Skip to main content

Excellent

#43 of 3,813 schools in IL

Top 1% in state

Highlands Elem School

Elementary School · LaGrange Highlands SD 106

5850 Laurel Ave, La Grange Highlands, IL 60525

Enrollment

563

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

9.3

Grades

Pre-K – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In La Grange Highlands

#1 of 2

public schools

Illinois elementary schools

#38 of 2,326

In district

#1 of 2

LaGrange Highlands SD 106

Academic performance

9.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Highlands Elem School

Highlands Elementary School serves 563 students in La Grange Highlands, Illinois, from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. It earns a composite score of 9.3 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with an academic score of 9.9 and a student growth score of 9.7. Those numbers place it among a very narrow tier of public elementary schools in the state.

The statewide numbers give that rating real weight. Highlands ranks #43 out of 3,813 public schools in Illinois, outperforming 99% of all schools statewide. Among elementary schools specifically, it holds the #38 spot out of 2,326 — a ranking that reflects both high academic proficiency and strong year-over-year growth.

A student-teacher ratio of 13.4:1 keeps class sizes manageable across its 563-student enrollment. Within La Grange Highlands, Highlands Elementary ranks #1 of 2 public schools. For families comparing options locally, that position is clear.

The combination of near-perfect academic scores and a 9.7 growth score signals that students are not just testing at high levels — they are making meaningful progress year over year. That dual strength is uncommon at any enrollment size.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.7Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change+1.67 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics9.9Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67%
Reading/ELA Proficiency72%
Overall Proficiency70%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected+20.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile98th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.4Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,625

Highlands Elem School — Students at Highlands Elem School score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 67.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 69.5%
School
State
N/A

Based on 3 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2022
ELA
72%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.7/10.

How Highlands Elem School Compares

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

Overall Score
9.3/10
99th percentile in IL
Academic
9.9/10
9.9/10
Growth
9.7/10
Above average
Environment
7.4/10
Above average

Location

5850 Laurel Ave, La Grange Highlands, IL 60525

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highlands Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Oak Elem School (rated 9.7/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Hinsdale), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Elm Elem School (rated 9.3/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Burr Ridge), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Forest Hills Elem School (rated 9.2/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Western Springs), with a very similar rating. For more schools in La Grange Highlands, see our La Grange Highlands schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Highlands Middle School La Grange Highlands 0.1 mi 7.0
ACACIA ACADEMY La Grange 0.8 mi 6.9
ST JOHN OF THE CROSS PARISH SCHOOL Western Springs 1.0 mi 4.4
ST CLETUS SCHOOL La Grange 1.0 mi 6.2
Forest Hills Elem School Western Springs 1.3 mi 9.2
Wm F Gurrie Middle School La Grange 1.2 mi 6.8
Spring Ave Elem School La Grange 1.2 mi 5.5
CREATIVE WORLD MONTESSORI SCHOOL La Grange 1.7 mi
Ideal Elem School Countryside 1.3 mi 8.6
Field Park Elem School Western Springs 2.0 mi 9.2
Pleasantdale Middle Sch Burr Ridge 2.0 mi 9.3
Oak Elem School Hinsdale 1.5 mi 9.7
VINE ACADEMY Burr Ridge 1.9 mi 8.4
Elm Elem School Burr Ridge 1.6 mi 9.3
Lyons Twp High Sch La Grange 2.1 mi 7.6
McClure Jr High School Western Springs 2.1 mi 7.5
Seventh Ave Elem School La Grange 1.8 mi 7.3
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF WESTERN SPRINGS Western Springs 2.0 mi
HINSDALE ADVENTIST ACADEMY Hinsdale 2.1 mi 8.1
John Laidlaw Elem School Western Springs 2.4 mi 8.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60525 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$113,718

Median Home Value

$422,500

Median Rent

$1,475/mo

Population

31,453

College Educated

52.9%

Homeownership

79.6%

Avg Commute

28 min

Poverty Rate

5.8%

Median Age

43.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Highlands Elem School has a median household income of $113,718. It is a well-educated community where 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $422,500, with a median rent of $1,475/month. The local poverty rate of 5.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Belding Elem School Chicago, IL 9.3
Cossitt Ave Elem School La Grange, IL 9.3
Ferson Creek School Saint Charles, IL 9.3
Pleasantdale Elementary School La Grange, IL 9.4
Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch Chicago, IL 9.2
Dr ML King Jr Literary&Fine Arts Evanston, IL 9.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highlands Elem School

What grades does Highlands Elem School serve?

Highlands Elem School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

How many students attend Highlands Elem School?

Highlands Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 563 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Highlands Elem School is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highlands Elem School rank in IL?

Highlands Elem School is ranked #43 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Highlands Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highlands Elem School has a composite rating of 9.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Highlands Elem School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highlands Elem School has 67.0% math proficiency and 69.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Highlands Elem School a charter school?

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

Is Highlands Elem School a Title I school?

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

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
21 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable
County Safety
Low (42/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
563
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Cook County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

LaGrange Highlands SD 106
District Enrollment
996
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,035
District Rank
#1 of 2

Other Schools in This District

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.