University High School, located in Normal, Illinois, United States, is one of two laboratory schools of the College of Education at Illinois State University designed for research and teacher-training; the other is Thomas Metcalf School, an elementary school.
Serving 624 students in grades 9-12, University High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 624 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
University High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
University High School's student population of 624 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
624 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1857
School Calendar
School Rankings
University High School ranks within the top 5% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#118 out of 3542 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
6%
Hispanic
8%
29%
Black
5%
16%
White
71%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
2%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
2%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
ISU Laboratory Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #118 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are University High School often compared to?
University High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Normal Community High School, Normal Community West High School, Bloomington High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School?
The graduation rate of University High School is 95%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend University High School?
624 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of University High School students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Black.
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 Illinois state average of 13:1.
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 ISU Laboratory Schools.
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