Serving 446 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Highlands Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 23% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 446 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 446 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
446 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5999 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
33%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
47%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
28:1
21:1

American Indian
n/a
1%

Asian
3%
12%

Hispanic
63%
56%

Black
9%
5%

White
17%
20%

Hawaiian
2%
n/a

Two or more races
6%
6%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
8%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #5999 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Steffan Manor Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
23% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
446 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Highlands Elementary School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 9% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District.
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