West Mecklenburg High School, colloquially known as West Meck, is a high school located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and was opened in 1951. The sports teams are known as the Hawks.
Serving 1,287 students in grades 9-12, West Mecklenburg High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,287 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 71% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Mecklenburg High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
West Mecklenburg High School's student population of 1,287 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,287 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Year Founded
1951
School Rankings
West Mecklenburg High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Mecklenburg High School is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1669 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)50-54%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
4%
Hispanic
38%
21%
Black
51%
25%
White
3%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)71%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Hawks
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Mecklenburg High School's ranking?
West Mecklenburg High School is ranked #1669 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are West Mecklenburg High School often compared to?
West Mecklenburg High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harding University High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Mecklenburg High School?
The graduation rate of West Mecklenburg High School is 71%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend West Mecklenburg High School?
1,287 students attend West Mecklenburg High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of West Mecklenburg High School students are Black, 38% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of West Mecklenburg High School?
West Mecklenburg High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Mecklenburg High School offer ?
West Mecklenburg High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Mecklenburg High School part of?
West Mecklenburg High School is part of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is West Mecklenburg High School located?
West Mecklenburg High School is located in the Pawtuckett neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. There are 4 other public schools located in Pawtuckett.
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