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Very Good

#409 of 1,851 schools in VA

Top 22% in state

Highland High

High School · Highland County Public Schools

PO Box 430, Monterey, VA 24465

Enrollment

100

Student-Teacher

6.2:1

Score

7.8

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#409 of 1,851

In Monterey

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Highland County Public Schools

School environment

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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Highland High

7.8/10

High School in Monterey · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Highland Elementary

8.5/10

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

Green Bank Elementary-middle School

8.1/10

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

About Highland High

Highland High is a public high school in Monterey, VA, part of Highland County Public Schools. Highland High serves approximately 100 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 6.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #409 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Highland High show 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts above VA schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • VA avg 6.9

What Parents Should Know

At 100 students, Highland High 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.

At 6.2:1 students to teachers, Highland High sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Highland High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.02 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics7.2Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency80% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency79% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg+4.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.3 pts
Overall Proficiency80% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)78% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected+1.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile58th
College Readiness5.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate80%+
AP Participation12%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio6.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$23,185
Chronic Absenteeism28%

Highland High — Students at Highland High score 80% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 78%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

45%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
66.4% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 83.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.8% (2025 SOL)

Based on 33 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
92%
ELA
97.5%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
47%
ELA
64.5%
2014
Math
82%
ELA
72%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2017
ELA
95%
2018
Math
82%
ELA
95%
2019
Math
82%
ELA
95%
2020*
Math
64.5%
ELA
95%
2021*
Math
64.5%
ELA
95%
2025
Math
72.3%
ELA
71.8%

* 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: 9.3/10.

How Highland High Compares

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

Overall Score
7.8/10
78th percentile in VA
Academic
7.2/10
Very Good
Growth
9.3/10
Excellent
Environment
9.6/10
Excellent
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.9
Sports
5
2 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
6:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
28.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
12% participation·State avg: 2.9 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics5sports offered
2 boys'·3 girls'·6 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 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

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 7.6/10, 20.8 miles away, in nearby Dunmore), with a very similar rating. Another option is Bath County High (rated 7.6/10, 28.3 miles away, in nearby Hot Springs), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Buffalo Gap High (rated 7.2/10, 24.5 miles away, in nearby Swoope), with a comparable 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 8.5
Green Bank Elementary-Middle School Green Bank 13.4 mi 8.1
North Fork Elementary School Circleville 19.0 mi 4.0
Franklin Elementary School Franklin 21.3 mi 8.4
Pendleton County Middle/High School Franklin 21.8 mi 5.8
Pocahontas County High School Dunmore 20.8 mi 7.6
Craigsville Elementary Craigsville 24.9 mi 2.5
Brandywine Elementary School Brandywine 23.7 mi 6.2
Buffalo Gap High Swoope 24.5 mi 7.2
Millboro Elementary Millboro 29.7 mi 7.7
Bath County High Hot Springs 28.3 mi 7.6
Churchville Elementary Churchville 26.1 mi 5.5
Tygarts Valley Middle/High School Mill Creek 30.6 mi 5.0
George Ward Elementary School Mill Creek 30.7 mi 6.0
Valley Elementary Hot Springs 33.5 mi 5.9
Beverly Elementary School Beverly 34.0 mi 3.4
TYGART VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Beverly 34.1 mi 3.1
Beverley Manor Middle Staunton 30.6 mi 5.4
Arthur R. Ware Elementary Staunton 31.1 mi 7.8
Shelburne Middle Staunton 31.2 mi 6.1

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
York River Academy Yorktown, VA 7.9
FISHBURNE MILITARY SCHOOL Waynesboro, VA 8.0
LOUDOUN SCHOOL FOR THE ADVANCED STUDIES Ashburn, VA 8.0
ST MARGARET'S SCHOOL Tappahannock, VA 8.0
Council High Honaker, VA 7.5
OAK HILL ACADEMY Mouth Of Wilson, VA 8.2

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 ranks #409 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Highland High's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland High has 70% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
19 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
28.0%
4-Year Graduation
80%+

District

Highland County Public Schools
District Enrollment
212
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$23,185
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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