West Hempstead High School (now West Hempstead Secondary School) is a public high school located in West Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, U.S.A., and is the only high school operated by the West Hempstead Union Free School District. As of the 2014–15 school year, the school had an enrollment of 798 students and 47.4 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 16.8:1. There were 248 students (31.1% of enrollment) eligible for free lunch and 58 (7.3% of students) eligible for reduced-cost lunch. As of September 1, 2022, the West Hempstead School District merged West Hempstead High School and West Hempstead Middle School into a single institution, now known as West Hempstead Secondary School.

History

Following the conclusion of World War II, the population in the areas of West, East Hempstead, Roosevelt, and East Meadow had a significant rise. In response to this, the West Hempstead area sought funding for an educational facility, facing initial setbacks in a failed vote. Considerations for temporary classrooms, and multiple site options occurred before the community approved the site on Gustke-Linder in a subsequent vote. Construction commenced on March 17, 1952, but faced minor delays due to a fire. The West Hempstead High School officially opened its doors on September 8, 1953. Originally, students in the area were enrolled at the neighboring, Hempstead High School, but with the creation of a closer school, many students transferred locations. The school's ram mascot, and black-and-gold color scheme were chosen by students, prior to the opening of the district.

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