Normal Community West High School: Top Academics in Normal, IL (2026 List)

About Normal Community West High School

Normal Community West High School, located at 501 N. Parkside Rd., Normal, IL 61761, serves students in grades 9 through 12 as a public high school within McLean County Unit District No. 5. The school enrolls roughly 1,659 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio near 16:1. The student population consists of approximately 50% female students and 50% male students. State assessment results show around 24% of students are proficient in math, while about 33% meet reading proficiency standards. Campus life blends competitive athletics, music and theater programs, student organizations, and career-focused learning opportunities that contribute to a visible school presence across the Bloomington-Normal area. Around 32% of students participate in AP coursework, and the graduation rate stands near 94%. The school provides dual-credit programs, career pathway courses and college-preparatory opportunities in business, healthcare, technology, and the arts. Homes near the campus are generally in the upper $200,000s to more than $450,000. Nearby neighborhoods include suburban subdivisions, parks and newer residential development. Families researching top high schools in Illinois often consider Normal Community West High School for its balanced academics, extracurricular involvement, and strong graduation outcomes.

Academic Performance

Subject Proficiency

Mathematics 24%

Reading 33%

State average proficiency is 24% in Math and 33% in Reading.

106

Full-time Teachers

16 : 1

Student-Teacher Ratio

1659

Total Students

$66456

Avg. Teacher Salary

Student Demographics

White 65.52%

Asian 1.75%

Hispanic 10.25%

Black 16.7%

Two+ Races 5.67%

Native Am. 0.12%

White

65.52%

Asian

1.75%

Hispanic

10.25%

Black

16.7%

Two+ Races

5.67%

Native Am.

0.12%

Gender Distribution

Total Students: 1659

51.24%

850 Female

48.76%

809 Male

Student Population

1659 Students

With a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1

Minority Enrollment

25%

Percentage of minority students

Students per Counselor

276 : 1

Student to counselor ratio

Normal Community West High School Contact Information

Address

501 N Parkside Rd, Normal, IL, 61761

View on Map

Phone

(309) 557-4402

Call Now

Website

http://www.unit5.org

Recent News & Updates

New Playground Name

We are so excited to announce the name of our new playground! Following a school-wide and Robinson community vote we narrowed a large list of names down to four. Since our students will be using the playground on a daily basis, we gave them the final vote! 476.....

School Timings

Regular School Hours

All Grades: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Early Dismissal Days

Dismissal Time: 12:15 PM

Note: Doors open at 7:45 AM for student arrival. Please refer to the school calendar for specific early dismissal dates.

After School Activities

Information coming soon

School Session Dates

September to June

School session starts in September 1st week and ends in June 3rd week. For exact dates, please contact the school.

Remarkable Alumni

Being Updated

Map

Latest News

Normal Community West High School held its annual commencement ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2026. Seniors took part in the traditional graduation milestone of formally switching their tassels during the school’s “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat” celebration. The event celebrated student achievement and the move from high school to future academic and career opportunities.

FAQ

Q1. What is special about Normal Community West High School?

Ans. Normal Community West High School is known for its academics, athletics, and student participation in arts and leadership programs.

Q2. Does Normal Community West High School provide dual credit or AP opportunities?

Ans. Students can access AP coursework and college-credit opportunities in multiple academic departments during high school years.

Q3. What programs attract strong participation at Normal Community West High School?

Ans. Campus life features strong athletics programs, performing arts groups, robotics activities, and competitive academic teams.

Q4. Are fine arts important at Normal Community West High School?

Ans. The school has active band, choir, theater and visual arts programs and offers performances and competitions throughout the year.

Q5. How are students prepared for postsecondary plans at Normal Community West High School?

Ans. Students preparing for college or workforce pathways receive support from academic advising, college planning resources, and career-readiness opportunities.

Games & Extracurricular Activities

Sports

Soccer Club Grades 1-3 | Mon/Wed 3:30-4:30pm
Basketball Grades 2-4 | Tue/Thu 3:30-4:45pm
Track & Field Grades 3-5 | Fri 3:30-5:00pm

Arts

Art Club Grades K-2 | Mon 3:00-4:00pm
Drama Club Grades 3-5 | Wed 3:30-5:00pm
Choir Grades 2-5 | Thu 3:15-4:15pm

Clubs

Chess Club Grades 2-5 | Fri 3:15-4:15pm
Garden Club All Grades | Tue 3:15-4:00pm
Robotics Club Grades 3-5 | Thu 3:30-5:00pm

Note: Schedules may change during school holidays. Please contact School for exact Schedule.

Summer Suggested Reading

Horn Book Selections

Vocabulary.com +3 Horn Book +3 What to Read to Your Kids +3

ML

Maggie Lou, Firefox

by Arnolda Dufour Bowes

PS

The Puppets of Spelhorst

by Kate DiCamillo

MLV

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

by Nicholas Day

Vocabulary.com Top Picks

Penguin Random House +10 Vocabulary.com +10 Wikipedia +10

F

Frindle

by Andrew Clements

WR

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

JGP

James and the Giant Peach

by Roald Dahl

Penguin Random House Features

Horn Book +2 Penguin Random House +2 The Guardian +2

SLB

The Secret Language of Birds

by Lynne Kelly

S

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln

Free Robotics and Stem In-person Workshop in Your Neighbourhood for 7-14 Years Tech Enthusiasts.

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What Parents Say