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 1,019 students in grades 9-12, Highlands High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Kentucky for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 64% (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 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 29% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,019 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in KY)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 64% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Highlands High School's attendance zone covers the entire Fort Thomas, KY school district, encompassing approximately 5.5 square miles. Typically, families can expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 2.3 miles away.
- 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 1,019 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
1,019 students
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
1888
School Rankings
Highlands High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,250 schools in Kentucky (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands High School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#30 out of 1250 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
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
4%
10%
Black
1%
11%
White
88%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
90%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.3%
28%
Eligible for Free Lunch
5%
55%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Royal blue
School Mascot
Bluebirds
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), KY Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands High School's ranking?
Highlands High School is ranked #30 out of 1,250 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% 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?
64% 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 97%, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of 90%.
How many students attend Highlands High School?
1,019 students attend Highlands High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Highlands High School students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% 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 10/10/2025
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
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