Westmont High School Ranks Among Illinois' Top High Schools, Excelling In Student Growth

News release comes from Westmont High School:

WESTMONT, IL – Westmont High School continues to demonstrate that exceptional student achievement is not defined by school size or community wealth. According to the recently released Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Report Card, WHS ranks among the highest-performing high schools in Illinois and DuPage County across multiple measures of student learning, growth, attendance, and graduation.

The recognition comes during an outstanding year for Westmont High School. Chicago Magazine recently ranked WHS #1 among high schools in DuPage County, while U.S. News & World Report ranked the school #26 in Illinois. WHS also ranked #8 in Illinois on the 5Essentials Survey and became one of only three traditional public high schools in Illinois to receive Platinum recognition on the College Board AP School Honor Roll.

The latest state report card provides additional evidence of the school's continued success.

Exceptional Results Across Illinois

Among nearly 700 high schools included in the Illinois Report Card, Westmont High School ranks in the top percentiles statewide across nearly every available academic and student-success measure, including schools with selective enrollment.

These results are particularly noteworthy given the school's size and student population. Westmont High School serves fewer than 400 students, with 34% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals. Despite being surrounded by larger, more affluent high schools, WHS continues to compete among the state's highest-performing schools.

WHS achieved the following statewide rankings:

• 98th percentile in consistent student attendance
• 96th percentile in mathematics proficiency
• 97th percentile in mathematics growth
• 93rd percentile in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency
• 93rd percentile in ELA growth
• 99th percentile in ELA Grade 11 ACT growth
• 97th percentile in science proficiency
• 96th percentile in English Language Proficiency (ELP)

Leading DuPage County in Attendance and Graduation

DuPage County is home to 23 high schools, including several large and highly regarded institutions. Within the county, Westmont High School stands out for its academic performance and commitment to student success.g

According to the Illinois Report Card, WHS ranks:

• #1 in DuPage County in graduation rate, with 96.6% of students graduating
• #1 in DuPage County in consistent attendance, with 93.23% of students attending consistently
• #4 in mathematics ACT Suite proficiency
• #1 in Grade 11 ACT growth
• #8 in ELA ACT Suite proficiency
• #2 in science ACT Suite proficiency
• #1 in mathematics ACT growth
• #6 in ELA ACT Suite growth
• #3 in English Language Proficiency

These results reflect a schoolwide commitment to ensuring that students are not only meeting academic expectations but also making meaningful progress in their learning.

Excellence Despite Significant Student Needs

Cultivating Excellence Through an Asset-Based Lens

Westmont High School is one of 15 high schools in DuPage County to earn the state's Exemplary designation. The recognition is especially significant given that WHS has the seventh-highest percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals among the county's 23 high schools.

The school's combination of academic proficiency, student growth, consistent attendance, and graduation success demonstrates the impact of a focused instructional environment and a strong commitment to supporting every student.

While many of the highest-ranked schools in Illinois benefit from selective enrollment, Westmont High School serves its community's students through an open-enrollment public high school model.

The school's continued success reflects the collective efforts of its students, teachers, support staff, administrators, families, and community.

Westmont High School's recent state and national recognitions reinforce a clear message: a smaller school can deliver an exceptional educational experience, and students can achieve at the highest levels when a school community is committed to learning, growth, and opportunity for all.