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Excellent

#320 of 1,356 schools in AL

Top 24% in state

Highlands Elementary School

Elementary School · Dothan City

1400 S Brannon Stand Rd, Dothan, AL 36305

Enrollment

601

Student-Teacher

20.7:1

Score

8.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alabama schools

#320 of 1,356

In Dothan

#2 of 18

public schools

In district

#2 of 16

Dothan City

Academic growth

9.0 / 10

Excellent

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Highlands Elementary School

8.0/10

Elementary School in Dothan · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Houston Academy

6.0/10

2.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Westgate Christian School

6.8/10

3.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Highlands Elementary School

Highlands Elementary School is a public elementary school in Dothan, AL, part of Dothan City. Highlands Elementary School serves approximately 601 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 20.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Highlands Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #320 of 1,356 schools in AL.

Structured state assessment records for Highlands Elementary School show 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.8 pts above district
  • This school 8.0 · Excellent
  • District avg 6.2
  • AL avg 7.4

What Parents Should Know

Highlands Elementary School runs 20.7:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.02 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.7Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency50% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency91.9% (2024 ACAP)
Reading vs. State Avg+9.1 pts
Overall Proficiency71% (2024 ACAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2024 ACAP)
vs. Expected+12.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile79th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,149
Chronic Absenteeism19.5%

Highlands Elementary School — Students at Highlands Elementary School score 71% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AL ACAP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 69.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 73.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
86.9% (2024 ACAP)

Based on 30 test records from AL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2010
Math
90%
ELA
91%
2011
Math
93%
ELA
91%
2012
Math
97%
ELA
96%
2013
Math
65%
ELA
51%
2014
Math
58%
ELA
49%
2015
Math
66%
ELA
55%
2016
Math
65%
ELA
53%
2017
Math
62%
ELA
66%
2018
Math
64%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
64%
ELA
65%
2020*
Math
54%
ELA
70%
2021*
Math
54%
ELA
70%
2022
Math
50%
ELA
70%
2024
ELA
91.9%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.0/10.

How Highlands Elementary School Compares

See how Highlands Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.0/10
77th percentile in AL
Academic
8.7/10
Excellent
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.5%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1400 S Brannon Stand Rd, Dothan, AL 36305

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highlands Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Carver School of Mathematics Science and Technology (rated 8.8/10, 5.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Midland City Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Midland City), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Selma Street Elementary School (rated 7.0/10, 4.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Dothan, see our Dothan schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.2 mi
School Distance Rating
HOUSTON ACADEMY Dothan 2.8 mi 6.0
WESTGATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Dothan 3.3 mi 6.8
Dothan City Early Education Center Dothan 3.3 mi 5.3
Heard Elementary School Dothan 3.5 mi 6.1
Kelly Springs Elementary School Dothan 4.2 mi 6.1
NORTHSIDE METHODIST CHURCH & ACADEMY Dothan 4.3 mi 4.7
Girard Primary School Dothan 4.1 mi 4.5
Girard Intermediate School Dothan 4.2 mi 4.8
Selma Street Elementary School Dothan 4.3 mi 7.0
DOTHAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Dothan 4.7 mi
Houston County Virtual Academy Newton 5.1 mi 2.3
Dothan City Virtual School Dothan 5.5 mi 4.0
Dothan Preparatory Academy Dothan 5.5 mi 6.6
Carver School of Mathematics Science and Technology Dothan 5.8 mi 8.8
Midland City Elementary School Midland City 6.8 mi 7.6
Dale County High School Midland City 7.0 mi 5.2
Rehobeth Elementary School Dothan 7.0 mi 7.0
Rehobeth Middle School Rehobeth 7.0 mi 5.5
Morris Slingluff Elementary School Dothan 6.4 mi 5.3
NEW DAY ACADEMY Dothan 6.2 mi 5.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 36305 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$81,438

Median Home Value

$236,000

Median Rent

$1,120/mo

Population

17,592

College Educated

34.5%

Homeownership

67.6%

Avg Commute

21.8 min

Poverty Rate

7.9%

Median Age

42.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Cedar Hill Elementary School Ardmore, AL 8.0
Central School Huntsville, AL 8.0
Colbert Heights Elementary School Tuscumbia, AL 8.0
Cora Castlen Elementary Grand Bay, AL 8.0
Creekside Primary School Harvest, AL 8.0
Dawes Intermediate School Mobile, AL 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highlands Elementary School

What grades does Highlands Elementary School serve?

Highlands Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?

Highlands Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 601 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highlands Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Highlands Elementary School is 20.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highlands Elementary School rank in AL?

Highlands Elementary School ranks #320 of 1,356 schools in AL.

What is Highlands Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highlands Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Highlands Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highlands Elementary School has 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Highlands Elementary School a charter school?

No, Highlands Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Highlands Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Highlands Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highlands Elementary School?

42.8% of students at Highlands Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
601
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
29
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Houston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.5%

District

Dothan City
District Enrollment
8,035
Schools in District
18
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,149
District Rank
#2 of 16

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