It is one of four original high schools in Denver; the other three are East, North, and South.

On June 13, 1884, at 2:00PM, Charles McDonough, Effie Hallam, Lelia Williams, Frances Brandt, Laura Duccy, and Morrison Stillwell became the first graduates of West High School.

In 1969, Chicano students organized walkouts and marches against the racism and discrimination they experienced in the classroom in protests known as the "West High Blowout".

Walkouts occurred throughout Denver as students from other high schools across the city joined in.

[9] Percentage Minority Students: 96% The athletic teams of West High School are known as the Cowboys (and Cowgirls, for women's sports).