Niles West High School, officially Niles Township High School West, is a public four-year high school located in Skokie, Illinois, a north suburb of Chicago, in the United States. NWHS is part of the Niles Township Community High School District 219, which also includes Niles North High School.
Serving 2,646 students in grades 9-12, Niles West High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,646 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 20% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Niles West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Niles West High School's student population of 2,646 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 197 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,646 students
Total Classroom Teachers
197 teachers
Year Founded
1958
Colors
White, Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
Niles West High School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Niles West High School is 0.72, which is more 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
#953 out of 3542 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
33%
6%
Hispanic
17%
29%
Black
7%
16%
White
37%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
92%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
21%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Niles West High School's ranking?
Niles West High School is ranked #953 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Niles West High School often compared to?
Niles West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Niles North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Niles West High School?
The graduation rate of Niles West High School is 92%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Niles West High School?
2,646 students attend Niles West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Niles West High School students are White, 33% of students are Asian, 17% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Niles West High School?
Niles West High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Niles West High School offer ?
Niles West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Niles West High School part of?
Niles West High School is part of Niles TWP HSD 219 School District.
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