Average
#317 of 451 schools in ND
Watford City High School
High School · MCKENZIE CO 1
PO Box 589, Watford City, ND 58854
Enrollment
511
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
511
Student-Teacher
12.2:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Watford City
#3 of 4
public schools
North Dakota high schools
#112 of 155
In district
#3 of 4
MCKENZIE CO 1
Academic growth
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Watford City High School
WATFORD CITY HIGH SCHOOL is a regular public high school located in the remote town of Watford City, North Dakota. With an enrollment of 511 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1, the school provides personalized attention to each student. The dedicated faculty includes 42 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to support their students.
Academically, WATFORD CITY HIGH SCHOOL has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and is ranked as the 222nd best school in North Dakota among 457 high schools. In terms of test performance, 32% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 22% meet proficiency levels in Math. These scores suggest that there is room for academic growth and improvement.
Watford City is a small town with a close-knit community where residents know each other well. The school plays an important role in fostering local connections and supporting the youth of McKenzie County.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Watford City High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Watford City High School — Students at Watford City High School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
23.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores ND EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from ND 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: 8.6/10.
How Watford City High School Compares
See how Watford City High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 17% (2019) to 27% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 37% (2019) to 37% (2022).
Location
PO Box 589, Watford City, ND 58854
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Watford City High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. KILLDEER HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 36.7 miles away, in nearby Killdeer), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ALEXANDER HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.6/10, 18.5 miles away, in nearby Alexander), with a very similar rating. Additionally, WILLISTON HIGH SCHOOL (rated 3.7/10, 33.0 miles away, in nearby Williston), a more accessible option. For more schools in Watford City, see our Watford City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 37.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 58854 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,234
Median Home Value
$387,700
Median Rent
$1,212/mo
Population
9,345
College Educated
23.5%
Homeownership
48.6%
Poverty Rate
12%
Median Age
28.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Watford City High School has a median household income of $88,234. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $387,700, with a median rent of $1,212/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.0%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| STANLEY HIGH SCHOOL Stanley, ND | 5.6 |
| KINDRED HIGH SCHOOL Kindred, ND | 5.1 |
| BOTTINEAU JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Bottineau, ND | 5.0 |
| DEVILS LAKE HIGH SCHOOL Devils Lake, ND | 4.5 |
| WAHPETON HIGH SCHOOL Wahpeton, ND | 4.4 |
| TURTLE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Belcourt, ND | 4.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Watford City High School
What grades does Watford City High School serve?
Watford City High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Watford City High School?
Watford City High School has an enrollment of approximately 511 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Watford City High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Watford City High School is 12.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Watford City High School rank in ND?
Watford City High School is ranked #317 out of 451 schools in ND.
What is Watford City High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Watford City High School has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Watford City High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Watford City High School has 22.0% math proficiency and 32.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Watford City High School a charter school?
No, Watford City High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Watford City High School a Title I school?
No, Watford City High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Watford City High School?
23.5% of students at Watford City 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
- City Safety
- High (1,916/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Watford City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 511
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 42
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 23.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- McKenzie County
- Phone
- (701) 444-3626
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
MCKENZIE CO 1- District Enrollment
- 2,105
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,006
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
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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