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Needs Improvement

#8655 of 9,539 schools in CA

Highland High

High School · Antelope Valley Union High

39055 25th St. West, Palmdale, CA 93551

Enrollment

2,778

Student-Teacher

25.3:1

Score

3.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,655 of 9,539

In Palmdale

#32 of 43

public schools

In district

#9 of 13

Antelope Valley Union High

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Highland High

3.9/10

High School in Palmdale · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cottonwood Elementary

6.8/10

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

David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy

5.4/10

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

About Highland High

Highland High is a public high school in Palmdale, CA, part of Antelope Valley Union High. Highland High serves approximately 2,778 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 25.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #8,655 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Highland High show 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

What's said publicly about Highland High

Sources: School's website Wikipedia

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.

Highland High School is located in Palmdale, California, and operates as part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District 2 . The district serves approximately 22,000 students across eight comprehensive high schools, three alternative high schools, and an early college high school partnered with Antelope Valley Community College 1 . Highland High School offers various academic and extracurricular programs, including Career Technical Education (CTE) academies designed to prepare students for college and careers 1 . The school provides pathways in the arts, such as dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and media arts, integrating creative standards with career preparation 1 . Additionally, the school participates in CIF-sanctioned athletics, offering diverse sports programs aimed at bridging high school competition with collegiate preparation 1 .
Sources (2)
  1. www.highlandhs.org
  2. en.wikipedia.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.8
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Highland High is a large school: 2,778 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Highland High runs 25.3:1 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.89 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency41.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-14.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-14.2 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)39% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-12.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness5.0Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate82%
AP Participation15.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,984
Chronic Absenteeism27.3%

Highland High — Students at Highland High score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

62%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 32.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 49.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
60%
ELA
56%
2010
Math
60%
ELA
61%
2011
Math
54%
ELA
53%
2012
Math
56%
ELA
55%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
54%
2014
Math
21%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
19%
ELA
53%
2017
Math
19%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
36%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
36%
2024
Math
13.1%
ELA
41.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.1/10.

How Highland High Compares

See how Highland High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
9th percentile in CA
Academic
4.6/10
Below Average
Growth
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
18
9 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
62%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
110 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
15.3% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics18sports offered
9 boys'·9 girls'·30 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

39055 25th St. West, Palmdale, CA 93551

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. PARACLETE HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.7/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Lancaster), which scores notably higher. Additionally, R. Rex Parris High (rated 3.6/10, 3.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Palmdale, see our Palmdale schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Cottonwood Elementary Palmdale 0.3 mi 6.8
David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy Palmdale 0.4 mi 5.4
Summerwind Elementary Palmdale 1.1 mi 3.1
Stewart Family Homestead Palmdale 1.4 mi
Palmdale Discovery Center Palmdale 1.2 mi 7.9
Ocotillo Elementary Palmdale 1.3 mi 3.7
Dos Caminos Dual Immersion Palmdale 1.3 mi 6.4
Anaverde Hills Palmdale 1.9 mi 3.6
PALMDALE UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN Palmdale 1.6 mi
Esperanza Elementary Palmdale 2.1 mi 3.3
Rancho Vista Elementary Palmdale 2.8 mi 4.2
Hillview Middle Palmdale 2.7 mi 5.2
Palmdale Learning Plaza Palmdale 2.9 mi 5.6
Yucca Elementary Palmdale 2.8 mi 4.7
CROSSWIND COMM CHURCH-ADVENTURELAND PRESCHOOL Palmdale 3.3 mi
Palm Tree Elementary Palmdale 3.3 mi 4.8
R. Rex Parris High Palmdale 3.2 mi 3.6
Paraclete High School Lancaster 3.9 mi
PARACLETE HIGH SCHOOL Lancaster 3.9 mi 5.7
Gregg Anderson Academy Palmdale 3.5 mi 4.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93551 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$110,850

Median Home Value

$548,800

Median Rent

$2,263/mo

Population

54,956

College Educated

30.1%

Homeownership

77.2%

Avg Commute

36 min

Poverty Rate

6.6%

Median Age

37.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alta Vista Innovation High Hesperia, CA 3.9
Five Keys Independence HS (SF Sheriff's) San Francisco, CA 4.0
Lancaster High Lancaster, CA 3.8
Liberty High Winchester, CA 4.0
Palmdale High Palmdale, CA 3.8
Assurance Learning Academy Lancaster, CA 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland High

What grades does Highland High serve?

Highland High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Highland High?

Highland High has an enrollment of approximately 2,778 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland High?

The student-teacher ratio at Highland High is 25.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland High rank in CA?

Highland High ranks #8,655 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Highland High's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Highland High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland High has 32% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Highland High a charter school?

No, Highland High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Highland High a Title I school?

No, Highland High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland High?

62.0% of students at Highland High 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
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,778
Student-Teacher Ratio
25.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
110
Free/Reduced Lunch
62.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Los Angeles County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.3%
4-Year Graduation
82.0%

District

Antelope Valley Union High
District Enrollment
21,737
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,984
District Rank
#9 of 13

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