Average
#738 of 1,294 schools in KS
Highland Elem
Elementary School · Columbus
319 N High School St, Columbus, KS 66725
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
6.1
Grades
2nd – 3rd
Enrollment
136
Student-Teacher
13.6:1
Score
6.1
Grades
2nd – 3rd
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Kansas schools
#738 of 1,294
In Columbus
#3 of 4
public schools
In district
#3 of 4
Columbus
School environment
7.6 / 10
Very Good
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Highland Elem
Elementary School in Columbus · grades 2nd – 3rd. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Columbus Junior High and High School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Central Elem
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Highland Elem
Highland Elem is a public elementary school in Columbus, KS, part of Columbus. Highland Elem serves approximately 136 students, and covers grades 2nd-3rd, and has a 13.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #738 of 1,294 schools in KS.
Structured state assessment records for Highland Elem show 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- District avg 5.8
- KS avg 6.9
What Parents Should Know
At 136 students, Highland Elem 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 Elem 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highland Elem — Students at Highland Elem score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
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 26 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: 5.7/10.
How Highland Elem Compares
See how Highland Elem performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
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. Central Elem (rated 9.1/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Baxter Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southeast Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Weir), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Liberty Elem (rated 7.7/10, 13.8 miles away, in nearby Galena), 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 | 6.2 |
| Central Elem Columbus | 0.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Park Elem Columbus | 1.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Southeast Elementary School Weir | 10.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Southeast High Cherokee | 11.6 mi | 4.0 |
| Southeast Middle School Cherokee | 12.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Riverton Middle Riverton | 10.6 mi | 5.3 |
| Riverton High Riverton | 10.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Riverton Elem Riverton | 10.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Baxter Springs High Baxter Springs | 11.4 mi | 7.7 |
| USD 508 eAcademy Baxter Springs | 11.4 mi | 1.9 |
| Lincoln Elem Baxter Springs | 11.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Central Elem Baxter Springs | 12.3 mi | 9.1 |
| QUAPAW ES Quapaw | 15.1 mi | 5.1 |
| QUAPAW HS Quapaw | 15.2 mi | 7.2 |
| QUAPAW MS Quapaw | 15.2 mi | 5.4 |
| ALEXANDER ES Commerce | 16.2 mi | 6.6 |
| Liberty Elem Galena | 13.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Galena High Galena | 13.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Galena Middle School Galena | 13.8 mi | 7.2 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Logan Elem Logan, KS | 6.1 |
| Roosevelt Elementary Hoisington, KS | 6.1 |
| ST GREGORY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Marysville, KS | 6.1 |
| Udall Elem Udall, KS | 6.1 |
| White City Elem White City, KS | 6.1 |
| Canton-Galva Elementary Galva, KS | 6.0 |
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 ranks #738 of 1,294 schools in KS.
What is Highland Elem's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Elem has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Elem?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Elem has 59% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.7%
- Phone
- (620) 429-3032
Resources & Links
District
Columbus- District Enrollment
- 990
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,603
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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