Serving 961 students in grades 7-8, Highland Jr High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Arizona for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 54% (which is higher than the Arizona state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Arizona state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Arizona state average of 67% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 7-8
- Enrollment: 961 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AZ
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 35% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Highland Jr High School serves the northeastern part of Mesa, AZ, covering an attendance zone of approximately 7.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.6 miles from the school to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 4.9 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School News
- The Hurricanes’ Back-to-School Guide for Highland Junior High - 07/21/2026The first day of school is Tuesday, July 28. Start the school year strong with the Hurricane's BacktoSchool Guide, which includes important tools and resources that will help you make ...moreit the best year yet. hide
- Highland Jr. High’s Melanie Whitfield Earns National Board Certification, Recognized at GPS Governing Board Meeting - 05/21/2026Mrs. Whitfield, a History & Social Sciences teacher at Highland Junior High, earned a National Board Certification for the 2026 school year, a distinction achieved by approximately 3% of teachers ...morenationwide. hide
- Highland Junior High Earns 2026 A+ Recognition from AEF, making a total of 19 A+ Schools of Excellence in GPS - 02/19/2026Four Gilbert Public Schools have been recognized with the A+ School of Excellence Award by the Arizona Educational Foundation for their commitment to building a culture of excellent academics and ...morecommunity. hide
School Overview
Highland Jr High School's student population of 961 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 52 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
961 students
Total Classroom Teachers
52 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
School Rankings
Highland Jr High School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,921 schools in Arizona (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland Jr High School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#399 out of 1921 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
40%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
24%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
5%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
24%
49%
Black
3%
6%
White
63%
33%
Two or more races
6%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.7%
41.2%
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Maroon and Yellow
School Mascot
Hurricane
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AZ Dept. of Education
School Notes
- We are dedicated to creating opportunities for our students to pursue personal growth and excellence.
- We offer a wide range of academic courses including honors and electives, and are home to the Gifted AcAdemy at Highland Junior. The GIfted Academy provides a differentiated learning experience addressing the individual needs of gifted students in both 7th and 8th grade.
- We have highly qualified, experienced teachers in every classroom aligned with our mission of strong community and family involvement and a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, every day.
- Our highly acclaimed and award-winning performing and fine arts programs include band, choir, orchestra, and art and design. Our school-wide electives and wide range of clubs, four seasons of competitive junior high athletics, and extracurricular opportunities are just a few of the many opportunities provided to our students.
- For students with special needs, we have Co-taught, Resource, ASCILLS, SPICE 1, and SPICE 2 programs. If a student is new to learning English, we have a fabulous English Language Learner (ELL) program.
- We are proud to be an A-Rated School by the Arizona Department of Education and an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation.
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland Jr High School's ranking?
Highland Jr High School is ranked #399 out of 1,921 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Arizona.
What schools are Highland Jr High School often compared to?
Highland Jr High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Greenfield Junior High School, Desert Ridge Jr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% AZ state average), while 54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% AZ state average).
How many students attend Highland Jr High School?
961 students attend Highland Jr High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Highland Jr High School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Jr High School?
Highland Jr High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Arizona state average of 17:1.
What grades does Highland Jr High School offer ?
Highland Jr High School offers enrollment in grades 7-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland Jr High School part of?
Highland Jr High School is part of Gilbert Unified District (4239).
School Reviews
Review Highland Jr High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
