Serving 3,497 students in grades 9-12, J Sterling Morton West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 16% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 3,497 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
J Sterling Morton West High School's student population of 3,497 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 217 teachers has grown by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
3,497 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
217 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
J Sterling Morton West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of J Sterling Morton West High School is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2575 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)11%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
86%
28%
Black
6%
16%
White
6%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is J Sterling Morton West High School's ranking?
J Sterling Morton West High School is ranked #2575 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are J Sterling Morton West High School often compared to?
J Sterling Morton West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like J Sterling Morton East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 16% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of J Sterling Morton West High School?
The graduation rate of J Sterling Morton West High School is 86%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend J Sterling Morton West High School?
3,497 students attend J Sterling Morton West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of J Sterling Morton West High School students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 6% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of J Sterling Morton West High School?
J Sterling Morton West High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does J Sterling Morton West High School offer ?
J Sterling Morton West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is J Sterling Morton West High School part of?
J Sterling Morton West High School is part of J S Morton HSD 201 School District.
School Reviews
5 2/28/2022
actual student here, I'm very shocked to see all these reviews being negative about this school. personally, I have had no issue at ALL whatsoever being here. the conditions are fine, the students here and staff provide a welcoming environment. of course, there may be some issues with SOME students, but that does not mean the whole school is problematic. I've met countless people who are incredibly gentle and kind. please do not believe everything you see on the internet. alongside that, this school has CHANGED. So, please understand the reviews that are negative are probably really old and outdated. this review I'm currently writing is more recent and up to date.
5 2/28/2022
the teachers here r professionals, the staff, in general, are good people, they help students focus on their work, and personally, I think I've gained a lot from this district/school in general.
2 6/9/2015
Stay far away from this school. The culture is to strive for mediocrity at best. In 3 years I don't think there has been any solid communication to parents about anything and the skyward website for grades is a joke. My child's counselor is wonderful, but only so much can be done when teachers are simply collecting a paycheck and not teaching.
2 9/23/2006
Parents get informed! I tried to get more help for my struggling Morton teens and it was frustrating. Individual teachers helped a lot, but administrators are unorganized and have no follow through. I am a parent that cares! I turned to the IL Board of Education web site and found: This school failed Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) for 3 years in a row. Why is it not in鈥淔ederal Improvement Status鈥 under No Child Left Behind Act. Without this Improvement Status there is no free tutoring from approved outside sources, and no choice of other schools meeting AYP outside the district, or records of good faith efforts with other school districts to accept students. A reply from www.isbe.state.il.us 鈥︹ To be in Federal improvement status a school must be a Title I school for three consecutive years. In 2005-06 East High School was not Title I. In 2004-05 West High School was not Title I. Therefore, neither school is in Federal improvement status." If you also have trouble with Morton administrators contact Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education at this contact page: www.ed.gov/about/contacts/gen/index.html?src=gu
Be informed and get help for your students read these web sites:
www.susanohanian.org/show_nclb_news.html?id=208
www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=19160
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