Serving 357 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Highlands Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 357 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 27:1
- Minority Enrollment: 84%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 357 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
357 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
Year Founded
1966
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5932 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
21:1
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
66%
56%
Black
8%
5%
White
16%
20%
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #5932 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Steffan Manor Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
357 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Highlands Elementary School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are White, 8% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 27:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District.
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