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Average

#931 of 2,463 schools in NJ

Top 38% in state

Hightstown High School

High School · East Windsor Regional School District

25 LESHIN LANE, Hightstown, NJ 08520

Enrollment

1,633

Student-Teacher

12.3:1

Score

6.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Hightstown

#1 of 3

public schools

New Jersey high schools

#162 of 422

In district

#1 of 6

East Windsor Regional School District

Academic growth

8.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Hightstown High School

Hightstown High School serves 1,633 students in grades 9-12 in this Mercer County community, offering a substantial high school experience with 133 full-time equivalent teachers and a manageable 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. The school provides educational opportunities for teenagers in a large suburban setting, though academic performance indicates significant room for growth. Current test results show 42% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts, while mathematics presents a particular area of focus with 15% of students meeting proficiency standards.

The school ranks in the 22nd percentile among New Jersey high schools, suggesting ongoing efforts to strengthen academic outcomes for its diverse student body. Despite academic challenges, Hightstown High School operates within a community that values education, as evidenced by the 48% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The surrounding area reflects economic stability with a median household income of $115,931 and a low poverty rate of 5.2%, creating a supportive environment for student development.

The school's substantial enrollment allows for comprehensive programming typical of larger high schools, while the reasonable class sizes provide opportunities for more individualized attention. Hightstown High School sits in a well-established suburban community where median home values of $339,600 reflect the area's desirability and commitment to maintaining quality neighborhood schools.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Hightstown High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+0.7 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics4.2Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15%
Reading/ELA Proficiency42%
Math vs. State Avg-26.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.2 pts
Overall Proficiency29%
Expected (poverty-adj.)40%
vs. Expected-11.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
College Readiness7.9Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation21.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.4Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$24,022

Hightstown High School — Students at Hightstown High School score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NJ NJSLA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 27.6%
School
State
55.2%
ELA Proficiency 53.1%
School
State
58.2%

Based on 9 test records from NJ state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
25%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
14%
ELA
53%
2022
Math
15%
ELA
42%
2024
Math
41.9%
ELA
55.4%

* 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: 8.8/10.

How Hightstown High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.9/10
62th percentile in NJ
Academic
4.2/10
4.2/10
Growth
8.8/10
Above average
Environment
6.4/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
133 teachers

Location

25 LESHIN LANE, Hightstown, NJ 08520

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Hightstown High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Oak Tree Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Monroe Township), which scores notably higher. Another option is Village Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 3.7 miles away, in nearby West Windsor), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, PEDDIE SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Hightstown, see our Hightstown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
PEDDIE SCHOOL Hightstown 0.5 mi 7.6
Walter C. Black Elementary School Hightstown 0.6 mi 6.7
Grace N. Rogers Elementary School Hightstown 0.7 mi 4.3
SCICORE ACADEMY Highstown 0.9 mi 5.9
SCICORE ACADEMY Hightstown 0.9 mi 6.8
LEARNING EXPERIENCE- THE East Windsor 1.0 mi
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School East Windsor 1.9 mi 5.9
Ethel McKnight Elementary School East Windsor 2.2 mi 6.7
KIDS KOTTAGE LEARNING CENTER East Windsor 2.3 mi
Perry L. Drew Elementary School East Windsor 2.4 mi 6.0
Cranbury School Cranbury 3.6 mi 7.5
CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF THE WINDSORS West Windsor 3.2 mi 6.7
MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL ACADEMY Cranbury 4.0 mi
Thomas R Grover Middle School West Windsor 3.4 mi 6.6
Sharon School Robbinsville 4.1 mi 5.1
Oak Tree Elementary School Monroe Township 3.8 mi 8.1
Applegarth Elementary School Monroe Twp 3.9 mi 6.8
Village Elementary School West Windsor 3.7 mi 7.7
Roosevelt Public School Roosevelt 4.2 mi 4.4
KINDERCARE Princeton Junction 4.2 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 08520 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$116,282

Median Home Value

$361,800

Median Rent

$1,556/mo

Population

29,321

College Educated

45.8%

Homeownership

69.2%

Avg Commute

28.5 min

Poverty Rate

5.5%

Median Age

40.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Hightstown High School has a median household income of $116,282. It is a well-educated community where 46% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $361,800, with a median rent of $1,556/month. The local poverty rate of 5.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 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
Cherokee High School Marlton, NJ 7.0
Columbia High School Maplewood, NJ 7.0
Mainland Regional High School Linwood, NJ 6.8
Somerville High School Somerville, NJ 6.8
Teaneck High School Teaneck, NJ 6.8
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North Plainsboro, NJ 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hightstown High School

What grades does Hightstown High School serve?

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

How many students attend Hightstown High School?

Hightstown High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,633 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Hightstown High School is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Hightstown High School rank in NJ?

Hightstown High School is ranked #931 out of 2,463 schools in NJ.

What is Hightstown High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Hightstown High School has a composite rating of 6.9 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 Hightstown High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Hightstown High School has 27.6% math proficiency and 53.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Hightstown High School a charter school?

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

Is Hightstown High School a Title I school?

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

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

40.9% of students at Hightstown 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
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (754/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hightstown). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,633
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
133
Free/Reduced Lunch
40.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Mercer County
Data Year
2023–2024

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

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