Skip to main content

Very Good

#805 of 2,105 schools in WI

Top 38% in state

Highland Community School

Elementary School · Milwaukee School District

1706 W Highland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Charter

Enrollment

414

Student-Teacher

18:1

Score

7.2

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Wisconsin schools

#805 of 2,105

In Milwaukee

#13 of 176

public schools

In district

#7 of 154

Milwaukee School District

Academic growth

7.6 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Highland Community 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 Community School

7.2/10

Elementary School in Milwaukee · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Milwaukee Academy of Science

4.2/10

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

Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning

2.5/10

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

About Highland Community School

Highland Community School is a public elementary school in Milwaukee, WI, part of Milwaukee School District. Highland Community School serves approximately 414 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 18:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland Community School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #805 of 2,105 schools in WI.

Structured state assessment records for Highland Community School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.4 pts above district
  • This school 7.2 · Very Good
  • District avg 4.8
  • WI avg 6.8

What Parents Should Know

Highland Community School is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.6Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.6Very Good30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency46.2% (2025 FORWARD)
Reading/ELA Proficiency63.7% (2025 FORWARD)
Math vs. State Avg-8.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+12.5 pts
Overall Proficiency55% (2025 FORWARD, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 FORWARD)
vs. Expected+8.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile64th
Resources & Environment5.4Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,815
Chronic Absenteeism13.5%

Highland Community School — Students at Highland Community School score 55% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 FORWARD)
ELA Proficiency 47.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
51.9% (2025 FORWARD)

Based on 40 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
84.5%
2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2011
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
22%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
27%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
22.6%
ELA
41.8%
2025
Math
46.2%
ELA
63.7%

* 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: 7.6/10.

How Highland Community School Compares

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

Overall Score
7.2/10
62th percentile in WI
Academic
7.6/10
Very Good
Growth
7.6/10
Very Good
Environment
5.4/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
23 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
13.5%

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

1706 W Highland Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland Community School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Milwaukee College Preparatory School -- Lloyd Street (rated 7.0/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Milwaukee College Preparatory School: Lola Rowe North Campus (rated 7.0/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, MESSMER ST ROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Milwaukee, see our Milwaukee schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Milwaukee Academy of Science Milwaukee 0.3 mi 4.2
Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning Milwaukee 0.4 mi 2.5
Milwaukee High School of the Arts Milwaukee 0.4 mi 4.1
Siefert Elementary Milwaukee 0.5 mi 4.9
Shalom High Milwaukee 0.6 mi 4.6
Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language Milwaukee 0.6 mi 5.2
Milwaukee County Youth Education Center Milwaukee 0.6 mi
Brown Street Academy Milwaukee 0.9 mi 5.4
Groppi High Milwaukee 0.7 mi 6.1
Elm Creative Arts Elementary Milwaukee 0.8 mi 3.3
Project STAY-Supporting Teachers and Youth Milwaukee 0.8 mi 5.5
Milwaukee College Preparatory School -- Lloyd Street Milwaukee 1.0 mi 7.0
Alliance School of Milwaukee Milwaukee 0.9 mi 4.8
Roosevelt Middle Milwaukee 0.9 mi 5.7
Starms Discovery Milwaukee 1.0 mi 4.0
Milwaukee College Preparatory School: Lola Rowe North Campus Milwaukee 1.1 mi 7.0
Pathways High Milwaukee 1.0 mi 3.4
Starms Early Childhood Milwaukee 1.2 mi 3.8
Woodlands School - State Street Campus Milwaukee 1.0 mi 2.1
MESSMER ST ROSE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Milwaukee 1.0 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 53233 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$20,306

Median Home Value

$132,900

Median Rent

$846/mo

Population

14,412

College Educated

16.7%

Homeownership

3.3%

Avg Commute

19 min

Poverty Rate

62.1%

Median Age

22.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Clay Lamberton Elementary Berlin, WI 7.2
Conrad Elvehjem Primary School Mcfarland, WI 7.2
Deerfield Elementary Deerfield, WI 7.2
Eagle Point Elementary Deforest, WI 7.2
Forrest Street Elementary School Black River Falls, WI 7.2
James Madison Elementary Sheboygan, WI 7.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland Community School

What grades does Highland Community School serve?

Highland Community School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Highland Community School?

Highland Community School has an enrollment of approximately 414 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Highland Community School is 18:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland Community School rank in WI?

Highland Community School ranks #805 of 2,105 schools in WI.

What is Highland Community School's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland Community School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland Community School has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Highland Community School a charter school?

Yes, Highland Community School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Highland Community School a Title I school?

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

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

43.5% of students at Highland Community 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
75 Very Walkable
Transit Score
59 Good Transit
Bike Score
74 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
414
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers (FTE)
23
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Milwaukee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
13.5%

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 rate

Related 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.