The "West Mifflin North High School" first opened its doors on Commonwealth Avenue in West Mifflin in 1960. At that time, it was the only public High School in West Mifflin and did not have a senior class. West Mifflin South High School opened on Camp Hollow Road in the following year, 1961, and became the second public High School in West Mifflin. In 1962 there were two graduating classes in West Mifflin, the class of 1962 from West Mifflin North High School and the class of 1962 from West Mifflin South High School. Later, West Mifflin South High School closed, leaving one high school open on Commonwealth Avenue named "West Mifflin Area High School". It is West Mifflin Area School District's largest and second most modern facility. A total renovation to the high school campus was completed in 2001, more than doubling the school's size to over 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 program, technology has become an 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 PSSAs 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 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. 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.
