Watford City High School is a public high school located in Watford City, North Dakota. Fall enrollment for the 2016–2017 school year was 549 students and is a part of the McKenzie County School District #1. The athletic teams are known as the Wolves.
Serving 566 students in grades 9-12, Watford City High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Dakota for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the North Dakota state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is higher than the North Dakota state level of 10:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 30% (majority American Indian and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 566 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 5% in ND)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Watford City High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Watford City High School's student population of 566 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has grown by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
566 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
Year Founded
1915
School Calendar
School Rankings
Watford City High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 449 schools in North Dakota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watford City High School is 0.55, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#398 out of 449 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
10:1
American Indian
5%
11%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
24%
8%
Black
3%
5%
White
63%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
85%
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
27%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ND Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wolf
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watford City High School's ranking?
Watford City High School is ranked #398 out of 449 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Dakota.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% ND state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% ND state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watford City High School?
The graduation rate of Watford City High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 85%.
How many students attend Watford City High School?
566 students attend Watford City High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Watford City High School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watford City High School?
Watford City High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is higher than the North Dakota state average of 10:1.
What grades does Watford City High School offer ?
Watford City High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watford City High School part of?
Watford City High School is part of Mckenzie Co 1 School District.
School Reviews
Review Watford City 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
