Skip to main content

Average

#2826 of 3,777 schools in FL

University High

High School · ORANGE

2450 COUGAR WAY, Orlando, FL 32817

Enrollment

2,561

Student-Teacher

23.7:1

Score

5.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Orlando

#154 of 192

public schools

Florida high schools

#361 of 748

In district

#212 of 258

ORANGE

About University High

University High serves 2,561 students in grades 9-12 in Orlando's large suburban community. With 108 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 23.7:1, providing a sizable learning environment where students can explore diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities. The school currently ranks in the 38th percentile among Florida high schools, with room for academic growth as it works to support student achievement.

In English Language Arts and Reading, 51% of students demonstrate proficiency or above across grade levels, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen literacy skills throughout the student body. Located at 2450 Cougar Way in the 32817 ZIP code, University High sits in a well-established suburban area where the median household income reaches $76,402 and home values average $292,300. The surrounding community shows strong educational values, with 35% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a poverty rate of 14.7% among its 36,808 residents.

The school's location in Orange County provides students access to Orlando's rich cultural and economic opportunities, from internship possibilities to college partnerships. University High operates within a thriving suburban setting that balances residential stability with urban amenities, offering students a comprehensive high school experience in one of Florida's most dynamic metropolitan areas.

What Parents Should Know

University High is a large school with 2,561 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at University High is 23.7:1, 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.24 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency25%
Reading/ELA Proficiency57%
Reading vs. State Avg+4.4 pts
Overall Proficiency41%
Expected (poverty-adj.)52%
vs. Expected-10.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
College Readiness9.6Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation25.8%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment3.2Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,530

University High — Students at University High score 41% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

44.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores FL FAST (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 33.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 53.0%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 6 test records from FL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
41%
ELA
53%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
57%
2024
ELA
51%

* 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: 2.4/10.

How University High Compares

See how University High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
25th percentile in FL
Academic
5.0/10
5.0/10
Growth
2.4/10
Below average
Environment
3.2/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
108 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
25.8% participation·141 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2450 COUGAR WAY, Orlando, FL 32817

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering University High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. CENTER ACADEMY - WATERFORD LAKES (rated 4.8/10, 3.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, ECON RIVER HIGH CHARTER (rated 4.6/10, 2.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Orlando, see our Orlando schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.6 mi
School Distance Rating
RIVERDALE ELEMENTARY Orlando 0.6 mi 8.6
UCP EAST CHARTER Orlando 0.9 mi 7.8
LITTLE LORDS AND LADIES CHRISTIAN PRIVATE SCHOOL Orlando 1.7 mi
LAWTON CHILES ELEMENTARY Orlando 1.7 mi 7.3
DOWNEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Orlando 1.6 mi 6.7
ORANGE COUNTY PREPARATORY ACADEMY CHARTER Orlando 1.9 mi 5.5
UCP BAILES COMMUNITY ACADEMY Orlando 2.1 mi 6.7
UNION PARK ELEMENTARY Orlando 2.0 mi 7.3
LEGACY MIDDLE Orlando 2.3 mi 5.7
BONNEVILLE ELEMENTARY Orlando 2.0 mi 6.4
UNION PARK MIDDLE Orlando 2.1 mi 6.2
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF EAST ORLANDO Orlando 2.2 mi 6.7
ARBOR RIDGE K-8 Orlando 2.4 mi 7.8
WATERFORD ELEMENTARY Orlando 2.7 mi 8.6
ECON RIVER HIGH CHARTER Orlando 2.6 mi 4.6
DISCOVERY MIDDLE Orlando 2.9 mi 6.8
EAST LAKE ELEMENTARY Orlando 3.2 mi 5.9
CENTER ACADEMY - WATERFORD LAKES Orlando 3.7 mi 4.8
THE ECCLESIAL SCHOOL AT ST. ALBAN'S Oviedo 3.7 mi 7.2
CASTLE CREEK ELEMENTARY Orlando 3.6 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 32817 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$78,546

Median Home Value

$327,800

Median Rent

$1,741/mo

Population

37,894

College Educated

35.6%

Homeownership

56.4%

Avg Commute

26.2 min

Poverty Rate

15.2%

Median Age

30.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding University High has a median household income of $78,546. It is an area where 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $327,800, with a median rent of $1,741/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.2%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
DIXIE M. HOLLINS HIGH SCHOOL Kenneth City, FL 5.4
FLAGLER-PALM COAST HIGH SCHOOL Palm Coast, FL 5.4
LAKE MINNEOLA HIGH SCHOOL Minneola, FL 5.4
LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH SCHOOL Bradenton, FL 5.4
LEON HIGH SCHOOL Tallahassee, FL 5.4
LETO HIGH SCHOOL Tampa, FL 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University High

What grades does University High serve?

University High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend University High?

University High has an enrollment of approximately 2,561 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at University High?

The student-teacher ratio at University High is 23.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does University High rank in FL?

University High is ranked #2826 out of 3,777 schools in FL.

What is University High's MySchoolScout rating?

University High has a composite rating of 5.4 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 University High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, University High has 33.0% math proficiency and 53.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is University High a charter school?

No, University High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is University High a Title I school?

No, University High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for University High?

44.9% of students at University High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
6 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
47 Some Transit
Bike Score
70 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,561
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
108
Free/Reduced Lunch
44.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Orange County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

ORANGE
District Enrollment
206,815
Schools in District
275
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,656
District Rank
#212 of 258

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.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.