Average
#760 of 1,850 schools in VA
Top 41% in state
Highland High
High School · Highland County Public Schools
PO Box 430, Monterey, VA 24465
Enrollment
100
Student-Teacher
6.2:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
100
Student-Teacher
6.2:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Monterey
#1 of 2
public schools
Virginia high schools
#163 of 323
In district
#1 of 2
Highland County Public Schools
School environment
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Highland High
Highland High serves 100 students in grades 6 through 12 in Monterey, Virginia, offering an exceptionally intimate learning environment with a remarkable 6.2:1 student-teacher ratio. With 16 full-time equivalent teachers, this regular public school provides personalized attention that's rare in today's educational landscape. The school has earned recognition for its academic performance, achieving a 7.3 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #146 out of 1,856 Virginia schools, placing it in the impressive 92nd percentile statewide.
This strong performance reflects the benefits of small class sizes and dedicated faculty who can focus closely on each student's individual needs and progress. Highland High operates within Highland County's close-knit community, where the median household income is $59,500 and median home values reach $185,500. About 35% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, creating an environment that values education, while the 13.9% poverty rate indicates some economic challenges that the school works to address.
The school sits in a remote rural setting that defines much of Highland County's character, where students experience education in one of Virginia's most scenic and peaceful environments, far from urban distractions and close to the natural beauty that makes this mountain region distinctive.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 100 students, Highland High 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 6.2:1, Highland High offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, Highland High 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 High — Students at Highland High score 100% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from VA 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: 3.6/10.
How Highland High Compares
See how Highland High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 82% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 95% (2019) to 100% (2025).
Location
PO Box 430, Monterey, VA 24465
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pocahontas County High School (rated 8.6/10, 20.8 miles away, in nearby Dunmore), which scores notably higher. Another option is Buffalo Gap High (rated 6.9/10, 24.5 miles away, in nearby Swoope), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Bath County High (rated 6.8/10, 28.3 miles away, in nearby Hot Springs), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Monterey, see our Monterey schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 31.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Elementary Monterey | 0.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Green Bank Elementary-Middle School Green Bank | 13.4 mi | 5.4 |
| North Fork Elementary School Circleville | 19.0 mi | 9.5 |
| Franklin Elementary School Franklin | 21.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Pendleton County Middle/High School Franklin | 21.8 mi | 4.0 |
| Pocahontas County High School Dunmore | 20.8 mi | 8.6 |
| Craigsville Elementary Craigsville | 24.9 mi | 3.3 |
| Brandywine Elementary School Brandywine | 23.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Buffalo Gap High Swoope | 24.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Millboro Elementary Millboro | 29.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Bath County High Hot Springs | 28.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Churchville Elementary Churchville | 26.1 mi | 3.5 |
| Tygarts Valley Middle/High School Mill Creek | 30.6 mi | 4.7 |
| George Ward Elementary School Mill Creek | 30.7 mi | 3.7 |
| Valley Elementary Hot Springs | 33.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Beverly Elementary School Beverly | 34.0 mi | 4.4 |
| TYGART VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Beverly | 34.1 mi | 3.1 |
| Beverley Manor Middle Staunton | 30.6 mi | 3.4 |
| Arthur R. Ware Elementary Staunton | 31.1 mi | 7.3 |
| Shelburne Middle Staunton | 31.2 mi | 8.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24465 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,500
Median Home Value
$209,300
Median Rent
$863/mo
Population
1,287
College Educated
41%
Homeownership
82.8%
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Median Age
57.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highland High has a median household income of $65,500. It is a well-educated community where 41% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $209,300, with a median rent of $863/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.6%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Council High Honaker, VA | 6.9 |
| COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL Roanoke, VA | 7.2 |
| MASSANUTTEN MILITARY ACADEMY Woodstock, VA | 6.3 |
| THE NEW SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA Fairfax, VA | 7.3 |
| York River Academy Yorktown, VA | 6.3 |
| FISHBURNE MILITARY SCHOOL Waynesboro, VA | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland High
What grades does Highland High serve?
Highland High serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Highland High?
Highland High has an enrollment of approximately 100 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland High?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland High is 6.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland High rank in VA?
Highland High is ranked #760 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Highland High's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland High has a composite rating of 6.8 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 High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highland High has 75.9% math proficiency and 83.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highland High a charter school?
No, Highland High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland High a Title I school?
No, Highland High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland High?
45.0% of students at Highland 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 100
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 6.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Highland County
- Phone
- (540) 468-6320
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Highland County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 212
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $23,185
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
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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