Highlands Elementary School, a Dothan City public school serving grades K–6, ranked #154 in Alabama in 2023, down from its peak #38 in 2013 but maintaining a position in the top 20% overall statewide.
Math proficiency was 49% in 2023, higher than the Alabama state average of 30%, though down from a high of 97% in 2013; reading proficiency remained strong at 70%, significantly higher than the state average of 47%.
Science proficiency ranged from 50% to 54% in 2022, also higher than the state average of 38%, reflecting consistent above–average academic performance in STEM areas for this Union County NJ high school.
Enrollment grew from 514 students in 2022 to 601 in 2024, with minority enrollment steady at about 36% and 43% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch, indicating stable socioeconomic demographics over time.
The student–teacher ratio increased to 21:1 in 2024 from 18:1 in 2022, with 29 total teachers serving a growing student body in this New Jersey high school.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 601 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 49% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 601 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
601 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.54, 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
#154 out of 1275 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
8%
1%
Hispanic
8%
11%
Black
20%
32%
White
64%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #154 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hidden Lake Primary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
601 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Highlands Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Black, 8% of students are Asian, and 8% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of Dothan City School District.
School Reviews
Review Highlands Elementary 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
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.
