Shawnee Mission West High School is a fully accredited public high school located in Overland Park, Kansas, United States, serving students in grades 9-12. Shawnee Mission West is one of several public high schools located within Overland Park and operated by Shawnee Mission USD 512 school district.
Serving 1,618 students in grades 9-12, Shawnee Mission West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Kansas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Kansas state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is higher than the Kansas state average of 32%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Kansas state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Kansas state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,618 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in KS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Shawnee Mission West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kansas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Shawnee Mission West High School's student population of 1,618 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 98 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,618 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
98 teachers
Year Founded
1962
Colors
Black, Gold
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Shawnee Mission West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,269 schools in Kansas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shawnee Mission West High School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#863 out of 1269 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
32%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
33%
22%
Black
13%
7%
White
44%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
89%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Viking
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shawnee Mission West High School's ranking?
Shawnee Mission West High School is ranked #863 out of 1,269 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Kansas.
What schools are Shawnee Mission West High School often compared to?
Shawnee Mission West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee Mission South High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% KS state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% KS state average).
What is the graduation rate of Shawnee Mission West High School?
The graduation rate of Shawnee Mission West High School is 84%, which is lower than the Kansas state average of 89%.
How many students attend Shawnee Mission West High School?
1,618 students attend Shawnee Mission West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Shawnee Mission West High School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shawnee Mission West High School?
Shawnee Mission West High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Kansas state average of 13:1.
What grades does Shawnee Mission West High School offer ?
Shawnee Mission West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shawnee Mission West High School part of?
Shawnee Mission West High School is part of Shawnee Mission Pub School District.
In what neighborhood is Shawnee Mission West High School located?
Shawnee Mission West High School is located in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Overland Park, KS.
School Reviews
Review Shawnee Mission West 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
