Average
#2111 of 2,846 schools in PA
Highlands MS
Middle School · Highlands SD
1350 Broadview Boulevard, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Enrollment
596
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
5.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
596
Student-Teacher
11.5:1
Score
5.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,111 of 2,846
In Natrona Heights
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#2 of 4
Highlands SD
Shortlisting around Highlands MS?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
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Highlands MS
Middle School in Natrona Heights · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Highlands Shs
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Joseph High School
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Highlands MS
Highlands MS is a public middle school in Natrona Heights, PA, part of Highlands SD. Highlands MS serves approximately 596 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 11.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Highlands MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,111 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Highlands MS show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.0 · Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
33% of students at Highlands MS 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highlands MS — Students at Highlands MS score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 38 test records from PA 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: 3.7/10.
How Highlands MS Compares
See how Highlands MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1350 Broadview Boulevard, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highlands MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Freeport Area MS (rated 7.8/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Freeport), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Charles A Huston MS (rated 3.7/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Lower Burrell), a more accessible option. For more schools in Natrona Heights, see our Natrona Heights schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands SHS Natrona Heights | 0.3 mi | 6.2 |
| ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Natrona Heights | 0.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Highlands Early Childhood Center Brackenridge | 0.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Highlands El Sch Tarentum | 1.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Stewart El Sch Lower Burrell | 1.9 mi | 5.0 |
| MARY QUEEN OF APOSTLES SCHOOL New Kensington | 2.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Bon Air El Sch Lower Burrell | 2.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Burrell HS Lower Burrell | 2.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Charles A Huston MS Lower Burrell | 3.0 mi | 3.7 |
| Roy A. Hunt El Sch Arnold | 3.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Berkey Sch Arnold | 3.2 mi | 6.5 |
| Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center New Kensington | 3.6 mi | — |
| Valley JSHS New Kensington | 3.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Martin Sch New Kensington | 3.8 mi | 2.3 |
| Springdale JSHS Springdale | 5.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Freeport Area SHS Freeport | 5.9 mi | 8.3 |
| Freeport Area MS Freeport | 6.1 mi | 7.8 |
| South Buffalo El Sch Freeport | 6.8 mi | 8.1 |
| Buffalo El Sch Freeport | 7.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Acmetonia El Sch Cheswick | 6.6 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15065 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,838
Median Home Value
$147,200
Median Rent
$770/mo
Population
10,927
College Educated
27.6%
Homeownership
77.6%
Avg Commute
23.8 min
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
49.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boyertown Area MS-West Boyertown, PA | 5.0 |
| Lincoln MS Lancaster, PA | 5.0 |
| Log College MS Warminster, PA | 5.0 |
| Pocono Mountain West JHS Pocono Summit, PA | 5.0 |
| Tyrone Area MS Tyrone, PA | 5.0 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg, PA | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highlands MS
What grades does Highlands MS serve?
Highlands MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Highlands MS?
Highlands MS has an enrollment of approximately 596 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highlands MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Highlands MS is 11.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highlands MS rank in PA?
Highlands MS ranks #2,111 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Highlands MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Highlands MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 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 Highlands MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Highlands MS has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Highlands MS a charter school?
No, Highlands MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highlands MS a Title I school?
No, Highlands MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highlands MS?
100.0% of students at Highlands MS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 596
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Allegheny County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.9%
- Phone
- (724) 226-0600
Resources & Links
District
Highlands SD- District Enrollment
- 2,137
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,691
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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