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Average

#944 of 2,228 schools in WA

Top 42% in state

Highland High School

High School · Highland School District

PO Box 38, Cowiche, WA 98923

Enrollment

364

Student-Teacher

21.4:1

Score

6.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#944 of 2,228

In Cowiche

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#2 of 4

Highland School District

Equity

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Highland High School

6.7/10

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

Highland Middle School

6.1/10

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

Marcus Whitman-cowiche Elementary

4.0/10

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

About Highland High School

Highland High School is a public high school in Cowiche, WA, part of Highland School District. Highland High School serves approximately 364 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #944 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Highland High School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts above WA schools
  • This school 6.7 · Average
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Highland High School runs 21.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Highland High School 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 Progress6.8Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.36 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.5Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26.4% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency72.5% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-5.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+11.3 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected+20.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile77th
College Readiness6.8Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,399
Chronic Absenteeism28.3%

Highland High School — Students at Highland High School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 72.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
27%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
62%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
62%
2022
ELA
77%
2024
Math
26.4%
ELA
72.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.8/10.

How Highland High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.7/10
58th percentile in WA
Academic
8.5/10
Excellent
Growth
6.8/10
Average
Environment
4.1/10
Below Average
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
77%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
28.3%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics5sports offered
2 boys'·3 girls'·12 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 38, Cowiche, WA 98923

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Naches Valley High School (rated 6.7/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Naches), with a very similar rating. Another option is WEST VALLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMY 9-12 (rated 4.8/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Yakima), a more accessible option. Additionally, West Valley Innovation Center (rated 4.3/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Yakima), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cowiche, see our Cowiche schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Middle School Cowiche 0.0 mi 6.1
Marcus Whitman-Cowiche Elementary Cowiche 1.4 mi 4.0
Naches Valley Elementary School Naches 3.6 mi 5.9
Tieton Elementary School Tieton 3.0 mi 8.0
Naches Valley Middle School Naches 3.8 mi 5.9
Naches Valley High School Naches 4.3 mi 6.7
Mountainview Elementary Yakima 5.9 mi 8.7
Apple Valley Elementary Yakima 6.8 mi 9.0
Cottonwood Elementary School Yakima 7.1 mi 8.6
West Valley High School Yakima 7.8 mi 3.8
West Valley Open Doors Yakima 7.8 mi
West Valley Virtual University Yakima 7.8 mi
WEST VALLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMY 9-12 Yakima 7.9 mi 4.8
WEST VALLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMY 7-8 Yakima 7.9 mi
WEST VALLEY VIRTUAL ACADEMY K-6 Yakima 7.9 mi
West Valley Innovation Center Yakima 7.9 mi 4.3
Wide Hollow Elementary Yakima 7.9 mi 6.2
Ahtanum Valley Elementary Yakima 9.1 mi 8.6
West Valley Preschool Yakima 9.1 mi 5.7
Summitview Elementary Yakima 7.8 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98923 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$45,409

Median Home Value

$228,300

Median Rent

$892/mo

Population

1,027

College Educated

32%

Homeownership

49.1%

Poverty Rate

11.2%

Median Age

56.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Naches Valley High School Naches, WA 6.7
Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School Vancouver, WA 6.8
O'DEA HIGH SCHOOL Seattle, WA 6.8
Asotin Jr Sr High Asotin, WA 6.9
Brewster High School Brewster, WA 6.5
Bridgeport High School Bridgeport, WA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland High School

What grades does Highland High School serve?

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

How many students attend Highland High School?

Highland High School has an enrollment of approximately 364 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Highland High School is 21.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland High School rank in WA?

Highland High School ranks #944 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Highland High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland High School has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Highland High School a charter school?

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

Is Highland High School a Title I school?

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

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

76.6% of students at Highland 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
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Yakima County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
28.3%

District

Highland School District
District Enrollment
1,092
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,399
District Rank
#2 of 4

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