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Average

#2632 of 3,440 schools in OH

Western Hills University High School

High School · Cincinnati Public Schools

2144 Ferguson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238

Enrollment

1,352

Student-Teacher

20.5:1

Score

5.1

Grades

7th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Cincinnati

#111 of 171

public schools

Ohio high schools

#780 of 886

In district

#28 of 65

Cincinnati Public Schools

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Exceptional

About Western Hills University High School

Western Hills University High School serves 1,352 students in grades 7-12 in Cincinnati's Hamilton County, operating with a student-teacher ratio of 20.5:1 and 66 full-time equivalent teachers. As a regular public school, Western Hills faces significant academic challenges, with room for substantial growth in student achievement. Currently, 14% of students demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts and Reading, while 13% meet proficiency standards in Mathematics across grade levels.

The school ranks among Ohio's lower-performing institutions, holding the #3450 position out of 3,468 schools statewide. Despite these academic hurdles, Western Hills serves a diverse student population in a community working toward educational improvement. The surrounding 45238 neighborhood reflects a working-class area with a median household income of $62,751 and median home values around $156,700.

The community of 47,154 residents shows economic stability with a 12.7% poverty rate, while 29% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, indicating educational aspirations within the area. Western Hills University High School sits within Cincinnati's large urban environment, providing educational services to families in this established residential community that balances affordability with access to city resources and opportunities.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Western Hills University 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.

The student-teacher ratio at Western Hills University High School is 20.5:1, 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 Progress9.0Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.5 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2021
TrendDeclining
Academics2.4Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency18%
Overall Proficiency11%
Expected (poverty-adj.)44%
vs. Expected-32.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile7th
College Readiness3.5Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.8Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,182

Western Hills University High School — Students at Western Hills University High School score 11% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)

Math Proficiency 7.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 18.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 4 test records from OH state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
10%
ELA
18%
2021*
Math
4%
ELA
18%

* 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 Hills University High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.1/10
24th percentile in OH
Academic
2.4/10
2.4/10
Growth
9.0/10
Above average
Environment
5.8/10
Above average

Location

2144 Ferguson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Western Hills University High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gilbert A. Dater High School (rated 6.7/10), which scores notably higher. Another option is James N. Gamble Montessori High School (rated 5.4/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, AchievePoint Career Academy - Cincinnati (rated 4.8/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Cincinnati, see our Cincinnati schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Gilbert A. Dater High School Cincinnati 0.0 mi 6.7
Covedale School Cincinnati 0.4 mi 4.3
ST TERESA OF AVILA SCHOOL Cincinnati 0.5 mi 7.9
Dater Montessori School Cincinnati 0.7 mi 5.4
AchievePoint Career Academy - Cincinnati Cincinnati 0.8 mi 4.8
James N. Gamble Montessori High School Cincinnati 1.1 mi 5.4
Carson School Cincinnati 1.1 mi 3.0
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL Cincinnati 1.2 mi 6.4
RESURRECTION SCHOOL Cincinnati 1.1 mi 6.8
ST WILLIAM SCHOOL Cincinnati 1.4 mi 8.5
Midway School Cincinnati 1.4 mi 5.0
OUR LADY OF LOURDES Cincinnati 1.3 mi 6.1
Westwood School Cincinnati 1.6 mi 4.1
ST CATHARINE OF SIENA SCHOOL Cincinnati 1.6 mi 7.0
Delhi Middle School Cincinnati 1.6 mi 6.2
Cincinnati Technology Academy Cincinnati 1.5 mi 5.4
James N. Gamble Montessori Elementary School Cincinnati 1.8 mi 5.6
HILLSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Cincinnati 1.6 mi
Rising Stars at Cheviot/Westwood Cincinnati 2.0 mi 6.8
ST LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Cincinnati 1.7 mi 6.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 45238 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$64,672

Median Home Value

$168,800

Median Rent

$913/mo

Population

48,936

College Educated

26.7%

Homeownership

57.2%

Avg Commute

26 min

Poverty Rate

12.7%

Median Age

35.1

Community Profile

The community surrounding Western Hills University High School has a median household income of $64,672. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $168,800, with a median rent of $913/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.7%. 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
Buchtel Community Learning Center Akron, OH 5.1
Mansfield Senior High School Mansfield, OH 5.1
Newark High School Newark, OH 5.1
Piqua High School Piqua, OH 5.1
Rutherford B Hayes High School Delaware, OH 5.1
Aiken New Tech High School Cincinnati, OH 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Western Hills University High School

What grades does Western Hills University High School serve?

Western Hills University High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Western Hills University High School?

Western Hills University High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,352 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Western Hills University High School is 20.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Western Hills University High School rank in OH?

Western Hills University High School is ranked #2632 out of 3,440 schools in OH.

What is Western Hills University High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Western Hills University High School has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Hills University High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Western Hills University High School has 7.0% math proficiency and 18.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Western Hills University High School a charter school?

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

Is Western Hills University High School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
71 Very Walkable
Transit Score
48 Some Transit
Bike Score
37 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,675/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
1,352
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
66
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Hamilton County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Cincinnati Public Schools
District Enrollment
34,860
Schools in District
66
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,415
District Rank
#28 of 65

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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