Western Hills University High School

What Western Hills University High School does

Western Hills University High School is a public college-preparatory high school serving grades 9-12 in the western Cincinnati, Ohio community, operated by the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) district as a government-owned educational institution. The school opened on September 10, 1928, on a 28.5-acre campus at 2144 Ferguson Road, originally accommodating approximately 1,500 students in grades 7-12 with 65 teachers. It was renamed from Western Hills High School to Western Hills University High School in 2011 to reflect an intensified college-preparatory mission following a major 2009-2011 renovation that added central air conditioning and restored original fixtures. Leadership is provided by Principal Dr. Carlos Blair, who holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Superintendent License from Miami University and brings over 25 years of educational experience. The school is accredited by AdvancED (now Cognia) as a School of Excellence and receives Title I federal funding under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

The academic program centers on college readiness through Advanced Placement courses, College Credit Plus dual enrollment with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and a specialized Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pathway offering EMT-Basic certification and transferable college credits. Supplementary offerings include the GRAD Cincinnati scholarship pipeline (requiring minimum 2.5 GPA and summer program participation), ESOL services for students representing more than 15 languages and 20+ countries, Special Education services (Multiple Disabilities, STRIDES, Project Life, ICAN), fine arts (band, choir, art, ceramics, painting), clubs and student publications including The Western Breeze newspaper (published since January 16, 1929), and an athletics program unified with Dater High School for grades 7-12. Digital infrastructure comprises the Focus Student Information System (the grade book of record for all CPS students), Canvas Learning Management System, Google Apps for Education, Naviance Family Connection for college and career readiness, INFOhio library resources, and Atomic Learning for technology training.

As a public school within Cincinnati Public Schools, Western Hills generates no tuition revenue and is funded through district property tax levies, state education funding, and Title I federal allocations. Student access flows through CPS district enrollment processes rather than commercial channels, and outreach relies on district communications, community events, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), and a Finalsite-powered website. The institution has cultivated an ecosystem exceeding 40 community partners — including GRAD Cincinnati, Cincinnati State, Kent State University, Northern Kentucky University, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash, Deaconess Health Check, Cincinnati Fire Department, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, MindPeace, 1N5, FreeStore Food Bank, State Farm, and the United States Army — supporting student services, college pipelines, health, mental wellness, and career exposure.

Name

Western Hills University High School

Legal name

Western Hills University High School

Website

https://westernhills.cps-k12.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Western Hills University High School is a public college-preparatory high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, operated by Cincinnati Public Schools. It serves grades 9-12 with AP courses, dual enrollment, an EMS career pathway, ESOL, and 40+ community partnerships supporting college readiness.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public High Schools (EDAJAAAD)

Keywords

• Public high school education
• College preparatory programs
• Dual enrollment courses
• Career pathway programs
• Special education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public School Funding: Western Hills is a public high school operated by Cincinnati Public Schools, funded through district property tax levies and state education funding. No direct tuition revenue is generated from students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Western Hills University High School is a public college-preparatory high school operated by Cincinnati Public Schools that delivers grades 9-12 education to students in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The school offers a comprehensive academic program including Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment college credits through Cincinnati State, the Emergency Medical Services Pathway leading to EMT-Basic certification, GRAD Cincinnati merit-based scholarships, fine arts, athletics, special education services, and ESOL programs supporting students from more than 15 languages and 20 countries.

Product overview

Western Hills University High School is an intensive college-preparatory high school offering a comprehensive educational program. The school operates a digital ecosystem including its Finalsite-powered website, multiple technology platforms (Focus SIS, Canvas LMS, Naviance for college/career planning, and Google Apps for Education), and specialized academic programs. Core programs include the Emergency Medical Services Pathway with Cincinnati State, AP courses, College Credit Plus dual enrollment, and GRAD Cincinnati scholarship partnership. The school provides Fine Arts (band, choir, art, ceramics), athletics in partnership with Dater High School, clubs and activities, Special Education services, and ESOL programs. The school serves grades 9-12 with a focus on college preparation and career readiness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emergency Medical Services Pathway Career pathway program in partnership with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College that allows students to pursue and earn the EMT-Basic Certificate while completing college-level coursework. Prepares students for careers as EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and security personnel and includes transferable college credits at no cost to students.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Courses College-level courses offered to Western Hills students that prepare them to take AP exams and earn college credit.
• College Credit Plus Dual enrollment program allowing students to earn both high school and college credits through a Cincinnati State Technical and Community College partnership.
• GRAD Cincinnati Partnership College scholarship program partnership with GRAD Cincinnati that awards merit-based college scholarships to qualifying Western Hills students who maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, graduate on-time, and participate in Summer Bridge and Summer Institute programs.
• Special Education Services Comprehensive services for students with disabilities including co-taught and Resource Room classrooms, Multiple Disabilities (MD) and STRIDES units, transitional services (Project Life, ICAN), a transition lab for independence and job skills, and partnerships with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and Easter Seals.
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program serving students representing more than 15 languages and 20 different countries. Designed to immerse students in English while supporting successful completion of high school and post-graduation success.
• Fine Arts Program Comprehensive fine arts education including Band (Beginning, Intermediate, Senior), Choir (Junior, Senior), Music History, Art (Art I, Art II, Ceramics, Painting), and Drum Set classes. Includes partnerships with the Taft Museum ARC program.
• Athletics Program Joint athletics program with Gilbert A. Dater High School offering activities for grades 7-12. Western Hills and Dater operate as one unified athletic program representing the West side of Cincinnati with fall, winter, and spring sports.
• Clubs and Activities Program Comprehensive extracurricular program including Newspaper Club (The Western Breeze), National Honor Society, Key Club, M.O.R.E., class organizations, and interest-based clubs such as Anime Club, Poetry Club, Cooking Club, and Photography Club.
• The Western Breeze Student Newspaper Student-produced newspaper and open forum for student expression, published since January 16, 1929. Issues available for March 2025, December 2024, and October 2024.

Quantifiable outcome

• GRAD Cincinnati scholarship eligibility requires maintaining minimum 2.5 GPA, graduating on-time, attending Summer Bridge program, and participating in Summer Institute programs.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GRAD CincinnaticoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership providing merit-based college scholarships to qualifying Western Hills students. Students must maintain 2.5+ GPA, graduate on-time, attend Summer Bridge program, and participate in Summer Institute programs. GRAD's mission is ensuring quality public education for economically disadvantaged communities to increase graduation rates and college preparation.
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDual enrollment partnership allowing students to earn college credits during junior and senior years. Also provides Emergency Medical Services Pathway with EMT-Basic Certificate program, American Criminal Justice System courses, and Foundations of Public Safety training at no cost to students.
• Deaconess Health Check (School Based Health Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-based health center partnership providing student health services on campus to address whole child needs.
• Kent State UniversityminorOthersUniversity partnership providing educational pathway and potential enrollment opportunities for students.
• Northern Kentucky UniversityminorOthersUniversity partnership providing educational pathway and potential enrollment opportunities for students.
• University of Cincinnati Blue AshminorOthersUniversity partnership providing educational pathway and potential enrollment opportunities for students.
• Anthony Munoz FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity organization partnership supporting student programs and opportunities.
• Cincinnati Arts AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArts partnership providing Club Art program and artistic enrichment opportunities for students.
• ElementzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth arts organization partnership supporting Poetry Club and creative programming.
• Closing the Health GapminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth equity organization partnership supporting Cooking Club and health education initiatives.
• Jobs for Cincinnati Graduates (JCG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer collaborative partnership supporting Career Collaborative program and job readiness for students.
• Cincinnati Youth CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth development organization partnership supporting student engagement and career programming.
• ABC (Activities Beyond the Classroom)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOut-of-school programming organization providing enrichment activities and opportunities beyond classroom instruction.
• Green Dot Greater Cincinnati/Northern KentuckyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic safety and violence prevention organization partnership supporting student safety initiatives.
• 1N5minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization partnership supporting Bring Change to Mind club and student wellness programs.
• MindPeaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health organization partnership supporting student mental health services.
• Ohio State Young Scholars ProgramminorOthersOhio State University program partnership supporting eligible students with college preparation resources.
• Project SearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransition program partnership at Cincinnati Children's Hospital providing career development for students with disabilities.
• Hamilton County Educational Service CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational service center partnership supporting district-wide educational initiatives.
• Lighthouse Youth ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth services organization partnership supporting student support programs.
• FreeStore Food BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood security organization partnership through Cincinnati Cooks program providing culinary education.
• Cheviot/Westwood Kiwanis ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerService club partnership supporting Key Club service learning and philanthropy programs.
• Boy ScoutsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth organization partnership providing scouting opportunities and character development programs.
• Dream BuildersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational enrichment organization partnership supporting student development programs.
• Kenzie's ClosetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClothing assistance organization partnership providing school uniforms and clothing support for students in need.
• Women Writing for a ChangeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWriting organization partnership supporting student creative writing and expression programs.
• Cincinnati Fire DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmergency services partnership supporting public safety education and career pathway programs.
• Cincinnati African American Fire Fighters AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association partnership supporting diversity in fire services and mentorship programs.
• State Farm Insurance CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partnership supporting school programs and community initiatives.
• United States ArmyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMilitary partnership providing career exploration and recruitment information for students.
• LenscraftersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVision care partnership providing eyewear support and services for students.
• Healthy VisionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth education organization partnership supporting student wellness programming.
• High Schools that WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOhio Department of Education career-technical education initiative partnership improving student achievement.
• Project ConnectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPS district program partnership connecting students with resources and support services.
• West High BoostersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent/alumni booster organization supporting athletics and extracurricular programs.
• Alumni FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumni organization supporting school programs and graduate engagement.
• The Education ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational foundation partnership supporting student learning initiatives.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Walnut Hills High School: CPS elite college-preparatory public high school serving grades 7–12. Directly comparable as a public, college-bound magnet within the same district, competing for the same high-achieving cohort.
• Withrow University High School: Sister 'University High School' within CPS with a similar college-preparatory identity and dual-enrollment emphasis. Closest peer by naming and mission structure.
• Clark Montessori High School: CPS public high school using a Montessori college-prep model. Comparable as an alternative-pedagogy college-prep school within the same district competing for the same families.
• Hughes STEM High School: CPS STEM-focused public high school. Comparable as a themed college-prep option targeting families prioritizing STEM pathways within Cincinnati Public Schools.
• School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA): CPS grades 7–12 arts conservatory. Comparable as a selective specialty high school competing for college-bound, mission-driven students within the district.
• Gilbert A. Dater High School: Direct athletic-program partner operating joint sports teams with Western Hills. Comparable CPS high school serving a similar west-side student population.
• Woodward Career Technical High School: CPS career-technical high school with structured career pathway programs. Comparable to Western Hills' EMS Pathway model of integrating college credits with career certifications.
• Shroder High School: CPS public high school serving a similar urban demographic. Comparable as a district peer for general college-prep programming and Title I–style student needs.
• Aiken High School (New Tech): CPS New Tech–modeled high school. Comparable as a district college-prep option with project-based learning and similar student demographics.

Regional players

• Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students: CPS K–12 gifted school. Comparable as a CPS selective-admission option competing for high-achieving students, though serving a broader K–12 range.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/WestHiMustangs
• Facebookfacebook.com/WestHiMustangs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cincinnatipublicschools
• Instagraminstagram.com/westhimustangs

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Western Hills University High School