Average
#4027 of 8,547 schools in TX
Top 47% in state
University H S
High School · WACO ISD
3201 S NEW RD, Waco, TX 76706
Enrollment
1,750
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,750
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Waco
#14 of 46
public schools
Texas high schools
#988 of 1,699
In district
#5 of 23
WACO ISD
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About University H S
University High School serves 1,750 students in grades 9-12 in Waco, Texas, operating as a comprehensive public high school with 113 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1. The school ranks #5,802 out of 8,598 Texas high schools, placing it in the 32nd percentile statewide, with room for academic growth as the school focuses on serving its diverse student population. Located at 3201 S New Road, University High School sits in the heart of McLennan County's educational landscape.
The school serves students from the surrounding 76706 zip code area, where the median household income is $39,317 and median home values average $162,900. This community of over 40,000 residents faces economic challenges, with a poverty rate of 33.1% and 23% of adults holding bachelor's degrees or higher. Despite these socioeconomic factors, the school's substantial enrollment demonstrates its role as a significant educational hub for local families.
The relatively manageable student-teacher ratio suggests opportunities for meaningful student-educator relationships within the school's comprehensive programming. University High School operates within Waco's mid-size city environment, providing students with both urban amenities and a close-knit community atmosphere in central Texas.
Score Breakdown
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University H S — Students at University H S score 35% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
89.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores TX EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from TX state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 8.2/10.
How University H S Compares
See how University H S performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 45% (2019) to 39% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 34% (2019) to 31% (2021).
Location
3201 S NEW RD, Waco, TX 76706
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering University H S may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ROBINSON H S (rated 4.8/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Robinson), a more accessible option. Additionally, HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION - WACO (rated 3.3/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Beverly Hills), a more accessible option. For more schools in Waco, see our Waco schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ALTA VISTA EL Waco | 0.6 mi | 4.1 |
| SOUTH WACO EL Waco | 1.5 mi | 4.6 |
| HARMONY SCHOOL OF INNOVATION - WACO Beverly Hills | 1.7 mi | 3.3 |
| ROBINSON EL Robinson | 1.9 mi | 5.5 |
| ROBINSON PRI Robinson | 2.0 mi | 5.5 |
| BELL'S HILL EL Waco | 2.3 mi | 5.3 |
| CESAR CHAVEZ MIDDLE Waco | 2.7 mi | 6.3 |
| SUMMIT SCHOOL WACO Waco | 2.8 mi | 6.7 |
| ROBINSON J H Robinson | 2.8 mi | 8.8 |
| WACO MONTESSORI SCHOOL Waco | 3.0 mi | 7.4 |
| ROBINSON H S Robinson | 3.0 mi | 4.8 |
| ROBINSON INT Robinson | 3.0 mi | 6.8 |
| VALOR PREPARATORY ACADEMY Waco | 3.1 mi | 6.2 |
| LIVE OAK CLASSICAL SCHOOL Waco | 3.5 mi | 7.3 |
| PROVIDENT HEIGHTS EL Waco | 3.5 mi | 4.8 |
| CRESTVIEW EL Waco | 3.3 mi | 4.9 |
| ST PAULS EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL Waco | 3.7 mi | 6.9 |
| WEST AVENUE EL Waco | 3.8 mi | 6.5 |
| KENDRICK EL Waco | 4.0 mi | 6.4 |
| DEAN HIGHLAND EL Waco | 3.9 mi | 5.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 76706 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$42,277
Median Home Value
$180,600
Median Rent
$1,063/mo
Population
40,668
College Educated
22.6%
Homeownership
38.9%
Avg Commute
17.3 min
Poverty Rate
32.4%
Median Age
23.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding University H S has a median household income of $42,277. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $180,600, with a median rent of $1,063/month. The area has a poverty rate of 32.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 17 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 |
|---|---|
| BURLESON CENTENNIAL H S Burleson, TX | 6.5 |
| BURLESON H S Burleson, TX | 6.5 |
| LOPEZ EARLY COLLEGE H S Brownsville, TX | 6.5 |
| MISSION H S Mission, TX | 6.5 |
| ROWLETT H S Rowlett, TX | 6.5 |
| SMITH H S Carrollton, TX | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University H S
What grades does University H S serve?
University H S serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend University H S?
University H S has an enrollment of approximately 1,750 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at University H S?
The student-teacher ratio at University H S is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does University H S rank in TX?
University H S is ranked #4027 out of 8,547 schools in TX.
What is University H S's MySchoolScout rating?
University H S has a composite rating of 6.5 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 University H S?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, University H S has 42.0% math proficiency and 32.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is University H S a charter school?
No, University H S is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is University H S a Title I school?
No, University H S is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for University H S?
89.2% of students at University H S 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Waco). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,750
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 113
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 89.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- McLennan County
- Phone
- (254) 756-1843
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
WACO ISD- District Enrollment
- 13,517
- Schools in District
- 24
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,294
- District Rank
- #5 of 23
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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