Serving 311 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Highlands Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 311 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 311 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has declined by 42% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
311 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2844 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
7%
29%
Black
90%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.2%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
93%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
9%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #2844 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jesse C White Learning Academy, Barack H Obama Learning Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
311 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Highlands Elementary School students are Black, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of Prairie-Hills ESD 144 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
