Western High School, also known as Barry Western, or WHS, is a public four-year high school located at 401 McDonough Street in Barry, Illinois, a small city in Pike County, Illinois, in the Midwestern United States. WHS serves the communities of Barry, Hull, New Canton, and Kinderhook.
Serving 135 students in grades 9-12, Western High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 135 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Western High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Western High School's student population of 135 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has grown by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
135 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Year Founded
2007
Colors
Red, Silver
School Calendar
School Motto
At Western, we C.A.R.E
School Mascot
Wildcats
School Rankings
Western High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Western High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2164 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
1%
17%
White
92%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Western High School's ranking?
Western High School is ranked #2164 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Western High School often compared to?
Western High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pleasant Hill High School, Pittsfield High School, Griggsville-perry High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Western High School?
The graduation rate of Western High School is 80%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Western High School?
135 students attend Western High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Western High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Western High School?
Western High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Western High School offer ?
Western High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Western High School part of?
Western High School is part of Western Community Unit School District 12.
School Reviews
Review Western 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
Bullying, Name-Calling & Put-Downs: Parent Guide 2025
Practical tips for parents to address bullying, name-calling, and put-downs—with 2025 data, policies, and expert strategies.
What Is a Magnet School? (2025 Guide)
Explore what a magnet school is, how it works, and its benefits in 2025. Clear explanation for parents, students, and educators.
Cooperative Learning in 2025: Evidence, Best Practices & Challenges
Explore cooperative learning in 2025—new data, updated practices, expert insights for educators and families.
