Serving 854 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Highland Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 36% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 43% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 854 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland Elementary serves the southwest part of Sanford, NC, covering an area of approximately 9.9 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 2 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance area, reaching up to 3.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland Elementary School's student population of 854 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 57 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
854 students
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025 (no data for 2007)
School Rankings
Highland Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland Elementary School is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1778 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2014–2023. Show full history, 2010–2023 (no data for 2020)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)36%
51%
Showing 2013–2022. Show full history, 2010–2022 (no data for 2020)
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
50%
Showing 2013–2022. Show full history, 2010–2022 (no data for 2020)
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025 (no data for 2007)
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
Hispanic
28%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
Black
18%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
White
45%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2011–2025
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.7%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025 (no data for 2006)
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Show full history, 2003–2025 (no data for 2006)
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland Elementary School's ranking?
Highland Elementary School is ranked #1778 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Highland Elementary School often compared to?
Highland Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Johnsonville Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 43% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Highland Elementary School?
854 students attend Highland Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Highland Elementary School students are White, 28% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Elementary School?
Highland Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Highland Elementary School offer ?
Highland Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland Elementary School part of?
Highland Elementary School is part of Harnett County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
I have had children at Highland Elementary since it first opened and have not been happy with the progress...it seems to be going down hill every year. The staff is rude....the teachers do not care about the children like they claim. Their solution to a child not learning is blaming it on the child not willing to learn and reataining them year after year. The class size is too big of almost 30 students to pay adequate attention to any child falling behind. They do not offer any kind of Tutoring for younger children below 3rd grade....and do not teach at grade level. They have failed to make the No School Left Behind Grade for two years in a row and you can bet that now I have to chance to move my children to a different school.... I am moving them ASAP and giving another school the chance to teach my children what Highland Elementary could not.
5 10/10/2025
i was told that sports/karate was offered after school at the school before we moved to nc
was told later after child was in school no such activities at the school/ was disappointed with
school information
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