Below Average
#1129 of 1,293 schools in KS
Highland Elem
Elementary School · Columbus
319 N High School St, Columbus, KS 66725
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
4.6
Grades
2nd – 3rd
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
4.6
Grades
2nd – 3rd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Columbus
#4 of 4
public schools
Kansas elementary schools
#637 of 711
In district
#4 of 4
Columbus
Academic performance
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Highland Elem
Highland Elem is a small, rural elementary school located in Columbus, Kansas. Serving students in second and third grade, the school has an enrollment of 136 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13.6:1, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention from ten full-time teachers. The academic performance at Highland Elem shows room for growth, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and a state ranking of #812 out of 1298 schools in Kansas (38th percentile).
In terms of test scores, 48% of students are proficient or above in math, while 33% demonstrate proficiency in ELA/Reading. Despite the current academic standing, Highland Elem focuses on nurturing young learners and fostering a supportive educational environment. The school's rural setting offers a close-knit community where teachers and parents work together to support each student’s development.
Highland Elem is situated in a peaceful rural area near Columbus, providing a tranquil backdrop for learning and growth.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 136 students, Highland Elem is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Highland Elem may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Highland Elem — Students at Highland Elem score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 26%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
65.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores KS EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from KS state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 1.7/10.
How Highland Elem Compares
See how Highland Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 44.5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 47% (2019) to 24.5% (2022).
Location
319 N High School St, Columbus, KS 66725
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland Elem may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Southeast Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Weir), which scores notably higher. Another option is Central Elem (rated 8.9/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Baxter Springs), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Riverton Elem (rated 7.2/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Riverton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Junior High and High School Columbus | 0.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Central Elem Columbus | 0.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Park Elem Columbus | 1.0 mi | 4.7 |
| Southeast Elementary School Weir | 10.0 mi | 9.2 |
| Southeast High Cherokee | 11.6 mi | 3.5 |
| Southeast Middle School Cherokee | 12.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Riverton Middle Riverton | 10.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Riverton High Riverton | 10.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Riverton Elem Riverton | 10.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Baxter Springs High Baxter Springs | 11.4 mi | 6.9 |
| USD 508 eAcademy Baxter Springs | 11.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Lincoln Elem Baxter Springs | 11.9 mi | 5.9 |
| Central Elem Baxter Springs | 12.3 mi | 8.9 |
| QUAPAW ES Quapaw | 15.1 mi | 2.9 |
| QUAPAW HS Quapaw | 15.2 mi | 7.6 |
| QUAPAW MS Quapaw | 15.2 mi | 6.4 |
| ALEXANDER ES Commerce | 16.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Liberty Elem Galena | 13.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Galena High Galena | 13.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Galena Middle School Galena | 13.8 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 66725 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,292
Median Home Value
$106,800
Median Rent
$796/mo
Population
5,102
College Educated
26.7%
Homeownership
71%
Avg Commute
21.3 min
Poverty Rate
15%
Median Age
44.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highland Elem has a median household income of $52,292. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $106,800, with a median rent of $796/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.0%. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Quinter Elem Quinter, KS | 4.6 |
| BETHANY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Overland Park, KS | 4.5 |
| Noble Prentis Elem Kansas City, KS | 4.5 |
| Burlingame Elementary Burlingame, KS | 4.4 |
| HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL Paola, KS | 4.4 |
| McCormick Elementary Olsburg, KS | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland Elem
What grades does Highland Elem serve?
Highland Elem serves students in grades 2nd through 3rd.
How many students attend Highland Elem?
Highland Elem has an enrollment of approximately 136 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Elem?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland Elem is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland Elem rank in KS?
Highland Elem is ranked #1129 out of 1,293 schools in KS.
What is Highland Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Elem has a composite rating of 4.6 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 Highland Elem?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highland Elem has 47.8% math proficiency and 32.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highland Elem a charter school?
No, Highland Elem is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland Elem a Title I school?
No, Highland Elem is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Elem?
65.4% of students at Highland Elem qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,031/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 2nd – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 136
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 65.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Cherokee County
- Phone
- (620) 429-3032
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Columbus- District Enrollment
- 990
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,603
- District Rank
- #4 of 4
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 methodologyRelated reading
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