Average
#1232 of 2,228 schools in WA
Highland Middle School
Middle School · Highland School District
PO Box 38, Cowiche, WA 98923
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Washington schools
#1,232 of 2,228
In Cowiche
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 4
Highland School District
Academic growth
7.6 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Highland Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Highland Middle School
Middle School in Cowiche · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Highland High School
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Marcus Whitman-cowiche Elementary
1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Highland Middle School
Highland Middle School is a public middle school in Cowiche, WA, part of Highland School District. Highland Middle School serves approximately 253 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,232 of 2,228 schools in WA.
Structured state assessment records for Highland Middle School show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- WA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Highland Middle School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
Highland Middle 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highland Middle School — Students at Highland Middle School score 21% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
86.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 34 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.6/10.
How Highland Middle School Compares
See how Highland Middle School 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
PO Box 38, Cowiche, WA 98923
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Apple Valley Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Yakima), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mountainview Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby Yakima), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Cottonwood Elementary School (rated 8.6/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Yakima), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Cowiche, see our Cowiche schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Highland High School Cowiche | 0.0 mi | 6.7 |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Hidden River Middle School Snohomish, WA | 6.1 |
| South Whidbey Middle Langley, WA | 6.1 |
| Robert L Olds Junior High School Connell, WA | 6.0 |
| Royal Middle School Royal City, WA | 6.0 |
| Pioneer Middle School Shelton, WA | 6.2 |
| Wayne M Henkle Middle School White Salmon, WA | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland Middle School
What grades does Highland Middle School serve?
Highland Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Highland Middle School?
Highland Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 253 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland Middle School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland Middle School rank in WA?
Highland Middle School ranks #1,232 of 2,228 schools in WA.
What is Highland Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Middle School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Middle School has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Highland Middle School a charter school?
No, Highland Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland Middle School a Title I school?
No, Highland Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Middle School?
86.2% of students at Highland Middle 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 253
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 14
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 86.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Yakima County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 24.5%
- Phone
- (509) 678-8870
Resources & Links
District
Highland School District- District Enrollment
- 1,092
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,399
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.