Highland High School is a public high school located in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Albuquerque Public Schools District. The school's mascot is Herbie the Hornet, named after a naval ship, the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. This led to the school colors of navy blue and gold.
Serving 1,144 students in grades 9-12, Highland High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in New Mexico for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 24%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 34%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 81% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,144 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 59% (Btm 50% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland High serves the east part of Albuquerque, NM, encompassing an area of approximately 16.1 square miles, with most students living within a typical driving distance of 5 to 10 minutes from the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone is about 2.6 miles, reaching up to 5.3 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 1,144 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 85 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,144 students
Total Classroom Teachers
85 teachers
Year Founded
1949
School Calendar
School Rankings
Highland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 796 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#633 out of 796 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
33%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
8%
11%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
71%
63%
Black
6%
2%
White
8%
19%
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
59%
76.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52.5%
43.1%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
85%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Gold
School Mascot
"herbie" The Hornet
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #633 out of 796 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in New Mexico.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 24% NM state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 34% NM state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highland High School?
The graduation rate of Highland High School is 59%, which is lower than the New Mexico state average of 76.5%.
How many students attend Highland High School?
1,144 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 8% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland High School?
Highland High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 13:1.
What grades does Highland High School offer ?
Highland High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland High School part of?
Highland High School is part of Albuquerque School District.
In what neighborhood is Highland High School located?
Highland High School is located in the Highland Business neighborhood of Albuquerque, NM. There are 4 other public schools located in Highland Business.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school has to be the best school and i learned so much at the school. The NJROTC program was the best of all it tought all the things you will need to know. It also tought me how to work together in a unity wiyh other.
5 10/10/2025
Highland is a great school, with great teachers. We were so glad to find such an encouraging, nurturing environment.
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