Serving 417 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Highlands Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Wisconsin for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Wisconsin state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 34% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 417 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WI
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highlands Elementary serves the west part of Appleton, WI, with an attendance area of approximately 1.5 square miles, typically allowing for a 5-10 minute drive to the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is about 0.8 miles, with the furthest edge being 1.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 417 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
417 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Be respectful, be responsible, be safe
School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,962 schools in Wisconsin (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1523 out of 1962 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
38%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
29%
4%
Hispanic
16%
14%
Black
5%
9%
White
41%
66%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)21.1%
24%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (19-20)
11%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #1523 out of 1,962 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Wisconsin.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Franklin Elementary School, Ronald C Dunlap Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WI state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% WI state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
417 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Highlands Elementary School students are White, 29% of students are Asian, 16% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 13:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of Appleton Area School District.
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