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
Enrollment
1,395
Student-Teacher
20.5:1
Score
3.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
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 metricsView breakdown
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University High School — Students at University High School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 9 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 43% (2019) to 30.8% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 85% (2019) to 23.1% (2024).
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.
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (509) 558-6040
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Central Valley School District- District Enrollment
- 14,721
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,783
- District Rank
- #29 of 30
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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