Wendell High School

Wendell High School is a public high school in Wendell, Idaho, serving 325 students in grades 9–12 as part of the Wendell District, which currently ranks in the 4th percentile of Idaho districts. Economic need among families has risen sharply, with 61.2% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024-25, up from about 43% two years earlier. Academically, the school presents a mixed picture: its statewide ranking swung from a 4-star, 74th-percentile performance in 2023-24 to the 2nd percentile in 2024-25, where it has roughly remained. No nearby school shows comparable volatility, so one-year rankings alone shouldn't be used to judge the school.

Wendell's strongest asset is attendance. Its chronic absenteeism rate of just 4.7% in 2024-25 is dramatically better than the 12.5% district rate and 14.6% state rate, and far better than regional peers like Canyon Ridge High School (19.6%) and Gooding High School (17.3%). However, academic results have not kept pace. In 2025-26, only 14.8% of Wendell students were proficient in math and 15.9% in science, versus state averages of 33.1% and 41.2%. Nearby Filer High School posted math proficiency of 40.7% and science of 46.8%. English language arts has been a relative bright spot — Wendell exceeded the state average for two straight years — but recent scores have slipped below the state mark.

The gap between attendance and achievement is the school's central challenge, pointing less to student engagement than to instructional support or academic preparation before high school. On a positive note, graduation rates have risen from 67.6% in 2021-22 to 84.2% in 2023-24, though the most recent figure mirrors the state average. Wendell spends about $9,310 per student, more than larger, better-performing schools in the region, which suggests higher spending alone hasn't solved the math and science gaps. For parents, the picture is hopeful on school climate but concerning on outcomes, especially in math and science. Families weighing options should also look at Buhl High School and Jerome High School within the region.