West Harrison High School is a public high school located in Gulfport, Mississippi, United States. Opened in 2008, it includes a reinforced storm shelter with a 2000-person capacity built as part of a $9 million FEMA grant. The principal is Dr. Michael Weaver, with assistant principals Denise Briggs and Erin Cates.
Serving 1,216 students in grades 9-12, West Harrison High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Mississippi for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 92% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Mississippi state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Mississippi state average of 60% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,216 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in MS)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 92% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 81% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Harrison High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Mississippi for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
West Harrison High School's student population of 1,216 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 69 teachers has grown by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,216 students
Total Classroom Teachers
69 teachers
Year Founded
2008
Colors
Green, Orange
School Motto
Strive for Excellence
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
West Harrison High School ranks within the top 1% of all 795 schools in Mississippi (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Harrison High School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6 out of 795 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
92%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
6%
7%
Black
36%
45%
White
54%
40%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
89%
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
67%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MS Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hurricanes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Harrison High School's ranking?
West Harrison High School is ranked #6 out of 795 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Mississippi.
What schools are West Harrison High School often compared to?
West Harrison High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harrison Central High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
92% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% MS state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% MS state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Harrison High School?
The graduation rate of West Harrison High School is 91%, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 89%.
How many students attend West Harrison High School?
1,216 students attend West Harrison High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of West Harrison High School students are White, 36% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Harrison High School?
West Harrison High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Mississippi state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Harrison High School offer ?
West Harrison High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Harrison High School part of?
West Harrison High School is part of Harrison County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
West Harrison is a great school that has caring and dedicated teachers and administrators. Created to ease the over-population of Harrison Central High School, West Harrison has grown into a level A school--the only high school in the district to garner such an honor--in just five short years of existence. I'm so proud to be a part of such a wonderful school environment.
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