Fort Thomas Highlands High School, also known as Fort Thomas Highlands, is a public secondary school located in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Operated by Fort Thomas Independent Schools, Highlands was founded in 1888. The school took its name from the original name of Fort Thomas, "The Highlands."
Serving 1,022 students in grades 9-12, Highlands High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 73% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80% (which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Kentucky state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 28% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,022 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 11%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 73% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highlands High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Kentucky for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Highlands High School's student population of 1,022 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,022 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1888
Colors
White, Royal blue
School Rankings
Highlands High School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,267 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands High School is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7 out of 1267 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
22%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
3%
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
89%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
5%
56%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bluebirds
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands High School's ranking?
Highlands High School is ranked #7 out of 1,267 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Kentucky.
What schools are Highlands High School often compared to?
Highlands High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Campbell County High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
73% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% KY state average), while 80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% KY state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highlands High School?
The graduation rate of Highlands High School is 98%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Highlands High School?
1,022 students attend Highlands High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Highlands High School students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Highlands High School?
Highlands High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 15:1.
What grades does Highlands High School offer ?
Highlands High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highlands High School part of?
Highlands High School is part of Fort Thomas Independent School District.
School Reviews
5 9/19/2015
i love this school so much its amazing you get frozen yogurt at lunch they treat you with respect and kindness and every one is nice to eachother
Review Highlands 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
