Serving 1,514 students in grades 9-12, West Senior 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 71% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 74% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,514 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 74% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 62% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Senior High School serves the west part of Iowa City, IA, covering an area of approximately 65.7 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 10-15 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 5.4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, reaching up to 10.5 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Senior High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
West Senior High School's student population of 1,514 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 95 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,514 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
95 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1968
School Calendar
School Rankings
West Senior 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 Senior 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
#619 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
10%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
12%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
28%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
45%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
5%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
95%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.2%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Senior High School's ranking?
West Senior High School is ranked #619 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are West Senior High School often compared to?
West Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Iowa City High School, Liberty High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Senior High School?
The graduation rate of West Senior High School is 95%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend West Senior High School?
1,514 students attend West Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of West Senior High School students are White, 28% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Senior High School?
West Senior High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Senior High School offer ?
West Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is West Senior High School part of?
West Senior High School is part of Iowa City Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is West Senior High School located?
West Senior High School is located in the Weber neighborhood of Iowa City, IA. There are 1 other public schools located in Weber.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Quality of academic programs --excellent
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities --multiple selections
Academic or athletic awards --above state and national average
Facilities --nice...modern...
Level of parent involvement --very supportive
Review West Senior 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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
