Very Good
#3305 of 9,533 schools in CA
Top 35% in state
Western Center Academy
High School · Hemet Unified
2345 Searl Pkwy., Hemet, CA 92543
Enrollment
741
Student-Teacher
24.7:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
741
Student-Teacher
24.7:1
Score
7.0
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hemet
#4 of 22
public schools
California high schools
#620 of 1,892
In district
#5 of 27
Hemet Unified
Equity
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Western Center Academy
Western Center Academy serves 741 students in grades 6-12 as a charter high school in Hemet, California. This public school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 24.7 to 1 with 30 full-time equivalent teachers, providing personalized attention within its rural setting near town. The school demonstrates strong academic performance with an impressive MySchoolScout rating of 8.2 out of 10 and ranks #905 out of 9,566 California schools, placing it in the 90th percentile statewide.
Students excel particularly in English Language Arts, with 90% achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. Mathematics shows solid performance with 57% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards, indicating steady progress in this subject area. Western Center Academy's academic score of 9.3 out of 10 reflects its commitment to educational excellence despite serving a community where the median household income is $43,881 and 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
The school's charter status allows for innovative approaches to education while maintaining high standards for student achievement. Located in the 92543 ZIP code area, the school serves a community of 38,403 residents where the median home value is $199,100 and 12% hold bachelor's degrees or higher. Western Center Academy provides quality education in Riverside County's rural landscape, offering students comprehensive middle and high school programs.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Western Center Academy is 24.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Western Center Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Located in a rural area, Western Center Academy may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Western Center Academy — Students at Western Center Academy score 73% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
61.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 14 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.
How Western Center Academy Compares
See how Western Center Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 76% (2019) to 56.6% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 91% (2019) to 89.79% (2024).
Location
2345 Searl Pkwy., Hemet, CA 92543
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western Center Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. West Valley High (rated 7.1/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Alessandro High (rated 6.2/10, 3.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hemet, see our Hemet schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Valley High Hemet | 1.4 mi | 7.1 |
| McSweeny Elementary Hemet | 1.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Diamond Valley Middle Hemet | 1.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Rancho Veijo Hemet | 1.8 mi | — |
| Harmony Elementary Hemet | 1.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Whittier Elementary Hemet | 2.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Promises School K-12 Hemet | 2.9 mi | — |
| Jacob Wiens Elementary Hemet | 2.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Academy of Innovation Hemet | 2.7 mi | 6.0 |
| DP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hemet | 2.7 mi | 6.1 |
| DP Christian School Hemet | 2.7 mi | — |
| Spectrum Center Hemet Hemet | 3.1 mi | — |
| Unity Educational Academy Hemet | 3.1 mi | — |
| REVELATION SCHOOL OF FLORIDA Hemet | 3.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Hemet Elementary Hemet | 3.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Acacia Middle Hemet | 3.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Alessandro High Hemet | 3.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Lightways Academy Sage | 3.7 mi | — |
| PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL Hemet | 3.8 mi | — |
| Ramona Elementary Hemet | 3.5 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 92543 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$47,002
Median Home Value
$250,800
Median Rent
$1,306/mo
Population
39,878
College Educated
12.7%
Homeownership
56%
Avg Commute
37.4 min
Poverty Rate
22.7%
Median Age
39.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Western Center Academy has a median household income of $47,002. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $250,800, with a median rent of $1,306/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 37 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| EPIC de Cesar Chavez Tehachapi, CA | 7.0 |
| Hawthorne Math and Science Academy Hawthorne, CA | 7.0 |
| IMMACULATE HEART Los Angeles, CA | 7.0 |
| John F. Kennedy High Norco, CA | 7.0 |
| MARANATHA HIGH SCHOOL Pasadena, CA | 7.0 |
| Rise Kohyang High Los Angeles, CA | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Center Academy
What grades does Western Center Academy serve?
Western Center Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Western Center Academy?
Western Center Academy has an enrollment of approximately 741 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western Center Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Western Center Academy is 24.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Western Center Academy rank in CA?
Western Center Academy is ranked #3305 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Western Center Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Western Center Academy has a composite rating of 7.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Western Center Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Center Academy has 62.2% math proficiency and 90.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Western Center Academy a charter school?
Yes, Western Center Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Western Center Academy a Title I school?
No, Western Center Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western Center Academy?
61.7% of students at Western Center Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 741
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 24.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 61.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Riverside County
- Phone
- (951) 766-9030
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Hemet Unified- District Enrollment
- 22,736
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,819
- District Rank
- #5 of 27
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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