In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. West Allegheny Senior High School's rate was 92% for 2010.
2010 - 76% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 79%, State - 65%
2008 - 73%, State - 64%
;11th Grade Math:
2010 - 71% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
2009 - 78%, State - 55%
2008 - 58%, State - 56%
11th Grade Science:
2010 - 51% on grade level. State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
2009 - 68%, State - 39%
2008 - 38%, State - 39%
College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 35% of the West Allegheny Senior High School's 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 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, 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 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, including the graduation ceremony. 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.
Extracurricular activities
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies that are published in the student handbook. The school's football team has gained notability by reaching play-off status during past years, and play divisional play-off games in Heinz Field. Through the 1960s and 1970s West Allegheny shared an intense rivalry with Fort Cherry School District.
