Highlands School

545 Pierson Dr
Highlands, NC 28741
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 344 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Highlands School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 344 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 33%
  • : ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
  • : Top 30%
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Highlands School serves the southeastern part of Highlands, NC, covering an area of approximately 84.7 square miles. Families within this zone typically drive 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 10.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Overview

Highlands School's student population of 344 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
344 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

School Rankings

Highlands School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands School is 0.46, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#623 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

(21-22)
60-64%
51%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

60-64%
50%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
1%
1%
Hispanic
31%
22%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

White
67%
42%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
33%
0.46

Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓

≥90%
86.5%

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
18%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
72%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Highlands School's ranking?
Highlands School is ranked #623 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Highlands School often compared to?
Highlands Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Summit Charter, Franklin High School, Blue Ridge School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highlands School?
The graduation rate of Highlands School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Highlands School?
344 students attend Highlands School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Highlands School students are White, 31% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands School?
Highlands School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Highlands School offer ?
Highlands School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highlands School part of?
Highlands School is part of Macon County Schools.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 344 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 33%
  • : ≥90% (Top 30%)
  • : Top 30%
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 30%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Highlands School serves the southeastern part of Highlands, NC, covering an area of approximately 84.7 square miles. Families within this zone typically drive 10-12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 10.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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