University High School is a public high school located in the city of Waco, Texas, part of Waco Independent School District and classified as a 5A school by the University Interscholastic League. It is one of two public high schools in Waco ISD, the other being Waco High School.
Serving 1,750 students in grades 9-12, University High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 36% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,750 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
University High School's student population of 1,750 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 114 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,750 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
114 teachers
Year Founded
1946
Colors
White, Purple
School Rankings
University High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,188 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6415 out of 8188 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
74%
53%
Black
20%
13%
White
4%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
87%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
85%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Trojan/lady Trojan
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #6415 out of 8,188 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are University High School often compared to?
University High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waco High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% TX state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School?
The graduation rate of University High School is 87%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend University High School?
1,750 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of University High School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of University High School?
University High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does University High School offer ?
University High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is University High School part of?
University High School is part of Waco Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is University High School located?
University High School is located in the Alta Vista neighborhood of Waco, TX. There are 2 other public schools located in Alta Vista.
School Reviews
5 4/10/2012
This School Has poor Education and the teachers are nothing but rude students have no self respect and are disrespectful i am a student at the school and i hate it kids are rude and loud and have NO Home training techers act like they just dont care and i hope the school gets shut down
Review University High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
