Highland High School is a public high school in Bakersfield, California, United States, providing technology-based instruction across the curriculum.
Serving 2,530 students in grades 9-12, Highland High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,530 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland High serves the northwest part of Bakersfield, CA, covering an area of approximately 66.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 3.9 miles to the nearest edge and a maximum distance of 10.6 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 2,530 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 106 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,530 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
106 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1970
School Rankings
Highland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland High School is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6008 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
74%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
15%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
86%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
22%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Green
School Mascot
Scot
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #6008 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Highland High School often compared to?
Highland High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Foothill High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highland High School?
The graduation rate of Highland High School is 86%, which is lower than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Highland High School?
2,530 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland High School?
Highland High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Highland High School offer ?
Highland High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Highland High School part of?
Highland High School is part of Kern High School District.
School Calendar
View the Highland High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School
May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
School Reviews
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