Western High School is the oldest public all-girls high school remaining in the United States. It is the third-oldest public high school in the state of Maryland and part of the Baltimore City Public Schools.
Serving 1,290 students in grades 9-12, Western High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 9% (which is lower than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maryland state average of 69% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,290 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Western High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Baltimore, MD, covering approximately 92.1 square miles, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 10 to 15 minutes and an average distance of 6.7 miles to the zone's edge. The furthest edge of this zone extends up to 11.5 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Western High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Western High School's student population of 1,290 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,290 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1844
School Rankings
Western High School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Western High School is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#562 out of 1338 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
45%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
85%
32%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
2%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
91%
85.8%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.8%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
46%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
14%
6%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
"dove"
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western High School's ranking?
Western High School is ranked #562 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Western High School often compared to?
Western High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Western High School?
The graduation rate of Western High School is 91%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 85.8%.
How many students attend Western High School?
1,290 students attend Western High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Western High School students are Black, 11% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Western High School?
Western High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Western High School offer ?
Western High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Western High School part of?
Western High School is part of Baltimore City School District.
In what neighborhood is Western High School located?
Western High School is located in the Cross Keys neighborhood of Baltimore, MD. There are 1 other public schools located in Cross Keys.
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