Serving 575 students in grades 5-8, Highlands Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 575 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highlands MS's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Natrona Heights, PA, covering an area of approximately 22.8 square miles. Families typically drive 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 3.2 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 5.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highlands Middle School's student population of 575 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 59 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
575 students
Total Classroom Teachers
59 teachers
School Rankings
Highlands Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Middle School is 0.46, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2113 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
3%
16%
Black
9%
14%
White
72%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.1%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Middle School's ranking?
Highlands Middle School is ranked #2113 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Highlands Middle School?
575 students attend Highlands Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Highlands Middle School students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Middle School?
Highlands Middle School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Highlands Middle School offer ?
Highlands Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highlands Middle School part of?
Highlands Middle School is part of Highlands School District.
In what neighborhood is Highlands Middle School located?
Highlands Middle School is located in the West Natrona neighborhood of Natrona Heights, PA. There are 1 other public schools located in West Natrona.
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