The 20 Worst High Schools in America: Underperforming Institutions Revealed
The quality of education in America’s high schools varies widely across the country. While many schools provide excellent learning environments, others struggle with various challenges that can negatively impact student outcomes.
These underperforming institutions often face issues such as limited resources, low graduation rates, and poor academic achievement.
Identifying the worst-performing high schools in the United States sheds light on areas where educational improvements are urgently needed.
This list examines 20 schools that have consistently ranked at the bottom in terms of standardized test scores, college readiness, and other key metrics.
Understanding the factors contributing to their poor performance can help educators, policymakers, and communities work towards meaningful reforms to enhance educational opportunities for all students.
1. East St. Louis Senior High School, Illinois
East St. Louis Senior High School faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. Located in one of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Illinois, the school struggles with limited resources and low academic performance.
The school’s graduation rate hovers well below the state average. Many students enter high school unprepared, with reading and math skills far behind grade level expectations.
Teacher turnover is high, making it difficult to maintain consistent instructional quality. The school building itself is in need of repairs and updates, creating an environment that can hinder learning.
Despite these obstacles, dedicated staff members work to support students and improve outcomes. The school has implemented some intervention programs aimed at raising academic achievement and increasing graduation rates.
2. Ballou High School, Washington D.C.
Ballou High School in Washington D.C. faces significant challenges. Located in a low-income area of Southeast D.C., the school struggles with poor academic performance and low graduation rates.
Test scores at Ballou consistently fall below district and national averages. In recent years, math and reading proficiency rates have remained in the single digits.
The school has been plagued by chronic absenteeism. Many students miss large portions of the academic year, hindering their educational progress.
Ballou has also dealt with safety concerns. Incidents of violence and disciplinary issues have been reported, creating an unstable learning environment for students and staff.
Despite efforts to improve, Ballou continues to grapple with these issues. The school’s struggles reflect broader systemic challenges in urban education and highlight the need for targeted interventions and support.
3. Jefferson High School, California
Jefferson High School in California faces significant challenges. Located in a low-income area, the school struggles with limited resources and funding.
Academic performance at Jefferson High is concerning. Test scores consistently fall below state averages, with many students failing to meet basic proficiency standards in core subjects.
The school grapples with high dropout rates and low graduation rates. Many students leave before completing their education, impacting their future prospects.
Discipline issues and safety concerns plague Jefferson High. Incidents of violence and drug use have been reported on campus, creating an unstable learning environment.
Teacher turnover is another problem at the school. Experienced educators often leave for better opportunities, leading to a lack of continuity in instruction.
4. Westinghouse High School, Pennsylvania
Westinghouse High School is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has faced significant challenges in recent years, with low academic performance and graduation rates.
Test scores at Westinghouse High School fall well below state averages. Many students struggle to meet basic proficiency standards in core subjects like math and reading.
The school has experienced high teacher turnover, which has impacted the continuity of education for students. This instability has made it difficult to implement long-term improvement strategies.
Westinghouse High School has also grappled with disciplinary issues and a high suspension rate. These factors have contributed to a challenging learning environment for students.
Despite these difficulties, efforts are being made to improve the school’s performance. Initiatives have been launched to enhance academic support and provide additional resources for students.
5. John McDonogh High School, Louisiana
John McDonogh High School in New Orleans, Louisiana has faced significant challenges over the years. The school has struggled with low academic performance and high dropout rates.
Safety concerns have also plagued the institution. In 2003, a student was shot and killed in the school gymnasium, highlighting security issues.
Efforts to improve the school have been made. In 2012, it became part of a charter school network aimed at turning around low-performing schools.
Despite these attempts, John McDonogh High School has continued to face difficulties. Enrollment numbers have declined, and academic results remain below state averages.
The school’s facilities have also been a point of concern. Many classrooms and common areas were in need of repairs and updates.
6. Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School, Indiana
Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School in Indianapolis, Indiana faces significant challenges. The school’s academic performance falls below state averages, with low proficiency rates in math and reading.
Standardized test scores at Crispus Attucks lag behind many other schools in the district. Graduation rates have been a concern, with some years seeing fewer than 70% of students earning their diplomas.
The school struggles with resource limitations, impacting the quality of educational materials and technology available to students. Class sizes tend to be larger than optimal, potentially reducing individual attention for students.
Teacher retention has been an issue, leading to instability in staffing and curriculum delivery. The school’s disciplinary record shows higher-than-average suspension rates, which can disrupt student learning.
Despite its medical magnet program, Crispus Attucks has faced difficulties in preparing students for health-related careers. The school’s college readiness indicators suggest many graduates may not be fully prepared for higher education.
7. Hirsch Metropolitan High School, Illinois
Hirsch Metropolitan High School, located in Chicago, Illinois, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school’s performance metrics consistently fall below state averages, raising concerns about academic standards.
Standardized test scores at Hirsch Metropolitan High School are notably low. Many students struggle to meet basic proficiency levels in core subjects like math and reading.
The school’s graduation rate lags behind the national average. A substantial number of students do not complete their high school education within the expected four-year timeframe.
Hirsch Metropolitan High School grapples with issues of student engagement and attendance. Chronic absenteeism affects a considerable portion of the student body, impacting overall academic progress.
Limited resources and outdated facilities contribute to the school’s difficulties. These constraints hinder efforts to provide students with a modern, effective learning environment.
8. Vashon High School, Missouri
Vashon High School in St. Louis, Missouri, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school has consistently underperformed on state standardized tests, with low proficiency rates in core subjects like math and reading.
Attendance issues plague Vashon High School, contributing to academic struggles. Many students miss a substantial number of school days, impacting their ability to keep up with coursework and achieve academic success.
The graduation rate at Vashon High School falls well below the state average. This indicates that a large portion of students who enter the school do not complete their high school education within the expected timeframe.
Safety concerns have been reported at Vashon High School. Incidents of violence and disciplinary issues create an environment that can be detrimental to learning and student well-being.
9. Dunbar High School, Washington D.C.
Dunbar High School in Washington D.C. faces significant challenges. The school struggles with low academic performance, with test scores falling well below district and national averages.
Graduation rates at Dunbar High School are concerning. Many students fail to complete their education, impacting their future prospects.
Safety issues have been reported at the school. Incidents of violence and disciplinary problems create an environment that can hinder learning.
The school’s facilities are in need of improvement. Outdated infrastructure and limited resources contribute to the difficulties faced by students and staff.
Teacher retention is another problem at Dunbar High School. High turnover rates affect the consistency and quality of education provided to students.
Despite efforts to improve, Dunbar High School continues to grapple with these issues, making it one of the lowest-performing schools in the district.
10. Hiram W. Johnson High School, California
Hiram W. Johnson High School in Sacramento, California faces significant challenges. The school’s standardized test scores fall well below state averages, with less than 20% of students meeting proficiency standards in math and English.
Graduation rates at Hiram W. Johnson are concerningly low, hovering around 65%. This is substantially below both state and national averages.
The school struggles with high rates of chronic absenteeism, affecting nearly 30% of the student population. This impacts academic performance and overall student engagement.
Safety concerns have been reported at the school, with incidents of violence and disciplinary issues occurring more frequently than at comparable institutions. These issues contribute to a challenging learning environment for students and staff alike.
Limited resources and budget constraints have resulted in outdated facilities and a lack of advanced course offerings, potentially hindering students’ academic and personal growth.
11. Northwestern High School, Michigan
Northwestern High School in Detroit, Michigan, has faced significant challenges in recent years. The school has struggled with low academic performance and graduation rates.
Budget cuts have led to reduced resources and programs for students. Class sizes have increased, limiting individual attention for learners.
Safety concerns have also impacted the school environment. Incidents of violence and disciplinary issues have been reported, affecting student well-being and learning outcomes.
The school’s infrastructure has deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. Outdated facilities and equipment hinder effective teaching and learning experiences.
Teacher turnover rates remain high, disrupting continuity in education. This instability makes it difficult to implement long-term improvement strategies.
Despite these challenges, dedicated staff members continue to work towards positive change. Efforts are being made to address academic deficiencies and improve the school’s overall performance.
12. Robeson High School, Illinois
Robeson High School in Chicago, Illinois faces significant challenges. The school struggles with low academic performance and graduation rates.
Test scores at Robeson consistently fall below state averages. Many students fail to meet grade-level proficiency standards in core subjects like math and reading.
Safety concerns plague the school environment. Incidents of violence and disciplinary issues have been reported, impacting the learning atmosphere.
Teacher retention is another problem at Robeson. High turnover rates make it difficult to maintain experienced staff and consistent educational quality.
The school’s facilities are aging and in need of upgrades. Outdated infrastructure and limited resources hinder students’ access to modern learning tools and technology.
Robeson High School’s problems reflect broader issues in Chicago’s public education system. Efforts to improve the school face obstacles including funding constraints and socioeconomic challenges in the surrounding community.
13. Strawberry Mansion High School, Pennsylvania
Strawberry Mansion High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has faced significant challenges over the years. The school serves a high-poverty area and has struggled with low academic performance and safety concerns.
Graduation rates at Strawberry Mansion have been consistently below state averages. Many students enter high school unprepared, lacking basic math and reading skills.
The school has dealt with disciplinary issues and violence, leading to a negative perception in the community. This reputation has contributed to declining enrollment, further straining resources.
Despite these difficulties, dedicated staff members work to improve conditions and provide opportunities for students. Recent efforts have focused on increasing support services and implementing new educational programs.
14. Central High School, Texas
Central High School in Texas faces significant challenges in providing quality education. The school consistently underperforms on standardized tests, with scores well below state averages.
Graduation rates at Central High School are concerningly low. Many students struggle to complete their studies, leading to a high dropout rate.
The school’s facilities are in need of renovation and modernization. Outdated technology and inadequate resources hinder effective learning experiences for students.
Teacher turnover at Central High School is high, impacting continuity in education. This instability makes it difficult to implement long-term improvement strategies.
Discipline issues are prevalent, creating a disruptive learning environment. The school struggles to maintain order and ensure student safety.
Central High School’s academic offerings are limited, with few advanced courses available. This lack of diverse learning opportunities restricts students’ potential for growth and college preparation.
15. J.F. Webb High School, North Carolina
J.F. Webb High School in Oxford, North Carolina, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school’s test scores consistently fall below state averages, indicating academic struggles across multiple subjects.
Graduation rates at J.F. Webb High School have been a concern, with a higher percentage of students failing to complete their education compared to many other schools in the state. This trend suggests difficulties in student retention and support.
The school’s resources and facilities have been reported as outdated, potentially impacting the learning environment. Limited access to advanced courses and extracurricular activities may hinder students’ opportunities for growth and college preparation.
Teacher turnover rates at J.F. Webb High School have been higher than average, which can disrupt the continuity of education and mentorship for students. This instability may contribute to the school’s ongoing academic challenges.
16. Burlington City High School, New Jersey
Burlington City High School in New Jersey faces significant challenges. The school’s academic performance falls below state averages, with low proficiency rates in math and English.
Graduation rates at Burlington City High School are concerning. A substantial portion of students do not complete their high school education within four years.
The school struggles with limited resources and outdated facilities. This impacts the quality of education and extracurricular opportunities available to students.
Teacher turnover is higher than average at Burlington City High School. This affects continuity in instruction and the development of strong student-teacher relationships.
Disciplinary issues are more frequent compared to other schools in the state. This creates a challenging learning environment for students and staff alike.
17. Hope High School, Rhode Island
Hope High School in Providence, Rhode Island, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school has struggled with low graduation rates and poor academic performance for years.
Test scores at Hope High School consistently fall below state averages in both math and reading. Many students enter high school unprepared for the rigorous curriculum, leading to high dropout rates.
The school’s infrastructure is aging, with outdated facilities and technology hindering students’ learning experiences. Limited resources make it difficult for teachers to provide adequate support to struggling students.
Disciplinary issues and high absenteeism rates further contribute to the school’s difficulties. These problems have led to a negative perception of Hope High School within the community, making it challenging to attract and retain quality educators.
18. Binghamton High School, New York
Binghamton High School, located in Binghamton, New York, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school struggles with low academic performance, as reflected in its below-average test scores and graduation rates.
Disciplinary issues have been a recurring problem at Binghamton High. Reports indicate a higher-than-average number of suspensions and incidents of violence, creating an environment that can be disruptive to learning.
The school’s outdated facilities and limited resources contribute to the difficulties faced by students and staff. Many classrooms lack modern technology and equipment necessary for effective instruction in today’s educational landscape.
Teacher turnover rates at Binghamton High are concerning, with many experienced educators leaving for better opportunities elsewhere. This instability in staffing can negatively impact student learning and continuity of education.
19. Forest Brook High School, Texas
Forest Brook High School, located in Houston, Texas, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school struggles with low academic performance and high dropout rates.
Standardized test scores at Forest Brook consistently fall below state averages. Many students have difficulty meeting basic proficiency standards in core subjects like math and reading.
The school’s graduation rate is concerningly low, with a substantial portion of students failing to complete their high school education. This trend has persisted for several years.
Forest Brook also grapples with disciplinary issues and frequent student absences. These factors contribute to a challenging learning environment and hinder academic progress.
Limited resources and outdated facilities further compound the school’s problems. Students often lack access to modern technology and educational materials necessary for a competitive education in today’s world.
20. Tilden High School, Illinois
Tilden High School, located in Chicago, Illinois, faces significant challenges in providing quality education to its students. The school consistently ranks among the lowest-performing institutions in the state.
Academic performance at Tilden is a major concern. Standardized test scores fall well below state averages, with many students struggling to meet basic proficiency levels in core subjects.
The graduation rate at Tilden High School is alarmingly low. A large percentage of students fail to complete their high school education within the expected four-year timeframe.
Tilden also grapples with issues of student safety and discipline. Incidents of violence and disruptive behavior are reported more frequently than at other schools in the district.
The school’s infrastructure and resources are inadequate. Many classrooms lack up-to-date technology and materials essential for effective learning in the modern era.
Factors Contributing to Poor Performance
Several key issues negatively impact academic performance in America’s lowest-ranked high schools. These factors create significant challenges for students and educators alike.
Lack of Funding
Insufficient financial resources plague many underperforming high schools. Limited budgets lead to outdated textbooks and technology, hampering student learning. Inadequate facilities often need repairs, creating distracting and sometimes unsafe environments.
Schools struggle to offer diverse courses or extracurricular activities due to budget constraints. This narrows students’ educational experiences and opportunities for skill development.
Underfunded schools frequently lack essential support services like counseling, tutoring, and special education programs. These gaps leave struggling students without crucial assistance.
High Student-Teacher Ratios
Overcrowded classrooms present major obstacles to effective learning. Teachers face immense challenges managing large groups, limiting individual attention for students.
High ratios make it difficult to address diverse learning needs and styles. Students who require extra help or enrichment often fall through the cracks.
Discipline issues tend to increase in crowded classrooms, further disrupting the learning environment. Teachers spend more time on classroom management and less on instruction.
Grading and feedback become more time-consuming with large class sizes. This can lead to less detailed assessments and slower return of assignments, hindering student progress.
The Impact on Students
Attending low-performing high schools can have severe consequences for students’ academic and personal development. These institutions often struggle to provide adequate resources and support, hindering students’ chances of success.
Low Graduation Rates
Many of the worst high schools in America suffer from alarmingly low graduation rates. Students at these institutions face significant challenges in completing their education. Some schools report graduation rates as low as 50% or lower.
Factors contributing to low graduation rates include:
- Inadequate academic support
- High dropout rates
- Unsafe learning environments
- Limited access to college preparatory courses
Students who don’t graduate face reduced employment prospects and lower lifetime earnings. They’re also more likely to experience poverty and health issues later in life.
Limited Extracurricular Activities
Poorly performing high schools often lack diverse extracurricular offerings. This absence deprives students of valuable opportunities for personal growth and skill development.
Common issues include:
- Underfunded sports programs
- Few or no art and music classes
- Limited clubs and student organizations
- Absence of academic competitions
Without these activities, students miss out on chances to:
- Develop leadership skills
- Build teamwork abilities
- Explore potential career interests
- Enhance college applications
The lack of extracurriculars can lead to decreased student engagement and reduced opportunities for well-rounded development.
