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Excellent

#198 of 1,280 schools in IA

Top 15% in state

Highland High School

High School · Highland Comm School District

1715 Vine Avenue, Riverside, IA 52327

Enrollment

169

Student-Teacher

10.6:1

Score

8.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Iowa schools

#198 of 1,280

In Riverside

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Highland Comm School District

School environment

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Highland High School

8.1/10

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

Highland Middle School

6.9/10

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

Highland Elementary School

4.5/10

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

About Highland High School

Highland High School is a public high school in Riverside, IA, part of Highland Comm School District. Highland High School serves approximately 169 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 10.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #198 of 1,280 schools in IA.

Structured state assessment records for Highland High School show 83% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.1 pts above IA schools
  • This school 8.1 · Excellent
  • IA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 169 students, Highland High School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Highland High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.8Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-0.35 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics6.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency76.6% (2025 ISASP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency78.9% (2025 ISASP)
Math vs. State Avg+10.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.8 pts
Overall Proficiency78% (2025 ISASP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)82% (model expectation from 2025 ISASP)
vs. Expected-4.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,598
Chronic Absenteeism14.8%

Highland High School — Students at Highland High School score 78% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 82%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

22.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 82.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
67.3% (2025 ISASP)
ELA Proficiency 74.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
74.2% (2025 ISASP)

Based on 35 test records from IA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
84.5%
ELA
64.5%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
64.5%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2013
Math
95%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
64.5%
2016
Math
84.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2018
Math
95%
ELA
74.5%
2019
Math
95%
ELA
74.5%
2020*
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2025
Math
76.6%
ELA
78.9%

* 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: 7.8/10.

How Highland High School Compares

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

Overall Score
8.1/10
85th percentile in IA
Academic
6.2/10
Average
Growth
7.8/10
Very Good
Environment
9.1/10
Excellent
Sports
14
7 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
23%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
14.8%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics14sports offered
7 boys'·7 girls'·22 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

1715 Vine Avenue, Riverside, IA 52327

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Columbus Community High School (rated 6.5/10, 13.2 miles away, in nearby Columbus Junction), a more accessible option. Another option is Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School (rated 5.7/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Lone Tree), a more accessible option. Additionally, Washington High School (rated 3.1/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Washington), a more accessible option. For more schools in Riverside, see our Riverside schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Middle School Riverside 0.0 mi 6.9
Highland Elementary School Riverside 5.7 mi 4.5
Lone Tree Elementary School Lone Tree 8.0 mi 7.0
Lone Tree Middle-Senior High School Lone Tree 8.0 mi 5.7
Hills Elementary School Hills 10.0 mi 5.8
Mid-Prairie Middle School Kalona 9.9 mi 6.6
Stewart Elementary School Washington 10.4 mi 8.1
Mid-Prairie East Elementary School Kalona 10.0 mi 5.8
Washington Middle School Washington 10.8 mi 5.8
Lincoln Upper Elementary School Washington 10.9 mi 5.1
ST JAMES SCHOOL Washington 11.0 mi 8.0
Washington High School Washington 11.5 mi 3.1
WACO Elementary School Crawfordsville 13.5 mi 4.5
PATHWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalona 11.5 mi 3.3
Alexander Elementary Iowa City 14.8 mi 7.8
Roundy Elementary School Columbus Junction 13.1 mi 8.2
Columbus Community High School Columbus Junction 13.2 mi 6.5
Columbus Community Junior High School Columbus Junction 13.2 mi 6.8
Grant Wood Elementary School Iowa City 15.7 mi 6.2
FAITH ACADEMY Iowa City 16.0 mi 7.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 52327 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,250

Median Home Value

$288,400

Median Rent

$1,080/mo

Population

3,722

College Educated

31%

Homeownership

74.9%

Avg Commute

30.8 min

Poverty Rate

2.7%

Median Age

40.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
AHSTW High School Avoca, IA 8.1
Harris-Lake Park High School Lake Park, IA 8.1
BCLUW High School Conrad, IA 8.2
Clarksville High School Clarksville, IA 8.0
Coon Rapids-Bayard 6-12 Attendance Center Coon Rapids, IA 8.2
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Jr. High & High School Reinbeck, IA 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland High School

What grades does Highland High School serve?

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

How many students attend Highland High School?

Highland High School has an enrollment of approximately 169 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Highland High School is 10.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland High School rank in IA?

Highland High School ranks #198 of 1,280 schools in IA.

What is Highland High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 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 School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland High School has 83% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Highland High School a charter school?

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

Is Highland High School a Title I school?

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

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

22.5% of students at Highland High 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
169
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
22.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Washington County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
14.8%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Highland Comm School District
District Enrollment
559
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,598
District Rank
#1 of 3

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