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Average

#1211 of 2,105 schools in WI

Highland Community Elementary

Elementary School · Highland School District

1030 Cardinal Dr, Highland, WI 53543

Enrollment

114

Student-Teacher

11.4:1

Score

6.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Wisconsin schools

#1,211 of 2,105

In Highland

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Highland School District

School environment

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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Highland Community Elementary

6.1/10

Elementary School in Highland · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Highland Community High

5.8/10

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

Highland Community Middle

5.9/10

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

About Highland Community Elementary

Highland Community Elementary is a public elementary school in Highland, WI, part of Highland School District. Highland Community Elementary serves approximately 114 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 11.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Community Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,211 of 2,105 schools in WI.

Structured state assessment records for Highland Community Elementary show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below WI schools
  • This school 6.1 · Average
  • WI avg 6.8

What Parents Should Know

At 114 students, Highland Community Elementary 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.

Highland Community Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency41% (2025 FORWARD)
Reading/ELA Proficiency46.4% (2025 FORWARD)
Math vs. State Avg-13.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-4.8 pts
Overall Proficiency44% (2025 FORWARD, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2025 FORWARD)
vs. Expected-4.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
Resources & Environment9.6Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,712
Chronic Absenteeism10.5%

Highland Community Elementary — Students at Highland Community Elementary score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

41.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 45.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 FORWARD)
ELA Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
50.9% (2025 FORWARD)

Based on 34 test records from WI state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
74.5%
ELA
74.5%
2010
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
44.5%
ELA
24.5%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
47%
2013
Math
52%
ELA
37%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2022
Math
30%
ELA
30%
2025
Math
41%
ELA
46.4%

* 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: 4.9/10.

How Highland Community Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
6.1/10
43th percentile in WI
Academic
5.7/10
Average
Growth
4.9/10
Below Average
Environment
9.6/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
10.5%

Programs & Offerings

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

1030 Cardinal Dr, Highland, WI 53543

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland Community Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Mineral Point Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 16.6 miles away, in nearby Mineral Point), which scores notably higher. Another option is Riverdale Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 10.2 miles away, in nearby Muscoda), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dodgeville Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Dodgeville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Highland, see our Highland schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Community High Highland 0.0 mi 5.8
Highland Community Middle Highland 0.0 mi 5.9
Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle Livingston 8.4 mi 8.3
Iowa-Grant High Livingston 8.5 mi 4.7
Riverdale Elementary Muscoda 10.2 mi 8.6
Riverdale Academy Muscoda 10.2 mi
Riverdale Junior High Muscoda 10.2 mi 6.8
Riverdale High Muscoda 10.2 mi 4.7
MUSCODA CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Muscoda 9.9 mi 4.4
Dodgeville Middle Dodgeville 13.0 mi 6.6
Dodgeville High Dodgeville 13.3 mi 5.8
Dodgeville Elementary Dodgeville 13.3 mi 8.4
EAGLE SCHOOLS Richland Center 18.0 mi 8.0
Mineral Point High Mineral Point 15.9 mi 7.4
Mineral Point Middle Mineral Point 15.9 mi 8.0
Richland Center Intermediate School Richland Center 18.3 mi 5.6
Richland Center Primary School Richland Center 18.3 mi 3.6
Mineral Point Elementary Mineral Point 16.6 mi 8.8
Fennimore High Fennimore 14.5 mi 5.7
Fennimore Middle Fennimore 14.5 mi 8.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 53543 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$82,639

Median Home Value

$198,900

Median Rent

$659/mo

Population

1,787

College Educated

17.5%

Homeownership

84.4%

Avg Commute

25.5 min

Poverty Rate

11.1%

Median Age

43.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Birchwood Elementary Birchwood, WI 6.1
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SCHOOL La Crosse, WI 6.1
GOOD SHEPHERDS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Milwaukee, WI 6.1
Gilman Elementary Gilman, WI 6.1
Nelson Elementary Grantsburg, WI 6.1
ST CLEMENT SCHOOL Lancaster, WI 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland Community Elementary

What grades does Highland Community Elementary serve?

Highland Community Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Highland Community Elementary?

Highland Community Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 114 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Community Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Highland Community Elementary is 11.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland Community Elementary rank in WI?

Highland Community Elementary ranks #1,211 of 2,105 schools in WI.

What is Highland Community Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland Community Elementary 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 Community Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Community Elementary has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Highland Community Elementary a charter school?

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

Is Highland Community Elementary a Title I school?

No, Highland Community Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Community Elementary?

41.2% of students at Highland Community Elementary 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
114
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Iowa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
10.5%

District

Highland School District
District Enrollment
268
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,712
District Rank
#1 of 3

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