Appleton West High School is a comprehensive public secondary school located in Appleton, Wisconsin that serves students in the ninth through twelfth grades.
Serving 1,118 students in grades 9-12, West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 22% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 33% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,118 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in WI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
West High School's student population of 1,118 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 79 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,118 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Year Founded
1915
Colors
Blue, Orange
School Calendar
First Day of School
Tue. Sep 2, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 6, 2026
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1736 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
15%
4%
Hispanic
15%
14%
Black
10%
9%
White
54%
67%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
5%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Terror
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #1736 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are West High School often compared to?
West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North High School, East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 22% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
What is the graduation rate of West High School?
The graduation rate of West High School is 81%, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 90%.
How many students attend West High School?
1,118 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of West High School students are White, 15% of students are Asian, 15% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West High School?
West High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does West High School offer ?
West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is West High School part of?
West High School is part of Appleton Area School District.
School Reviews
5 4/9/2022
West is besstttt.
2 6/30/2018
thanks this is great because i am deciding which school I will go to
Review 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.
