School history

The West Mifflin Area High School first opened its doors on Commonwealth Avenue in 1956. At that time, it was one of the borough's two public high schools, and it is today the West Mifflin Area School District

West Mifflin Area School District

West Mifflin Area School District is a suburban, public school district in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is located in the south hills of Allegheny County. It serves the boroughs of West Mifflin, and Whitaker. West Mifflin Area School District encompasses approximately 15 square miles. ...

's largest and most modern facility. A total renovation to the high school campus was completed in 2001, more than doubling the school's size to over 255000 square feet (23,690.3 m²) and increasing its form and functionality. Some of the amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, countless computer labs, recording studios, one of the largest auditoriums in the area, multiple gymnasiums, an automated Large Group Instruction Room, a greenhouse, as well as an extensive Library Information Center. Currently, through funding from the Classrooms for the Future program, technology has become and abundant resource at the school.

Freshman Academy

The high school was formerly home to a school-within-a-school concept known as the Freshman Academy until the 2011-12 school year. The ninth grade students were taught in an exclusive wing of the complex, where they were guided on career and curriculum choices, school expectations, and given positive reinforcement for academic success. The Academy also had its own principal, strengthening further the community atmosphere of this unique setting.

Academic achievement

In 2010, West Mifflin High School is in Corrective Action I as it failed to meet AYP.
In 2009, West Mifflin Area High School ranked 99th out of 123 high schools in the western Pennsylvania region, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on three years of PSSA

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standardized test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills...

s on: reading, writing, math and one year of science.

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

2009 - 63% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 65% of 11th graders on grade level.

2008 - 53%, State - 65%

2007 - 57%, State - 65%

11th Grade Math:

2009 - 50% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 56% of 11th graders are on grade level.

2008 - 44%, State - 56%

2007 - 45%, State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

2009 - 34% on grade level. State: 40% of 11th graders on grade level.

2008 - 27%, State - 39%

College Remediation Rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 42% of West Mifflin Area School District graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...

 or community colleges. Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pennsylvania Department of Education

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...

, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

The high school offers a Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment

In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....

program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.

Extracurriculars

The high school offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is set by the school board.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.

Alma mater

We salute you alma mater,
hail to you West Mifflin high
with honor, truth, and the strength to be
we pledge eternal loyalty.
To you our alma mater,
and the trust we've learned from thee,
you'll live forever in our hearts and memories