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
Enrollment
2,778
Student-Teacher
25.3:1
Score
3.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
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
High School in Palmdale · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Cottonwood Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy
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
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.
Sources (2)
- 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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View breakdown
Highland High — Students at Highland High score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 39%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
62%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 26 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
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.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
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.
Neighborhood Context
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%
- Phone
- (661) 538-0304
- 4-Year Graduation
- 82.0%
Resources & Links
District
Antelope Valley Union High- District Enrollment
- 21,737
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,984
- District Rank
- #9 of 13
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
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