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GreatSchools Rating

University High School

Public | 9-12 | 1681 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted August 19, 2011

I am a student at University (U-high). U-high has an amazing atmosphere. Of course like very other school it has its social groups but almost everyone is so inviting. I am a 4.0 student and most teachers here are incredible! Some are average but a lot of them are just so fun! They really want to help you succeed and have fun while your doing it. Two teachers that I would like to recognize are Mr. and Mrs. Schneider (Not related). Two of the best teachers I have ever had. Mrs. Schneider was pregnant for the better part of the school year and she was still the best teacher I have ever had! She really cares about her students. A very friendly environment and a great school for teens! As for athletics, the football team does decently, wrestling is constantly at state. Baseball does well and basketball does alright. Our girls tennis team it very talented and our guys team is okay but will do very well in the next 2-3 years. I play varsity tennis and the coach isn't spectacular but the players are amazing! Great school for athletics and extra curriculars!
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 11, 2007

My 3rd child is currently attending UHigh. The academic, electives and extracurricular programs offered are excellent. Students are encouraged at every turn to participate in something. College prep classes are also offered. Parent involvement is high and encouraged. Plus UHigh has some very high quality student athletes. As a parent of a varsity GSL football starter and track star, I have been quite pleased. The only negative was during my daughter's time there. Teachers were not very concerned about her learning shortfalls. This put enough pressure on her during her 12th grade year to withdraw. She earned her GED 6mo later. Since that time (5yrs ago) things have changed for the better. There are still several teachers & coaches who desperately need to retire. Their math courses need to undergo a change, w/less focus on the WASL & more on actual teaching, so students can truly comprehend and understand each part.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 4, 2007

I currently have one child at U-High who simply 'blossomed' when he arrived. Teachers were quick to spot his potential and direct him in areas he might not otherwise have considered. Like every school, U-High has its great teachers, not-so-greats, and its average. To date, I have been unimpressed with the quality of science teachers my son has had, however, in the field of literature, I've been quite thrilled for him. Review the math curriculum at this school to see if it meets your child's needs. As for parent support - fantastic! Looking forward to band for my next child in two years. Have been told the instructor is phenomenal! This is a 4 period day and my son has found teachers quite accessible when needed. He thrives under the 4 period day but I admit it might not be for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2006

Good education value.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 13, 2005

It is a school where students get the most of their education!
—Submitted by a former student


Posted September 11, 2005

University High School is a new school, but it is too small. There are too many students in the building and therefore everyone s education is suffering. Students do not get any individual help, since teachers see so many students per day. The classes are large and taught at a very low level. University High does have good extracurricular activities for a public school, but its in school education is poor.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 6, 2005

Great school! Great staff! This is a really nice and I might add 'new' high school. The staff and students are respectful to each other and academic standards are high. The arts department is one of the best in the state, with a drama center that is equal to professional quality. Parent involvement is very supportive. School mascott- Titans.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2005

There is great opportunity for advanced programs. The debate and drama programs are excellent. Marching band and color guard were activities my children enjoyed. There are many sports, but also much competition for leading roles. Parents are very active in this community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 8, 2004

My child is currently attending University high school and she is enjoying her peers and some of her teachers. Like any school, there are the great teachers who really connect with the students, and there are those who should be retiring soon. The after school study program could be a little stronger. It seems like children teens aren't asking for the help they need. The building is beautiful, but it could be bigger, the number of students is shooting through the roof, almost literally! It is a good environment, no real bullies, healthy food, and it's located in a safe neighborhood. Posit the fact that this school is awesome and I encourage new-comers to join U-high!
—Submitted by Rosalie, a parent


Posted December 8, 2003

I am a 2000 graduate of University High School. During my 3 years there, I recieved an excellent education taught by outstanding teachers. These teachers were in turn lead by a dynamic and progressive administration and counseling staff. Studies have shown the benefits of the four period schedule and the U-High staff and administration work hard to make the most of the advantage. Students have the opportunity to recieve the best education in the city, taught in the most modern facility in the area. I highly recommend this school if you are looking to move to the area or transfer schools.
—Submitted by Darin Steblaj


Posted October 16, 2003

I graduated from U-Hi in 1999 and I know that I got the most out of my education there. The teachers are great because they were so unique in their teaching styles. They made the students learn how to deal with their different styles and prepared us for college. I loved my time at U-Hi and will always be thankful for the amazing teachers who taught with personality instead of a dry sense of style. Thank you!
—Submitted by Sophia Tegart


Posted August 26, 2003

The school has a 4-Period day schedule with 80-minute clases, which has proven detrimental to learning. There is a 1/2 hour extra period built into the program for 'teacher assistance', but which is generally wasted by both student and admin. Generally average sports program. Excellent new building with modern equipment. Mediocre administration. Some excellent teachers, some terrible teachers, most are average.
—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.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 56% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 81% in 2012.

94 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 91% in 2012.

109 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
99%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 45% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 94% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
52%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 61% in 2012.

387 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 59% in 2012.

239 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
83%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 23% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
52%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 44% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 37% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
50%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 15% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 21% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 20% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 29% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic55%
Multiracial72%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special education30%
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students96%
Female92%
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White95%
Low income100%
Not low income95%
Special educationn/a
Not special education96%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students96%
Female94%
Male98%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White97%
Low income92%
Not low income98%
Not special education96%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students76%
Female80%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic72%
Multiracial79%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White77%
Low income68%
Not low income80%
Special education32%
Not special education80%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students87%
Female85%
Male89%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic93%
Multiracial82%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White88%
Low income88%
Not low income86%
Special educationn/a
Not special education87%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Geometry

All Students68%
Female57%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White62%
Low income69%
Not low income67%
Special educationn/a
Not special education68%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 42% in 2010.

396 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
46%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

391 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

397 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
39%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 85% in 2012.

389 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
93%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Reading

All Students90%
Female92%
Male87%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic91%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White90%
Low income82%
Not low income94%
Special education57%
Not special education93%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students94%
Female98%
Male89%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic91%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White94%
Low income89%
Not low income97%
Special education73%
Not special education96%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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 88% 64%
Hispanic 3% 16%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 9%
Black 2% 6%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 37%N/A42%
Special education 11%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 0%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 20N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 12N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 80%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

12420 East 32nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99216
Phone: (509) 228-5240

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