Highland High

Summary:

Highland High is a public high school located in Palmdale, California, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 2,790 students. The school is part of the Antelope Valley Union High School District, which is ranked 1067 out of 1568 districts in California and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While Highland High has seen a decline in its four-year graduation rates, dropping from 89.4% in 2018-2019 to 85.6% in 2022-2023, this is still lower than the graduation rates of nearby schools like Quartz Hill High (88.5%) and SOAR High (100%). Correspondingly, Highland High's dropout rates have increased from 4.1% in 2018-2019 to 14.3% in 2022-2023, which is significantly higher than the dropout rates of Quartz Hill High (10.2%) and SOAR High (0.0%). Additionally, Highland High has experienced a concerning rise in chronic absenteeism, from 15.0% in 2017-2018 to 24.7% in 2022-2023, notably higher than the chronic absenteeism rates of Quartz Hill High (18.6%) and SOAR High (5.6%).

Academically, Highland High's performance, as measured by proficiency rates in Smarter Balanced Assessments and CAST, is generally lower than the Antelope Valley Union High School District and the state of California. For example, in 2023-2024, only 41.7% of Highland High's 11th-grade students were proficient or better in English Language Arts/Literacy, compared to 36.91% for the district and 55.73% for the state. In Mathematics, the proficiency rate for 11th-grade students was just 13.07%, compared to 10.73% for the district and 27.9% for the state. The data also reveals significant variations in performance across different student subgroups at Highland High, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and support to ensure equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 39055 25th St. West
       Palmdale, CA  93551-4164


(661) 538-0304

District: Antelope Valley Union High

SchoolDigger Rank:
1405th of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $8,963 Help


Feeder schools for Highland High:

Elementary:    Anaverde Hills
    Cottonwood Elementary
    Esperanza Elementary
    Ocotillo Elementary
    More...
Middle:    David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy
    Hillview Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  25.5 Help
Number of students:  2,790

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
68.4%
African American:
15.7%
White:
8.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  58.4% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Highland High ranks worse than 60.5% of high schools in California. It also ranks 5th among 13 ranked high schools in the Antelope Valley Union High School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 30.65. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Highland High freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
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Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (68.4%), African American (15.7%), White (8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 58.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Highland High is 25.5. 9 high schools in the Antelope Valley Union High School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Highland High employs 109.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Highland High is $8,963, which is the 6th highest among 13 high schools in the Antelope Valley Union High School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Highland High:

SchoolDigger ranks Highland High 1405th of 2323 California public high schools. (See Highland High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Homeless students:
Female students:
Foster Care students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Antelope Valley Union High:

SchoolDigger ranks Antelope Valley Union High 1067th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Highland High?

Rank History for Highland High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 56.39 396th 1653 76.0%
2005 51.00 573rd 1901 69.9%
2006 46.34 707th 1968 64.1%
2007 48.27 694th 2063 66.4%
2008 46.84 742nd 2117 65.0%
2009 47.06 820th 2238 63.4%
2010 48.60 804th 2281 64.8%
2011 43.24 969th 2367 59.1%
2012 43.49 949th 2354 59.7%
2013 42.80 989th 2426 59.2%
2015 57.88 791st 1994 60.3%
2016 50.39 1010th 2039 50.5%
2017 49.33 1040th 2021 48.5%
2018 47.58 1056th 2017 47.6%
2019 30.02 1429th 2133 33.0%
2022 27.57 1482nd 2123 30.2%
2023 27.84 1479th 2348 37.0%
2024 30.65 1405th 2323 39.5%
See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 13.40 373rd 422 11.6%
2022 17.88 437th 515 15.1%
2023 20.70 589th 786 25.1%
2024 17.07 635th 804 21.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.91 396th 938 57.8%
2019 54.59 228th 941 75.8%
2022 31.20 790th 1044 24.3%
2023 35.53 595th 1323 55.0%
2024 25.11 1043rd 1350 22.7%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 35.63 802nd 1547 48.2%
2024 23.99 1208th 1534 21.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.71 943rd 1862 49.4%
2019 31.18 1334th 1937 31.1%
2022 29.30 1375th 1943 29.2%
2023 28.69 1449th 2247 35.5%
2024 32.57 1360th 2235 39.1%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 55.12 188th 451 58.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 47.78 942nd 1760 46.5%
2019 27.18 1322nd 1833 27.9%
2022 29.23 1291st 1858 30.5%
2023 30.68 1322nd 2118 37.6%
2024 32.18 1295th 2098 38.3%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.30 594th 1052 43.5%
2019 30.81 755th 1117 32.4%
2022 36.53 652nd 1161 43.8%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Foster Care students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 41.75 7th 15 53.3%
2024 33.68 6th 12 50.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Foster Care Students!

Rank History for Male students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.39 1063rd 1834 42.0%
2019 30.41 1270th 1880 32.4%
2022 25.13 1403rd 1916 26.8%
2023 22.82 1535th 2207 30.4%
2024 27.56 1392nd 2172 35.9%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.28 444th 581 23.6%
2019 16.16 499th 582 14.3%
2022 30.21 431st 581 25.8%
2023 12.79 654th 731 10.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.35 352nd 582 39.5%
2019 26.66 431st 592 27.2%
2022 26.77 389th 522 25.5%
2023 26.53 532nd 720 26.1%
2024 40.79 379th 721 47.4%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 53.82 819th 1742 53.0%
2019 33.00 1221st 1814 32.7%
2022 32.75 1250th 1861 32.8%
2023 32.94 1305th 2142 39.1%
2024 34.37 1271st 2125 40.2%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Highland High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 39.47 757th 1173 35.5%
2019 30.28 868th 1222 29.0%
2022 27.47 881st 1204 26.8%
2023 22.89 1047th 1434 27.0%
2024 31.89 875th 1406 37.8%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Highland High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: California Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.5)
50%

0%

0%

50%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Open Quote I graduated in 2006. And although there were some teachers who lacked every quality a teacher should have, there were a few stand out teachers at this school. I think the school (from principal to club advisors to teachers) was run without any sense of enthusiasm nor a drive to help out students. They emphasized learning to some extent, though I feel they could have done a better, more thorough job. Also, the counselors (during my experience) lacked any knowledge of the skills and classes needed to enter college. I did an excessive amount of research on my own to get accepted into the UC system, and when I did enter college, I felt like I was behind in studies, & had to spend more time catching up to the other students. Highland needs better leaders to lead the teens in their school, because their lazy and careless demeanor ultimately affects how the students perceive the idea and importance of education. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Highland High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1990 322 41 15 109 0 n/a n/a 0 487
1991 643 88 43 293 1 n/a n/a 0 1068
1992 1275 193 77 449 3 n/a n/a 0 1997
1993 1675 258 97 528 4 n/a n/a 0 2562
1994 1533 269 106 524 6 n/a n/a 0 2438
1995 1503 359 121 563 4 n/a n/a 0 2550
1996 1503 359 121 563 4 n/a n/a 0 2550
1997 1478 381 153 652 14 n/a n/a 0 2678
1998 1544 397 178 707 11 n/a n/a 0 2837
1999 1527 443 175 762 16 n/a n/a 0 2923
2000 1535 411 167 806 22 n/a n/a 0 2941
2001 1457 461 148 854 26 n/a n/a 0 2946
2002 1425 596 158 1127 22 n/a n/a 19 3347
2003 1425 596 158 1127 22 n/a n/a 19 3347
2004 1426 691 220 1266 27 n/a n/a 0 3630
2005 1387 656 230 1301 18 n/a n/a 5 3597
2006 1357 714 255 1498 16 n/a n/a 0 3840
2007 1175 617 240 1407 14 n/a n/a 6 3459
2008 991 597 204 1441 12 n/a n/a 0 3245
2009 855 545 169 1328 20 12 52 0 2981
2010 754 555 187 1388 20 16 40 0 2960
2011 702 517 177 1514 16 8 130 0 3064
2012 648 502 175 1691 17 9 195 0 3237
2013 602 477 173 1766 18 8 104 0 3148
2014 578 485 169 1672 32 9 87 0 3032
2015 484 453 162 1766 16 5 112 0 2998
2016 462 453 159 1742 19 5 91 0 2931
2017 405 470 156 1735 9 3 108 0 2886
2018 383 429 143 1667 15 4 93 0 2734
2019 303 368 132 1775 11 4 110 0 2703
2020 263 406 125 1817 8 1 113 0 2733
2021 228 438 134 1873 9 4 115 0 2801
2022 227 434 118 1934 9 12 110 0 2844
2023 224 438 91 1908 8 7 114 0 2790

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Highland High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 487 23.0 21.1 n/a
1991 1068 43.8 24.3 n/a
1992 1997 44.5 44.8 16
1993 2562 87.8 29.2 17.1
1994 2438 74.8 32.6 16.2
1995 2550 82.9 30.8 18.5
1996 2550 82.9 30.8 18.5
1997 2678 94.4 28.4 13.7
1998 2837 101.6 27.9 16.1
1999 2923 112.2 26.1 18.9
2000 2941 116.7 25.2 13.7
2001 2946 125.1 23.5 18.1
2002 3347 135.1 24.8 24.3
2003 3347 135.1 24.8 24.3
2004 3630 134.8 26.9 25.4
2005 3597 137.9 26.1 25.4
2006 3840 148.2 25.9 26.9
2007 3459 144.7 23.9 50
2008 3245 159.4 20.4 42.4
2009 2981 124.0 21.2 37.9
2010 2960 126.8 23.3 47.4
2011 3064 n/a n/a 49.2
2012 3237 131.4 24.6 n/a
2013 3148 130.5 24.1 50.2
2014 3032 126.5 23.9 53.9
2015 2998 126.0 23.7 54.5
2016 2931 126.0 23.2 58.6
2017 2886 124.6 23.1 61.3
2018 2734 120.5 22.6 64.4
2019 2703 119.0 22.7 59.4
2020 2733 n/a n/a 67
2021 2801 115.8 24.1 63.2
2022 2844 115.2 24.6 52.8
2023 2790 109.3 25.5 58.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Highland High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1990 487 23.0 21.1 n/a
1991 1068 43.8 24.3 n/a
1992 1997 44.5 44.8 16
1993 2562 87.8 29.2 17.1
1994 2438 74.8 32.6 16.2
1995 2550 82.9 30.8 18.5
1996 2550 82.9 30.8 18.5
1997 2678 94.4 28.4 13.7
1998 2837 101.6 27.9 16.1
1999 2923 112.2 26.1 18.9
2000 2941 116.7 25.2 13.7
2001 2946 125.1 23.5 18.1
2002 3347 135.1 24.8 24.3
2003 3347 135.1 24.8 24.3
2004 3630 134.8 26.9 25.4
2005 3597 137.9 26.1 25.4
2006 3840 148.2 25.9 26.9
2007 3459 144.7 23.9 50
2008 3245 159.4 20.4 42.4
2009 2981 124.0 21.2 37.9
2010 2960 126.8 23.3 47.4
2011 3064 n/a n/a 49.2
2012 3237 131.4 24.6 n/a
2013 3148 130.5 24.1 50.2
2014 3032 126.5 23.9 53.9
2015 2998 126.0 23.7 54.5
2016 2931 126.0 23.2 58.6
2017 2886 124.6 23.1 61.3
2018 2734 120.5 22.6 64.4
2019 2703 119.0 22.7 59.4
2020 2733 n/a n/a 67
2021 2801 115.8 24.1 63.2
2022 2844 115.2 24.6 52.8
2023 2790 109.3 25.5 58.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Highland High

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $8,963

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Highland High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1429th of 2133 High schoolsRanks 1479th of 2348 High schools
 4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade Science (Highland High)12.28.3
 3.9%
   10th Grade Science (Antelope Valley Union High)12.111.2
 0.8%
   10th Grade Science (California)23.224.1
 0.9%
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Highland High)36.337.4
 1.1%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Antelope Valley Union High)37.733.4
 4.3%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)57.355.4
 1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Highland High)12.212.5
 0.3%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Antelope Valley Union High)11.29.1
 2.1%
   11th Grade Mathematics (California)32.227.4
 4.9%
12th Grade Science (Highland High)10.316.2
 5.9%
   12th Grade Science (Antelope Valley Union High)10.413.8
 3.5%
   12th Grade Science (California)25.626.9
 1.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students27032790
 3.2%
African American368438
 19%
American Indian118
 27.3%
Asian13291
 31.1%
Hispanic17751908
 7.5%
Pacific Islander47
 75%
White303224
 26.1%
Two or More Races110114
 3.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients59.4%58.4%
 1%


Schools Near Highland High









Frequently Asked Questions about Highland High

Students at Highland High are 68% Hispanic, 16% African American, 8% White, 4% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

Highland High ranks 1405th of 2323 California high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Highland High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Anaverde Hills
Elementary : Cottonwood Elementary
Elementary : Esperanza Elementary
Elementary : Ocotillo Elementary
Elementary : Summerwind Elementary
Elementary : Yucca Elementary
Middle : David G. Millen Law and Government Magnet Academy
Middle : Hillview Middle

In the 2022-23 school year, 2,790 students attended Highland High.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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