Highlands Elementary School in Huntsville, AL ranked #994 in the state in 2023, declining from #590 in 2012, placing it in the bottom 50% of Alabama public schools overall.
Math proficiency was 69%, higher than the state average of 30% in 2023, improving sharply from below 10% in prior years; reading proficiency was 32%, lower than the state average of 47%; science proficiency ranged between 11–19%, lower than the state average of 38%.
Enrollment decreased from 509 students in 2016 to 380 in 2023, while minority enrollment remained very high at 96%, and 85% of students qualified for free or reduced–price lunch, reflecting sustained socioeconomic need.
The school serves grades Pre–K through 6 with 380 students and a student–teacher ratio of 15:1 in 2023, consistent with prior years.
Graduation rates at Highlands were reported at 94% in 2023, higher than the Alabama state rate of 88%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 370 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Huntsville area, where most students are within a 5-10 min. drive (avg. 1 mi., furthest 1.8 mi.).
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Highlands Elementary School's student population of 370 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
370 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Rankings
Highlands Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,275 schools in Alabama (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highlands Elementary School is 0.46, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#994 out of 1275 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
2%
Hispanic
18%
12%
Black
71%
31%
White
4%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
53%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Huntsville City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highlands Elementary School's ranking?
Highlands Elementary School is ranked #994 out of 1,275 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alabama.
What schools are Highlands Elementary School often compared to?
Highlands Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like James Dawson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 30% AL state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% AL state average).
How many students attend Highlands Elementary School?
370 students attend Highlands Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Highlands Elementary School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highlands Elementary School?
Highlands Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Alabama state average of 17:1.
What grades does Highlands Elementary School offer ?
Highlands Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highlands Elementary School part of?
Highlands Elementary School is part of Huntsville City School District.
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