Knight High School is a four-year public high school located in Palmdale, California, and is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. Knight High was the 7th general education school to join the district.
Serving 2,520 students in grades 9-12, William J. (Pete) Knight High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 36% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,520 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
William J. (Pete) Knight High School's student population of 2,520 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 114 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,520 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
114 teachers
Year Founded
2003
Colors
Black, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
William J. (Pete) Knight High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William J. (Pete) Knight High School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7358 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
79%
56%
Black
13%
5%
White
3%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William J. (Pete) Knight High School's ranking?
William J. (Pete) Knight High School is ranked #7358 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are William J. (Pete) Knight High School often compared to?
William J. (Pete) Knight High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palmdale High School, Highland High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of William J. (Pete) Knight High School?
The graduation rate of William J. (Pete) Knight High School is 89%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend William J. (Pete) Knight High School?
2,520 students attend William J. (Pete) Knight High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of William J. (Pete) Knight High School students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of William J. (Pete) Knight High School?
William J. (Pete) Knight High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does William J. (Pete) Knight High School offer ?
William J. (Pete) Knight High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is William J. (Pete) Knight High School part of?
William J. (Pete) Knight High School is part of Antelope Valley Union High School District.
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