It is situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a 75-acre (30 ha) site adjacent to Highway 250 and Interstate 64.

Western Albemarle High School (WAHS) opened its doors to students in fall 1977.

This addition added four classrooms and two science labs to the B-Wing and a new auxiliary gymnasium and athletic offices to the D-Wing.

A brand new AstroTurf playing field and rubber running track was installed using funds from an anonymous donor.

In 2015, a renovation to the media center was conducted to enhance student activities as well as modernize the existing, outdated library.

This space consisted of two classrooms and a hallway that were all connected by knocking down walls and modernizing the whole room.

In January 2008, it was announced that Western was one of two schools (along with Murray Elementary) in the county that received the Governor's Award for Educational Excellence.

Notably, after qualifying for Team USA in the 100 and 200 meter butterfly events, Heilman became the youngest male swimmer in the Olympics since Michael Phelps.

They also brought home gold medals in the Girls JV 2x and the Boys JV 2x events at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships Western Albemarle's quizbowl team placed second at the 2014 PACE NSC[10] In 2014 they also won the VHSL Scholastic Bowl 3A title as well as the NAQT Virginia state championship.