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Needs Improvement

#2181 of 2,225 schools in WA

University High School

High School · Central Valley School District

12420 E 32nd Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Enrollment

1,395

Student-Teacher

20.5:1

Score

3.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Spokane Valley

#29 of 30

public schools

Washington high schools

#468 of 476

In district

#29 of 30

Central Valley School District

About University High School

University High School serves 1,395 students in grades 9-12 in Spokane Valley, Washington. With 68 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.5:1, providing a manageable learning environment for its sizable student body. The school demonstrates solid academic performance, earning a 7.0 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #438 out of 2,261 schools statewide, placing it in the 81st percentile among Washington high schools.

Students show strong literacy skills, with 73% achieving proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and reading assessments. The school's academic score of 8.6 out of 10 reflects its commitment to educational excellence. University High School draws students from the 99216 zip code area, where the median household income is $62,244 and median home values reach $301,100.

The surrounding community of 27,302 residents includes 22% with bachelor's degrees or higher, with a poverty rate of 12.1%. This working-class neighborhood provides a stable foundation for the school's diverse student population. Located on East 32nd Avenue in Spokane Valley, University High School operates as a regular public school in this mid-size city setting, serving families throughout the greater Spokane Valley area.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at 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 Progress2.6Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-4.47 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.8%
Reading/ELA Proficiency23.1%
Math vs. State Avg-0.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-38.1 pts
Overall Proficiency27%
Expected (poverty-adj.)46%
vs. Expected-19.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness3.9Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,379

University High School — Students at University High School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

48%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 36.4%
School
State
35.8%
ELA Proficiency 64.0%
School
State
55.9%

Based on 9 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
43%
ELA
85%
2022
ELA
73%
2024
Math
33.1%
ELA
49%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.6/10.

How University High School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.3/10
2th percentile in WA
Academic
3.2/10
3.2/10
Growth
2.6/10
Below average
Environment
3.5/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
68 teachers

Location

12420 E 32nd Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering University High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Stem Academy at SVT (rated 5.4/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dishman Hills High School (rated 5.2/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Spokane), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Spokane Valley, see our Spokane Valley schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Chester Elementary School Spokane Valley 0.2 mi 8.7
Horizon Middle School Spokane Valley 0.4 mi 7.0
South Pines Elementary Spokane Valley 0.7 mi 7.8
McDonald Elementary School Spokane Valley 1.2 mi 7.2
Bowdish Middle School Spokane Valley 1.0 mi 4.6
Opportunity Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 6.7
REDEEMER LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Spokane Vly 1.3 mi
University Elementary School Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 7.9
Evergreen Middle School Spokane Valley 1.6 mi 4.6
Sunrise Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 8.4
Ponderosa Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 8.2
VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spokane Valley 2.0 mi 4.6
Spokane Valley Tech Skills Center Spokane Valley 2.3 mi
Stem Academy at SVT Spokane Valley 2.3 mi 5.4
Dishman Hills High School Spokane 2.3 mi 5.2
North Pines Middle School Spokane Valley 2.6 mi 4.4
Adams Elementary Spokane Valley 2.2 mi 8.1
ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Spokane Valley 2.3 mi 6.6
Summit School Spokane Valley 2.7 mi 8.0
Broadway Elementary Spokane Valley 2.7 mi 8.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 99216 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,958

Median Home Value

$336,700

Median Rent

$1,307/mo

Population

28,056

College Educated

21.8%

Homeownership

45.6%

Avg Commute

20.7 min

Poverty Rate

12%

Median Age

35.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding University High School has a median household income of $69,958. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $336,700, with a median rent of $1,307/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.0%. The average commute for residents is 21 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
Hudson's Bay High School Vancouver, WA 3.3
Selah High School Selah, WA 3.2
Bremerton High School Bremerton, WA 3.5
Lindbergh Senior High School Renton, WA 3.5
Shadle Park High School Spokane, WA 3.5
Mountlake Terrace High School Mtlk Terrace, WA 3.6

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 1,395 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at 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 University High School rank in WA?

University High School is ranked #2181 out of 2,225 schools in WA.

What is University High School's MySchoolScout rating?

University High School has a composite rating of 3.3 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 36.4% math proficiency and 64.0% 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.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for University High School?

48.0% of students at University 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
24 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
25 Some Transit
Bike Score
55 Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,770/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,395
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
68
Free/Reduced Lunch
48.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Spokane County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Central Valley School District
District Enrollment
14,721
Schools in District
32
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,783
District Rank
#29 of 30

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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