Serving 448 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Highland Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 448 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland Elementary School serves the northeast part of Waterloo, IA, covering an area of approximately 18 square miles. Most families can expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the edge of the attendance zone being about 2.3 miles and the furthest point located 4.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland Elementary School's student population of 448 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
448 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Highland Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#954 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2009–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
29%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
28%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
3%
1%
Two or more races
13%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.5%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland Elementary School's ranking?
Highland Elementary School is ranked #954 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Highland Elementary School often compared to?
Highland Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Highland Elementary School?
448 students attend Highland Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Highland Elementary School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 26% of students are Black, 13% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Elementary School?
Highland Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Highland Elementary School offer ?
Highland Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highland Elementary School part of?
Highland Elementary School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
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