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Average

#1579 of 2,228 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

5.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,579 of 2,228

In Spokane Valley

#22 of 32

public schools

In district

#21 of 30

Central Valley School District

Academic performance

8.4 / 10

Excellent

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University High School

5.3/10

High School in Spokane Valley · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chester Elementary School

7.5/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Horizon Middle School

6.6/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About University High School

University High School is a public high school in Spokane Valley, WA, part of Central Valley School District. University High School serves approximately 1,395 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.5:1 student-teacher ratio. University High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,579 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for University High School show 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

University High School runs 20.5:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

43% of students at University High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.7Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.71 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.4Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.3% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency74.9% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg+3.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.7 pts
Overall Proficiency55% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected+8.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile76th
College Readiness3.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,783
Chronic Absenteeism43.2%

University High School — Students at University High School score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

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 55.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 82.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
49%
ELA
80%
2010
Math
74%
ELA
84%
2011
Math
83%
ELA
90%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
83%
ELA
86%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
54%
ELA
98%
2016
Math
54%
ELA
92%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
43%
ELA
85%
2019
Math
43%
ELA
85%
2022
ELA
73%
2024
Math
35.3%
ELA
74.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.7/10.

How University High School Compares

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

Overall Score
5.3/10
29th percentile in WA
Academic
8.4/10
Excellent
Growth
5.7/10
Average
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.8
Sports
20
9 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
68 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
43.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
16.5% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
9 boys'·11 girls'·44 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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 5.6/10, 2.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Dishman Hills High School (rated 4.3/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Spokane), with a comparable rating. 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 7.5
Horizon Middle School Spokane Valley 0.4 mi 6.6
South Pines Elementary Spokane Valley 0.7 mi 7.8
McDonald Elementary School Spokane Valley 1.2 mi 8.4
Bowdish Middle School Spokane Valley 1.0 mi 4.7
Opportunity Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 5.0
REDEEMER LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Spokane Vly 1.3 mi
University Elementary School Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 7.0
Evergreen Middle School Spokane Valley 1.6 mi 6.1
Sunrise Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 8.9
Ponderosa Elementary Spokane Valley 1.5 mi 7.7
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 5.6
Dishman Hills High School Spokane 2.3 mi 4.3
North Pines Middle School Spokane Valley 2.6 mi 4.6
Adams Elementary Spokane Valley 2.2 mi 7.0
ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Spokane Valley 2.3 mi 6.6
Summit School Spokane Valley 2.7 mi 8.2
Broadway Elementary Spokane Valley 2.7 mi 6.6

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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Auburn Mountainview High School Auburn, WA 5.3
Evergreen High School Seattle, WA 5.3
J M Weatherwax High School Aberdeen, WA 5.3
North Thurston High School Lacey, WA 5.3
River Ridge High School Lacey, WA 5.3
Skyview High School Vancouver, WA 5.3

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 ranks #1,579 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is University High School's MySchoolScout rating?

University High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at University High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, University High School has 55% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
43.2%

District

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

How we rate schools

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