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Needs Improvement

#1212 of 1,280 schools in IA

West High School

High School · Sioux City Comm School District

2001 Casselman, Sioux City, IA 51103

Enrollment

1,308

Student-Teacher

16:1

Score

3.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#1,212 of 1,280

In Sioux City

#19 of 20

public schools

In district

#19 of 20

Sioux City Comm School District

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West High School

3.2/10

High School in Sioux City · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Loess Hills Elementary

6.3/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

West Middle School

6.0/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About West High School

West High School is a public high school in Sioux City, IA, part of Sioux City Comm School District. West High School serves approximately 1,308 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. West High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,212 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for West High School show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 3.4
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

West High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

52% of students at West High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.75 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency47.9% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg-18.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.2 pts
Overall Proficiency52% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)56% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-3.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile17th
College Readiness3.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate85%
AP Participation10.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,117
Chronic Absenteeism52.4%

West High School — Students at West High School score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

71.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 57.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 65.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
66%
ELA
70%
2010
Math
68%
ELA
70%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
76%
2012
Math
66%
ELA
79%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
73%
ELA
73%
2015
Math
66%
ELA
71%
2016
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
69%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
56%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
56%
2020*
Math
44%
ELA
58%
2021*
Math
44%
ELA
58%
2022
Math
40%
ELA
52%
2025
Math
47.9%
ELA
56.9%

* 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: 2.6/10.

How West High School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.2/10
5th percentile in IA
Academic
3.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.6/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
22
11 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
82 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
52.4%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics22sports offered
11 boys'·11 girls'·51 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2001 Casselman, Sioux City, IA 51103

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. SACRED HEART SCHOOL (rated 9.0/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Riverside Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hunt Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sioux City, see our Sioux City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Loess Hills Elementary Sioux City 0.2 mi 6.3
West Middle School Sioux City 0.2 mi 6.0
Liberty Elementary School Sioux City 1.1 mi 7.2
Hunt Elementary School Sioux City 1.4 mi 7.4
SACRED HEART SCHOOL Sioux City 1.4 mi 9.0
Riverside Elementary School Sioux City 1.5 mi 7.5
BISHOP HEELAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Sioux City 1.9 mi 6.0
BISHOP HEELAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sioux City 2.0 mi 6.4
Perry Creek Elementary School Sioux City 2.3 mi 7.0
LEWIS & CLARK ELEMENTARY SCH So Sioux City 2.6 mi 5.5
ST MICHAEL SCHOOL South Sioux City 2.9 mi 6.2
Bryant Elementary School Sioux City 2.5 mi 5.6
BOYS & GIRLS HOME FAMILY SERVICES Sioux City 2.6 mi 7.4
ST PAULS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Sioux City 2.6 mi
Clark Early Childhood Center Sioux City 3.1 mi 6.1
Irving Elementary School Sioux City 2.8 mi 5.2
COVINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL So Sioux City 3.4 mi 4.4
Irving Preschool Sioux City 2.9 mi
E N SWETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL So Sioux City 3.6 mi 3.4
HARNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL So Sioux City 3.4 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 51103 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,212

Median Home Value

$124,400

Median Rent

$887/mo

Population

17,145

College Educated

17.1%

Homeownership

64.7%

Avg Commute

17.3 min

Poverty Rate

18.7%

Median Age

36.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
North High School Davenport, IA 3.4
North High School Sioux City, IA 3.0
Thomas Jefferson High School Cedar Rapids, IA 3.0
West High School Davenport, IA 3.5
Fort Dodge High School Fort Dodge, IA 2.9
Storm Lake High School Storm Lake, IA 2.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West High School

What grades does West High School serve?

West High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend West High School?

West High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,308 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West High School?

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

How does West High School rank in IA?

West High School ranks #1,212 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is West High School's MySchoolScout rating?

West High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at West High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West High School has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is West High School a charter school?

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

Is West High School a Title I school?

No, West High School is not currently a Title I school.

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

71.2% of students at West High School 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
14 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
23 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
9 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,308
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
Teachers (FTE)
82
Free/Reduced Lunch
71.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Woodbury County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
52.4%
4-Year Graduation
85.0%

District

Sioux City Comm School District
District Enrollment
14,661
Schools in District
21
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,117
District Rank
#19 of 20

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