Serving 723 students in grades 6-8, Highlands Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 723 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highlands Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Highlands Middle School's student population of 723 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
723 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Highlands Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Middle School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1931 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
40%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
53%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1

American Indian
n/a
1%

Asian
1%
9%

Hispanic
56%
26%

Black
2%
5%

White
37%
48%

Hawaiian
1%
2%

Two or more races
3%
9%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
49%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Middle School's ranking?
Highlands Middle School is ranked #1931 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Highlands Middle School often compared to?
Highlands Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Desert Hills Middle School, Park Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Highlands Middle School?
723 students attend Highlands Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Highlands Middle School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Highlands Middle School?
Highlands Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Highlands Middle School offer ?
Highlands Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Highlands Middle School part of?
Highlands Middle School is part of Kennewick School District.
School Reviews
5 10/27/2022
It''s a good school.
5 9/30/2019
I love this school Go Highland Scotties
5 7/17/2015
I personaly love this school my education is greater and teacher are helpful thx u so much for helping me with my education GO SCOTTIE
Review Highlands Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

What are the Benefits of Magnet Schools?
Kate Barrington has compiled this guide to magnet schools, explaining their unique educational approach, core principles, benefits, and potential considerations for parents seeking alternatives within the public school system.

Uniforms: The Pros and Cons
This comprehensive article explores the pros and cons of school uniforms in public schools. It discusses their impact on safety, learning environment, self-expression, and cost-effectiveness. The piece presents statistics, expert opinions, and arguments from both proponents and opponents, helping parents make informed decisions about uniform policies.

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.