Western Guilford High School is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is part of the Guilford County School system. The school has approximately 1,300 students and its sports teams are the Fighting Hornets. The school opened in the fall of 1968. In September 2000, Western Guilford was renovated via public bond.
Serving 1,243 students in grades 9-12, Western Guilford High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is higher 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 81% 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)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,243 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 20% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Western Guilford High serves the west part of Greensboro, NC, covering an area of approximately 25.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 3.3 miles to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 5.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Western Guilford High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Western Guilford High School's student population of 1,243 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 73 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,243 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
73 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1968
School Rankings
Western Guilford High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Western Guilford High School is 0.68, 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
#1227 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)45-49%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
22%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 35-year historical data available below ↓
Black
49%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
19%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
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
94%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.3%
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 (22-23)
3%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western Guilford High School's ranking?
Western Guilford High School is ranked #1227 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Western Guilford High School?
The graduation rate of Western Guilford High School is 94%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Western Guilford High School?
1,243 students attend Western Guilford High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Western Guilford High School students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Western Guilford High School?
Western Guilford High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Western Guilford High School offer ?
Western Guilford High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Western Guilford High School part of?
Western Guilford High School is part of Guilford County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Western is a diverse school that provides students a balanced academic program. Students have opportunities to take AP courses as well as participate in almost any sport. The faculty and staff are working hard to improve academic rigor. Students should graduate and be prepared for future academic and/or work opportunities
5 10/10/2025
We have had three children attend WGHS since 2004. It has been a great experience for our children. All have had excellent teachers and been well prepared for college. One attended Vanderbilt and the other UNC-Chapel Hill. All three have taken extensive AP classes where there have been high expectations. All three have been in National Honor Society, Beta Club and served in school organizations. All have played soccer throughout their high school career and served as captains. They have good, close friends from high school and enjoyed their time at WGHS. The school is warm and supportive. The new AP Academy is continuing to raise the academic rigor. We heartily recommend WGHS to other families.
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