance of 4.2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone. The furthest point in the zone is approximately 6.4 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Mecklenburg High School's student population of 1,290 students has grown by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 75 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,290 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1951
School Rankings
West Mecklenburg High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Mecklenburg High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1669 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-54%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
38%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Black
50%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
4%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
70%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)4.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
The Hawks
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Mecklenburg High School's ranking?
West Mecklenburg High School is ranked #1669 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are West Mecklenburg High School often compared to?
West Mecklenburg High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harding University High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Mecklenburg High School?
The graduation rate of West Mecklenburg High School is 70%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend West Mecklenburg High School?
1,290 students attend West Mecklenburg High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of West Mecklenburg High School students are Black, 38% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, 4% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Mecklenburg High School?
West Mecklenburg High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Mecklenburg High School offer ?
West Mecklenburg High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Mecklenburg High School part of?
West Mecklenburg High School is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In what neighborhood is West Mecklenburg High School located?
West Mecklenburg High School is located in the Pawtuckett neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 4 other public schools located in Pawtuckett.
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