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Needs Improvement

#1242 of 1,294 schools in KS

Highland Park High

High School · Topeka Public Schools

2424 SE California Ave, Topeka, KS 66605

Enrollment

836

Student-Teacher

15.8:1

Score

3.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#1,242 of 1,294

In Topeka

#41 of 41

public schools

In district

#25 of 25

Topeka Public Schools

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Highland Park High

3.6/10

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

Highland Park Central

6.2/10

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

St Matthew Catholic School

6.9/10

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

About Highland Park High

Highland Park High is a public high school in Topeka, KS, part of Topeka Public Schools. Highland Park High serves approximately 836 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Park High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,242 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for Highland Park High show 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.6
  • KS avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

45% of students at Highland Park High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.9Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.09 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.1Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency3.9% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency17.1% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency10% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected-14.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile5th
College Readiness3.3Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate83%
AP Participation10%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,935
Chronic Absenteeism45.2%

Highland Park High — Students at Highland Park High score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

87.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 20.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 27.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 30 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2010
Math
52%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2015
Math
6%
ELA
9%
2016
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2017
Math
9%
ELA
9%
2018
Math
9%
ELA
15%
2019
Math
9%
ELA
15%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2022
Math
2%
ELA
7.5%
2025
Math
3.9%
ELA
17.1%

* 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: 5.9/10.

How Highland Park High Compares

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

Overall Score
3.6/10
4th percentile in KS
Academic
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.9/10
Average
Environment
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.4
Sports
18
9 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
88%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
53 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
45.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
10% participation·State avg: 2.4 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics18sports offered
9 boys'·9 girls'·24 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

2424 SE California Ave, Topeka, KS 66605

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland Park High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Jardine Elementary (rated 7.8/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is State Street Elem (rated 7.7/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Scott Dual Language Magnet (rated 7.6/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Topeka, see our Topeka schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Park Central Topeka 0.7 mi 6.2
ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka 0.9 mi 6.9
Eisenhower Middle School Topeka 1.2 mi 4.0
Ross Elementary Topeka 1.3 mi 5.6
Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka 1.7 mi 7.6
Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School Topeka 1.8 mi 6.5
Chase Middle School Topeka 2.6 mi 5.6
State Street Elem Topeka 2.7 mi 7.7
Avondale Academy Topeka 2.5 mi
Topeka High Topeka 2.6 mi 4.9
Robinson Middle School Topeka 2.5 mi 6.4
Shawnee Heights Elem Topeka 2.5 mi 6.8
MATER DEI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Topeka 2.8 mi 7.4
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka 3.0 mi 5.9
CAIR PARAVEL LATIN SCHOOL Topeka 3.0 mi 5.9
Meadows Elementary Topeka 3.2 mi 7.4
Quincy Elem Topeka 3.6 mi 7.3
Lowman Hill Elem Topeka 3.1 mi 7.5
Jardine Elementary Topeka 3.3 mi 7.8
Jardine Middle School Topeka 3.3 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 66605 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$57,623

Median Home Value

$157,200

Median Rent

$856/mo

Population

20,592

College Educated

20%

Homeownership

69%

Avg Commute

20.1 min

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

37.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Newton Sr High Newton, KS 3.6
Rose Hill High Rose Hill, KS 3.6
Insight School of Kansas Spring Hill, KS 3.7
Turner High Kansas City, KS 3.7
Tonganoxie High Tonganoxie, KS 3.8
Winfield High Winfield, KS 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland Park High

What grades does Highland Park High serve?

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

How many students attend Highland Park High?

Highland Park High has an enrollment of approximately 836 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Highland Park High is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland Park High rank in KS?

Highland Park High ranks #1,242 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is Highland Park High's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland Park High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 Park High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Park High has 20% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Highland Park High a charter school?

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

Is Highland Park High a Title I school?

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

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

87.6% of students at Highland Park 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
60 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
51 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
836
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
53
Free/Reduced Lunch
87.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Shawnee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
45.2%
4-Year Graduation
83.0%

District

Topeka Public Schools
District Enrollment
12,601
Schools in District
27
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,935
District Rank
#25 of 25

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