Serving 2,706 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 12% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% 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: 2,706 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland High serves the southern portion of Palmdale, CA, covering an attendance area of approximately 33 square miles. Families typically drive about 10-12 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 3.5 miles to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 5.5 miles to the farthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 2,706 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 107 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,706 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
107 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1989
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 0.51, 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
#7399 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
68%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
17%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
7%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 36-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)28%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- Highland High School is located in Palmdale, California and is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. It received a California Distinguished School award in 2005.
- Highland High School was founded in 1989 in response to Palmdale's rapid population growth. Palmdale High School was not large enough to serve the children of the new families moving into the Antelope Valley. Highland High School is now the largest high school under the Antelope Valley Union High School District.
- The school's website defines its mission as follows:
- "The mission of Highland High School is to provide an opportunity for all students to be empowered with the knowledge and skills derived from a quality core and elective curriculum; to encourage all students to develop their capacity for critical thought and effective communication in order to function in the jobs available today and in the future; and to become well-informed and productive citizens."
- Notable alumni: Will Demps, Marcus Demps, Ryan Millar, Shauna Gambill, and Jason Kubel attended Highland High.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #7399 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 Quartz Hill High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 34% 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?
2,706 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 7% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland High School?
Highland High School has a student ration of 25:1, 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 Antelope Valley Union 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)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
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