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 1,169 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 10-14% (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 14:1 is higher than the New Mexico state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the New Mexico state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,169 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 66% (Btm 50% in NM)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highland High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 1,169 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,169 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1949
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Gold
School Rankings
Highland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 810 schools in New Mexico (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland High School is 0.45, 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
#529 out of 810 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
24%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
34%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
33%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
8%
12%
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
73%
62%
Black
6%
2%
White
7%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(20-21)66%
66%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
74%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NM Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: "herbie" The Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #529 out of 810 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?
10-14% 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 66%, which is equal to the New Mexico state average of 66%.
How many students attend Highland High School?
1,169 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 8% of students are American Indian, 7% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 4% 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 14:1, which is higher than 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 9/23/2014
Highland is a great school, with great teachers. We were so glad to find such an encouraging, nurturing environment.
5 12/2/2007
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.
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