Serving 665 students in grades 9-12, Highlands Sr. High 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 20-24% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 665 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 23%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Highlands SHS's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Natrona Heights, PA, encompassing approximately 22.8 square miles. Typically, parents can expect a drive of about 5-10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 3.3 miles to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 5.9 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highlands Sr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Highlands Sr. High School's student population of 665 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
665 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
Campus Size
25 acres
School Rankings
Highlands Sr. High 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 Sr. High School is 0.39, 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
#1627 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
9%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
77%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
80-84%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)46.2%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
5%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Brown, Gold
School Mascot
Ram
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Sr. High School's ranking?
Highlands Sr. High School is ranked #1627 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Highlands Sr. High School often compared to?
Highlands Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Penn Hills Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highlands Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of Highlands Sr. High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Highlands Sr. High School?
665 students attend Highlands Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Highlands Sr. High School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Sr. High School?
Highlands Sr. High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Highlands Sr. High School offer ?
Highlands Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highlands Sr. High School part of?
Highlands Sr. High School is part of Highlands School District.
In what neighborhood is Highlands Sr. High School located?
Highlands Sr. High School is located in the West Natrona neighborhood of Natrona Heights, PA. There are 1 other public schools located in West Natrona.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This school will pass a child on the minimalist of knowledge just to get him through and not deal with him. My child is currently being read a story about how to be a great criminal. The bullying situation is out of control, and certain kids are "targeted" as behavior problems and never even have a chance.
5 10/10/2025
I have two kids at the high school. Both are happy with the staff and students at the school. Both are getting an excellent education, and I feel will be ready for any college program they enroll in. Courses, scheduling and extra-curricular activities are outstanding. I love Highlands..
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