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Very Good

#856 of 3,813 schools in IL

Top 22% in state

University High School

High School · ISU Laboratory Schools

Isu Campus Box 5300, Normal, IL 61790

Enrollment

629

Student-Teacher

14.3:1

Score

7.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Normal

#1 of 15

public schools

Illinois high schools

#151 of 703

In district

#1 of 2

ISU Laboratory Schools

Academic performance

9.6 / 10

Exceptional

About University High School

University High School serves 629 students in grades 9-12 in Normal, Illinois, operating as a regular public school with strong academic credentials. With 44 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio that supports personalized attention and meaningful classroom interactions. The school demonstrates exceptional academic performance, earning a 7.9 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranking #249 out of 3,819 Illinois high schools, placing it in the 94th percentile statewide.

This impressive standing reflects the school's commitment to educational excellence, with an outstanding academic score of 9.6 out of 10. Students perform well in English Language Arts and reading, with 62% achieving proficient or above levels across grade levels. University High School's academic strength makes it an attractive option for families seeking a high-performing public education.

The school's size allows for a close-knit community feel while still offering the resources and opportunities typically found in larger institutions. Students benefit from the school's proven track record of academic success and the supportive learning environment fostered by the favorable student-teacher ratio. The school is situated in Normal, a mid-size suburban community in McLean County, providing students with a stable educational environment in central Illinois.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.6Significantly Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-10 pts/yr
Data Period2021–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.6Exceptional25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency62%
Reading/ELA Proficiency62%
Overall Proficiency62%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected+13.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile94th
College Readiness9.0Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation31.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.3:1

University High School — Students at University High School score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 62.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 67.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 3 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2021*
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2022
ELA
62%

* 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: 1.6/10.

How University High School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.3/10
78th percentile in IL
Academic
9.6/10
9.6/10
Growth
1.6/10
Below average
Environment
8.8/10
Above average

Location

Isu Campus Box 5300, Normal, IL 61790

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering University High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bloomington High School (rated 6.5/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Bloomington), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Normal Community West High School (rated 5.5/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Normal, see our Normal schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Thomas Metcalf School Normal 0.4 mi 6.8
Kingsley Jr High School Normal 0.5 mi 4.5
CALVARY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Normal 0.6 mi 5.9
Fairview Elem School Normal 0.7 mi 3.1
Oakdale Elem School Normal 0.8 mi 7.3
Glenn Elem School Normal 1.1 mi 5.0
Chiddix Jr High School Normal 1.0 mi 5.8
MULBERRY SCHOOL Normal 1.1 mi
BLOOM COMMUNITY SCHOOL Normal 1.1 mi 4.9
EPIPHANY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Normal 1.3 mi 6.8
Parkside Jr High School Normal 1.4 mi 6.0
Colene Hoose Elem School Normal 1.5 mi 7.0
Normal Community West High School Normal 1.5 mi 5.5
Bent Elem School Bloomington 2.0 mi 4.3
Parkside Elementary School Normal 1.5 mi 3.7
Sheridan Elem School Bloomington 2.1 mi 5.1
Prairieland Elementary School Normal 1.9 mi 6.0
Bloomington Jr High School Bloomington 2.2 mi 6.1
Bloomington High School Bloomington 2.3 mi 6.5
Sugar Creek Elem School Normal 1.9 mi 6.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clemente Community Academy HS Chicago, IL 7.3
Farragut Career Academy HS Chicago, IL 7.3
Wells Community Academy HS Chicago, IL 7.3
Clark Acad Prep Magnet High Schl Chicago, IL 7.2
Clinton High School Clinton, IL 7.2
Disney II Magnet HS Chicago, IL 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about University High School

What grades does University High School serve?

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

How many students attend University High School?

University High School has an enrollment of approximately 629 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at University High School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does University High School rank in IL?

University High School is ranked #856 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is University High School's MySchoolScout rating?

University High School has a composite rating of 7.3 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 School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, University High School has 62.0% math proficiency and 67.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is University High School a charter school?

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

Is University High School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Transit Score
45 Some Transit
Bike Score
58 Bikeable
City Safety
High (1,885/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Normal). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
629
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
44
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize Suburb
County
McLean County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

ISU Laboratory Schools
District Enrollment
1,078
Schools in District
2
District Rank
#1 of 2

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.

Read our full methodology

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