University High School

Summary:

University High School is a public high school located in Spokane Valley, Washington, serving 1,445 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Central Valley School District, which is ranked 71 out of 247 school districts in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

University High School stands out for its strong academic performance, with students consistently scoring above the state and district averages on standardized tests, particularly in English Language Arts. The school maintains a high four-year graduation rate, ranging from 86.5% to 88.9% over the past few years, which is higher than the state and district averages. However, the school's racial makeup is significantly different from the state, with a much higher percentage of white students (84.5%) and lower percentages of minority students. This racial disparity is reflected in the school's performance rankings, where Hispanic students at University High School rank highly (top 23 out of 248 high schools in the state), while the school's ranking for white students is much lower (193 out of 374 high schools).

When compared to other high schools in the Central Valley School District, University High School generally outperforms its peers, such as Central Valley High School and Mica Peak High School, in academic metrics like test scores and graduation rates. However, the nearby STEM Academy at SVT, which is also part of the Central Valley School District, performs exceptionally well, ranking among the top 22 high schools in the state. Despite its overall strong performance, University High School's ranking and SchoolDigger ratings have declined over the years, from a high of 5 stars in 2015-2016 to 3 stars in the most recent school year, suggesting that the school may be facing some challenges in maintaining its academic excellence.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 12420 E 32nd Ave
       Spokane Valley, WA  99216-0140


(509) 558-6040

District: Central Valley School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
164th of 437 Washington High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,028 Help


Feeder schools for University High School:

Elementary:    Chester Elementary School
    McDonald Elementary School
    Opportunity Elementary
    Ponderosa Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Bowdish Middle School
    Horizon Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.0 Help
Number of students:  1,445

Racial breakdown:

White:
84.5%
Two or more races:
5.3%
African American:
3.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  45.7% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details University High School ranks better than 62.5% of high schools in Washington. It also ranks 4th among 5 ranked high schools in the Central Valley School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 58.01. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at University High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details University High School has the largest high school student body size in the Central Valley School District. Racial makeup is: White (84.5%), two or more races (5.3%), African American (3.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 45.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at University High School is 18, which is the 3rd best among 5 high schools in the Central Valley School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare University High School employs 80.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at University High School is $16,028, which is the 3rd highest among 5 high schools in the Central Valley School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

University High School:

SchoolDigger ranks University High School 164th of 437 Washington public high schools. (See University High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Central Valley School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Central Valley School District 71st of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for University High School

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Rank History for all students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 76.82 79th 390 79.7%
2005 84.08 39th 394 90.1%
2006 71.54 100th 395 74.7%
2007 63.72 155th 399 61.2%
2008 61.21 166th 396 58.1%
2009 59.66 188th 402 53.2%
2010 65.44 157th 423 62.9%
2011 67.39 89th 440 79.8%
2012 73.99 51st 450 88.7%
2013 68.17 112th 454 75.3%
2015 45.60 185th 341 45.7%
2016 84.75 31st 306 89.9%
2017 80.69 44th 301 85.4%
2018 51.16 180th 315 42.9%
2019 69.32 110th 417 73.6%
2021 34.54 296th 455 34.9%
2022 56.60 177th 434 59.2%
2023 58.84 168th 442 62.0%
2024 58.01 164th 437 62.5%
See the entire list of Washington High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.13 52nd 91 42.9%
2019 64.70 46th 163 71.8%
2021 8.99 187th 195 4.1%
2022 18.60 157th 179 12.3%
2023 22.99 136th 166 18.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.42 126th 139 9.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.12 148th 227 34.8%
2019 71.71 71st 344 79.4%
2021 63.95 100th 392 74.5%
2022 51.59 165th 370 55.4%
2023 47.53 190th 362 47.5%
2024 54.13 149th 356 58.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.47 136th 243 44.0%
2019 70.34 96th 358 73.2%
2021 30.63 277th 390 29.0%
2022 49.62 177th 368 51.9%
2023 56.59 151st 357 57.7%
2024 49.52 170th 347 51.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.88 161st 254 36.6%
2019 66.45 108th 355 69.6%
2021 36.73 258th 395 34.7%
2022 58.37 147th 363 59.5%
2023 55.31 150th 358 58.1%
2024 59.79 132nd 362 63.5%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 56.14 43rd 111 61.3%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 68.86 59th 278 78.8%
2022 59.92 82nd 261 68.6%
2023 60.12 80th 249 67.9%
2024 87.54 23rd 248 90.7%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at University High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.38 168th 222 24.3%
2019 59.69 142nd 382 62.8%
2021 25.14 330th 413 20.1%
2022 50.07 195th 390 50.0%
2023 48.31 200th 379 47.2%
2024 47.64 193rd 374 48.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

University High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for University High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1064 9 18 12 18 n/a n/a 0 1121
1989 957 10 21 9 16 n/a n/a 0 1013
1990 985 7 17 7 16 n/a n/a 0 1032
1991 984 8 37 10 22 n/a n/a 0 1061
1992 983 12 19 14 22 n/a n/a 0 1050
1993 1016 10 24 12 12 n/a n/a 0 1074
1994 939 10 16 13 13 n/a n/a 0 991
1995 982 11 24 22 18 n/a n/a 0 1057
1996 982 11 24 22 18 n/a n/a 0 1057
1997 1021 8 29 20 15 n/a n/a 0 1093
1998 1138 12 36 19 29 n/a n/a 0 1234
1999 1018 11 21 15 14 n/a n/a 0 1079
2000 992 10 25 19 20 n/a n/a 0 1066
2001 1022 12 29 21 19 n/a n/a 0 1103
2002 1596 26 34 42 33 n/a n/a 0 1731
2003 1596 26 34 42 33 n/a n/a 0 1731
2004 1646 24 43 41 34 n/a n/a 0 1788
2005 1688 32 45 40 39 n/a n/a 0 1844
2006 1683 36 30 49 37 n/a n/a 0 1835
2007 1682 34 28 44 28 n/a n/a 0 1816
2008 1626 32 27 56 24 n/a n/a 44 1809
2009 1544 27 25 60 19 n/a n/a 57 1732
2010 1484 32 32 54 17 n/a n/a 60 1679
2011 1442 21 18 103 13 1 83 0 1681
2012 1420 27 17 103 20 5 105 0 1697
2013 1433 23 12 91 18 7 113 0 1697
2014 1456 28 9 97 14 9 120 0 1733
2015 1554 28 9 94 15 10 113 0 1823
2016 1516 34 14 106 22 9 106 0 1807
2017 1480 36 20 122 20 13 97 0 1788
2018 1501 41 18 107 29 14 107 0 1817
2019 1504 41 25 18 27 13 118 1 1747
2020 1430 38 23 23 21 13 111 0 1659
2021 1395 40 20 35 19 11 100 1 1621
2022 1309 48 20 48 20 9 88 1 1543
2023 1221 48 21 47 12 14 77 5 1445

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at University High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1121 51.0 21.9 0
1989 1013 47.0 21.5 n/a
1990 1032 47.1 21.9 0
1991 1061 47.8 22.1 n/a
1992 1050 47.2 22.2 n/a
1993 1074 49.0 21.9 n/a
1994 991 45.0 22.0 n/a
1995 1057 47.9 22.1 n/a
1996 1057 47.9 22.1 n/a
1997 1093 44.8 24.4 n/a
1998 1234 51.2 24.1 n/a
1999 1079 48.8 22.1 n/a
2000 1066 50.8 21.0 n/a
2001 1103 52.0 21.2 n/a
2002 1731 80.1 21.6 23.1
2003 1731 80.1 21.6 23.1
2004 1788 85.0 21.0 24.2
2005 1844 85.1 21.7 24.1
2006 1835 88.6 20.7 25.2
2007 1816 92.3 19.7 32.8
2008 1809 89.7 20.2 29
2009 1732 89.7 19.3 33.7
2010 1679 81.9 20.5 30.5
2011 1681 79.2 21.2 39.4
2012 1697 76.9 22.0 44.3
2013 1697 80.1 21.1 30.5
2014 1733 n/a n/a 40.9
2015 1823 85.0 21.4 43.4
2016 1807 86.0 21.0 35.7
2017 1788 87.8 20.3 38
2018 1817 87.1 20.8 38.7
2019 1747 88.2 19.8 6.7
2020 1659 83.2 19.9 36.5
2021 1621 82.2 19.7 30.4
2022 1543 81.1 19.0 39.4
2023 1445 80.1 18.0 45.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio University High School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1121 51.0 21.9 0
1989 1013 47.0 21.5 n/a
1990 1032 47.1 21.9 0
1991 1061 47.8 22.1 n/a
1992 1050 47.2 22.2 n/a
1993 1074 49.0 21.9 n/a
1994 991 45.0 22.0 n/a
1995 1057 47.9 22.1 n/a
1996 1057 47.9 22.1 n/a
1997 1093 44.8 24.4 n/a
1998 1234 51.2 24.1 n/a
1999 1079 48.8 22.1 n/a
2000 1066 50.8 21.0 n/a
2001 1103 52.0 21.2 n/a
2002 1731 80.1 21.6 23.1
2003 1731 80.1 21.6 23.1
2004 1788 85.0 21.0 24.2
2005 1844 85.1 21.7 24.1
2006 1835 88.6 20.7 25.2
2007 1816 92.3 19.7 32.8
2008 1809 89.7 20.2 29
2009 1732 89.7 19.3 33.7
2010 1679 81.9 20.5 30.5
2011 1681 79.2 21.2 39.4
2012 1697 76.9 22.0 44.3
2013 1697 80.1 21.1 30.5
2014 1733 n/a n/a 40.9
2015 1823 85.0 21.4 43.4
2016 1807 86.0 21.0 35.7
2017 1788 87.8 20.3 38
2018 1817 87.1 20.8 38.7
2019 1747 88.2 19.8 6.7
2020 1659 83.2 19.9 36.5
2021 1621 82.2 19.7 30.4
2022 1543 81.1 19.0 39.4
2023 1445 80.1 18.0 45.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for University High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $462 (3.2%) $14,139 (96.8%) $14,602
2020 $356 (3.2%) $10,868 (96.8%) $11,224
2021 $580 (4.0%) $13,746 (95.9%) $14,327
2022 $934 (5.8%) $15,094 (94.2%) $16,028

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on University High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 110th of 417 High schoolsRanks 168th of 442 High schools
 11.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade English Language Arts (University High School)86.769.6
 17.1%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Central Valley School District)8571.1
 13.8%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)72.865.9
 6.9%
10th Grade Math (University High School)43.134.1
 9.1%
   10th Grade Math (Central Valley School District)50.736.2
 14.5%
   10th Grade Math (Washington)42.433.3
 9.1%
11th Grade Science (University High School)56.550.7
 5.8%
   11th Grade Science (Central Valley School District)5558.5
 3.5%
   11th Grade Science (Washington)5050.5
 0.5%
All Grades English Language Arts (University High School)86.769.6
 17.1%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Central Valley School District)66.156.4
 9.7%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (University High School)43.134.1
 9.1%
   All Grades Math (Central Valley School District)54.845.3
 9.5%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (University High School)56.550.7
 5.8%
   All Grades Science (Central Valley School District)58.555.1
 3.5%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students17471445
 17.3%
African American4148
 17.1%
American Indian2712
 55.6%
Asian2521
 16%
Hispanic1847
 161.1%
Pacific Islander1314
 7.7%
White15041221
 18.8%
Two or More Races11877
 34.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients6.7%45.7%
 39%


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Frequently Asked Questions about University High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,445 students attended University High School.

University High School ranks 164th of 437 Washington high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at University High School are 84% White, 5% Two or more races, 3% African American, 3% Hispanic, 1% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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