Serving 242 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 65-69% (which is approximately equal to the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (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 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 242 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Riverside Elementary School serves the northern part of Riverside, IA, covering an area of approximately 60.7 square miles. The typical drive to the school from the edge of the attendance zone is about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest point being 7.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland Elementary School's student population of 242 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
242 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
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 0.15, which is less 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
#1000 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
6%
14%
Black
1%
7%
White
92%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
7%
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 #1000 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Highland Elementary School?
242 students attend Highland Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Highland Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
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 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland Elementary School part of?
Highland Elementary School is part of Highland Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review Highland Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
