Our Mission

Hallmarks of Excellence

• West High teachers average 16 years of experience.

• More than 70 percent of West High faculty hold advanced degrees.

• West High annually is among the leaders in Iowa in National Merit Scholars.

• Ninety percent of students completing AP exams earn college credit

• Jazz Band was runner-up in the Iowa State Jazz Band Championship.

• Math Club has won Iowa State Math Championship.

• Iowa State Athletic Championships have been won by many athletic teams.

• West High annually achieves large numbers of All-State Musicians in Choir, Orchestra, and Band.

• Graduation rate is over 98 percent.

• Average daily student attendance rate is over 96 percent.

• Overall 65 percent of seniors completed the ACT scoring at an average of over 24.3; the Iowa state ACT average is 21.0.

• Speech and Debate team has placed first or second in the Iowa State Forensics Tournament for the past eight years.

Facility

West High opened its doors in 1968 with a total enrollment of 543 students in grades 10 through 12.  In 1983, the 9th graders were added to the high school setting.  Following a pattern of steady growth in student enrollment, there are currently 1800 students attending West High.  Since 1968 there have been three separate building projects to add classroom space at West High.  Our current campus includes 95 classrooms, an 850 seat auditorium, a 2500 seat gymnasium along with a practice gym, a 250 seat little theater, and an expanded and remodeled library.  The Athletic facilities also include lighted baseball and softball fields, a track and football athletic complex, and practice football and soccer fields. Our swimming and soccer facilities are located near Northwest Junior High School.  West High is very wired for technology.  Students and staff have access to technology in every classroom, numerous labs, and the library; most of the building is zoned for wireless connectivity.  Technology is integrated throughout the academic program.  The official student capacity for our campus is 1800 students.  A new music addition was added in the 2007-2008 school year. 

Faculty and Staff

The West High Faculty includes 125 teachers and administrators.   Another 70 classified staff work at West in support of our educational program.  The West faculty members have an average of 16 years of teaching experience, and 72 percent hold advanced degrees in their respective teaching areas.  One of the key trademarks of our high school is exemplary teaching.  This element of our school only happens through the recruitment and hiring of very talented teachers. This asset of our high school helps ensure students receive the highest quality learning experiences through their high school years at West.

Schedule

School begins at 8:05am and concludes at 3:15pm.  The school day includes 7 periods, each 54 minutes in length.  Each Thursday class schedule is reduced to 40 minute classes to allow for a weekly advisory period and a 2:20 p.m. dismissal.  The early dismissal provides staff meeting time on Thursdays after school.  The yearly academic calendar is comprised of three 12 week trimesters with students receiving a final course credit grade each trimester.  All 9th and 10th grade students are required to remain on campus through the regular school day.  With parent approval our upper class students may have open campus privileges allowing them to locate in certain areas of the building such as the cafeteria or library, or leave campus during non-class time.

The West High Community

Helping students realize their full potential and preparing them to be successful in their endeavors following high school are priorities included within West High's mission. The West High community, concerned with teaching the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a changing world, views education as a process requiring basic skills, commitment, and hard work. The school community, comprised of people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, provides many opportunities for enrichment and growth. Open discussion and respect for individual differences are key values prioritized at West High. Parent input and  participation are essential in supporting a quality educational program at West High. Our PSTO meets monthly and provides support for our students and staff.

Students and Curriculum

West High's Program of Studies includes course offerings with appropriate challenges for all students. The commitment at West High to serve all students is evident through diverse offerings like English as a second language, adaptive physical education, classes for students with mild and moderate disabilities, and honor classes. Fourteen advanced placement courses are available for students in the math, social studies, English, and science departments. Annually, approximately one-third of the seniors earn college credit through the AP testing program. Eligible seniors are also permitted advanced enrollment in college credit courses at the University of Iowa or vocational programs at Kirkwood Community College.    

The very talented and diverse West High student body is culturally enriched with students attending from more than twenty foreign countries. Academically, each year West High ranks among the top of all Iowa high schools in the number of seniors designated as National Merit Scholars. Regularly, West High students are recognized in the community as gifted athletes, artists, debaters, musicians, thespians, and writers. Annually, over 80 percent of the seniors pursue a formal educational program beyond their high school graduation.