Highland High School is located in Palmdale, California and is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District. Highland High School was founded in 1989 in response to Palmdale's rapid population growth.
Serving 2,778 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 8% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). 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 Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,778 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 2,778 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 111 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,778 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Year Founded
1989
School Calendar
School Rankings
Highland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland High School is 0.50, 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
#7925 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
12%
Hispanic
69%
56%
Black
16%
5%
White
7%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
88%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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.
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #7925 out of 9,602 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?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% 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 88%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Highland High School?
2,778 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 7% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
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.
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