West High School, commonly referred to as Denver West High School or simply D-West, is a historic high school located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of the original section of West Denver, Colorado. It is part of the Denver Public Schools system.
Serving 563 students in grades 9-12, West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Colorado state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 563 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
West High School's student population of 563 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
563 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Year Founded
1883
School Calendar
School Motto
Forti et fideli nihil dificil – To the brave and faithful, nothing is difficult.
School Mascot
Cowboys
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West High School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1619 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤5%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
84%
36%
Black
9%
5%
White
3%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cowboys
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #1619 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are West High School often compared to?
West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of West High School?
The graduation rate of West High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend West High School?
563 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of West High School students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West High School?
West High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does West High School offer ?
West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West High School part of?
West High School is part of School District No. 1 In The County Of Denver And State Of C.
In what neighborhood is West High School located?
West High School is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Denver, CO. There are 5 other public schools located in Lincoln Park.
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