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GreatSchools Rating

West Senior High School

Public | 9-12 | 1852 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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5 reviews of this school


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Posted May 6, 2013

West High is an absolutely amazing place - as someone who came from a rather rough neighborhood, I can definitely say that this school is unlike any other. The lives that emerge from West are changed forever by the faculty that takes the time to attend to each student, the student body is incredibly driven, and the sheer amount of clubs and community support make West a truly great place to learn. I'll be graduating in a few weeks and I can honestly say that I'll miss my high school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 19, 2009

I am a freshman at West Senior High School. The school has been amazing for me so far this year, the teachers are great and i have many many friends. Many parents argue that because the school is large that you can get lost. This however, is false. You might get lost your first, maybe even second day, but by the third day as a freshman, one knows the school like the back of their hand.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2005

This is a high-achievement school both academically and in sports. The University and hospital influences lead to a culture where it is OK to excel academically. Getting into Ivy league or other schools will earn a 'well done' but not otherwise be seen as extraordinary. The speech, math, and music programs are very good. I do know much about the sports programs (my son is not athletically inclined!). The school does seem to do well though, going by what I see in the paper. The staff is very supportive. Overall, this school would meet or beat expectations for 99% of parents. The one downer is that the school is large (>1700 students), meaning that it is easy for a kid to get lost.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2005

I am a student at West High in the Graduation Class of 2006. My years at West are some of the best I can remember. Every class I have ever enrolled in has taught me a great deal. Teachers are well versed in what the profess and willing to help students. The band program is superb, one of the best in the state, having won numerous Grammy Awards. The math team has been undefeated for the last three years as well as winning regionals! The 10th and 12th Grade English classes made top honors in this year's WordMaster competitions! And West doesn't lack in sports either. The Girls Track team placed second in the state competition after winning it last year and both of the tennis teams won state. West High is an excellent school in every category! Go West!
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 2, 2005

Student body is more diverse than one might expect in Iowa. School has outstanding music program (won a grammy two years ago) and math team. Academics are superb for a public school, although lack of an AP US History and an AP Statistics course should be noted. Top students are highly motivated and successful. 5% of this year's graduating class were National Merit Finalists.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

Grade level

Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

408 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

409 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Math

All Students92%
Female93%
Male91%
African American69%
Asian96%
Hispanic72%
Multiracial92%
Native Americann/a
White96%
Economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilities66%
English language learners79%

Reading

All Students89%
Female94%
Male86%
African American76%
Asian93%
Hispanic56%
Multiracial92%
Native Americann/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilities60%
English language learners50%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


Beginning in 2011-2012 Iowa used the Iowa Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math. The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year. The Iowa Assessments are standards-based tests, which measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Iowa. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the Iowa Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Iowa's state standards

Source: Iowa Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 72% 85%
Black 13% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 9% 2%
Hispanic 6% 7%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 21%N/A34%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A14
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2901 Melrose Ave
Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone: (319) 688-1050

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