Average
#1983 of 3,190 schools in MI
Western High School
High School · Western School District
1400 SOUTH DEARING RD, Parma, MI 49269
Enrollment
799
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
799
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Parma
#3 of 3
public schools
Michigan high schools
#450 of 812
In district
#5 of 6
Western School District
Academic growth
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Western High School
Western High School serves 799 students in grades 9-12 in Parma, Michigan, earning a solid 7.4 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide at #571 out of 3,204 Michigan high schools. With 44 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for reasonable class sizes and individual attention. Academically, Western High School shows particular strength in English Language Arts, with 67% of students achieving proficiency or above across grade levels.
The school's overall academic score of 8.2 out of 10 reflects solid educational outcomes, though mathematics presents an opportunity for growth with 40% of students demonstrating proficiency. The school draws from a stable community where the median household income reaches $79,057 and the poverty rate sits at a relatively low 9.1%. While only 20% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, the community shows economic stability with median home values around $179,000.
Western High School operates in a rural setting near the town of Parma in Jackson County, providing students with a close-knit educational environment that combines small-town values with access to broader educational opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Western High School 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
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Western High School — Students at Western High School score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.0/10.
How Western High School Compares
See how Western High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 42% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 67% (2019) to 67% (2021).
Location
1400 SOUTH DEARING RD, Parma, MI 49269
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Western High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 8.3/10, 4.4 miles away, in nearby Jackson), which scores notably higher. Another option is Woodville Community Center (rated 5.7/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Jackson), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Northwest High School (rated 5.7/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Jackson), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Parma, see our Parma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Western Middle School Parma | 0.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Bean Elementary School Spring Arbor | 2.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Warner Elementary School Spring Arbor | 2.8 mi | 6.8 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Jackson | 2.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Parma Elementary School Parma | 3.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Woodville Community Center Jackson | 3.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Paragon Charter Academy Jackson | 3.8 mi | 8.2 |
| LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Jackson | 4.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Dibble Elementary School Jackson | 4.8 mi | 7.7 |
| JACKSON CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jackson | 4.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Da Vinci Schools 612 Jackson | 5.1 mi | 4.3 |
| Hunt Elementary School Jackson | 5.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Jackson ISD Local Based Special Education Programs Jackson | 5.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Cascades Elementary School Jackson | 5.7 mi | 8.2 |
| Northwest High School Jackson | 6.9 mi | 5.7 |
| QUEEN OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL SCHOOL Jackson | 5.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Northwest Kidder Middle School Jackson | 7.0 mi | 6.1 |
| South Central Michigan Virtual Jackson | 5.9 mi | 6.2 |
| NORTH STAR MONTESSORI LLC Jackson | 6.5 mi | — |
| Northwest Connect Jackson | 7.2 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49269 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$83,933
Median Home Value
$200,100
Median Rent
$967/mo
Population
5,874
College Educated
19.6%
Homeownership
90.3%
Avg Commute
26.5 min
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Median Age
39.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Western High School has a median household income of $83,933. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $200,100, with a median rent of $967/month. The local poverty rate of 7.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Birch Run High School Birch Run, MI | 5.9 |
| CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Grand Rapids, MI | 5.9 |
| Jackson High School Jackson, MI | 5.9 |
| Bay City Western High School Auburn, MI | 6.0 |
| Corunna High School Corunna, MI | 6.0 |
| Grand River Preparatory High School Grand Rapids, MI | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western High School
What grades does Western High School serve?
Western High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Western High School?
Western High School has an enrollment of approximately 799 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Western High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Western High School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Western High School rank in MI?
Western High School is ranked #1983 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Western High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Western High School has a composite rating of 5.9 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 High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western High School has 39.5% math proficiency and 67.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Western High School a charter school?
No, Western High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Western High School a Title I school?
No, Western High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Western High School?
31.5% of students at Western 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (336/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 799
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Jackson County
- Phone
- (517) 841-8270
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Western School District- District Enrollment
- 2,687
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,044
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
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 methodologyRelated reading
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