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 (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,290 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (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%)
- 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
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-54%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
5%
Hispanic
38%
22%
Black
50%
24%
White
4%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)71%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)4.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Hawks
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 71%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
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.
School Reviews
Review West Mecklenburg High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
