Watkins Memorial High School is a public high school located in Etna Township, southeast of Pataskala, Ohio, United States. It is the only high school in the Southwest Licking Local School District, which was formed in 1950 by the merger of the Etna Township, Kirkersville, and Pataskala one room K-12 buildings.
Serving 1,423 students in grades 9-12, Watkins Memorial High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is higher than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is lower than the Ohio state average of 34% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,423 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 72% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Overview
Watkins Memorial High School's student population of 1,423 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,423 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Warrior Way: Educating students to become responsible citizens who lead successful and fulfilling lives in a safe environment.
School Rankings
Watkins Memorial High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watkins Memorial High School is 0.37, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1657 out of 3181 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
60%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
72%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
7%
3%
Hispanic
4%
8%
Black
5%
17%
White
79%
66%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Watkins Memorial High School's ranking?
Watkins Memorial High School is ranked #1657 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What schools are Watkins Memorial High School often compared to?
Watkins Memorial High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hilliard Davidson High School, Hilliard Darby High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Watkins Memorial High School?
The graduation rate of Watkins Memorial High School is 91%, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 86%.
How many students attend Watkins Memorial High School?
1,423 students attend Watkins Memorial High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Watkins Memorial High School students are White, 7% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Watkins Memorial High School?
Watkins Memorial High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Watkins Memorial High School offer ?
Watkins Memorial High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Watkins Memorial High School part of?
Watkins Memorial High School is part of Southwest Licking Local School District.
School Reviews
5 11/24/2017
Our son attended all four years and graduated from Watkins High School with honors. Our experience was nothing but the best from freshman year to senior. Pataskala is an amazing community and it carries over into the school with the teachers who live in this community and even those who don't. Although a new school is a very high expense for the tax payers, it is a necessary one! We have to put our money back into our community i.e. roads, buildings and schools if we want to keep the community dynamics they way they are now!
5 8/10/2013
do not build a new high school, simply add another building on the high school property and save the tax payers millions of dollars. Please start spending money like it was your own . I would recommend this school if it does not build a whole new high school.
5 1/31/2011
Very good academic program. For a small-town school there is a wide variety of courses, to include AP and college credit courses for seniors. Limited sports program - only the major sports (Basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track, women's volleyball, tennis, golf). Decent band programs.
Parent involvement is encouraged. Facilities are adequate, but nothing fancy.
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