Highland Mill Montessori

Summary:

Highland Mill Montessori is a public magnet elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina that serves 315 students from pre-kindergarten to 6th grade, and is part of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district.

Highland Mill Montessori consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in North Carolina, with students significantly outperforming district and state averages in standardized test scores across all grade levels and subjects. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 75% of 3rd graders, 72.2% of 4th graders, 85.3% of 5th graders, and 66.7% of 6th graders scored proficient or better in mathematics, compared to 61.8%, 55.9%, 60%, and 52.4% in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district, respectively. The school also has a relatively balanced racial composition, with 40.32% White, 40% African American, 9.84% Hispanic, and 3.81% Asian students, which is notable compared to nearby schools like First Ward Creative Arts Academy (74.55% African American) and Hidden Valley Elementary (67.44% Hispanic).

Highland Mill Montessori has consistently high rankings for its performance across different student subgroups, including female students, male students, African American students, and white students. For example, in the 2021-2022 school year, the school ranked 7th out of 927 North Carolina elementary schools for its African American student performance. Additionally, the school has a relatively low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 8.95% to 17.25% over the past three school years, which is significantly lower than nearby schools like First Ward Creative Arts Academy (99.39% free/reduced lunch) and Hidden Valley Elementary (99.68% free/reduced lunch).


Detail:

Public, Magnet PK, KG-6

 3201 Clemson Ave
       Charlotte, NC  28205-1542


(980) 343-5525

District: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
158th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,792 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  14.0 Help
Number of students:  315

Racial breakdown:

White:
40.3%
African American:
40.0%
Hispanic:
9.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  17.1% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

 Compare Highland Mill Montessori to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Highland Mill Montessori ranks better than 89.5% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 17th among 109 ranked elementary schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 86.58. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (40.3%), African American (40%), Hispanic (9.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 17.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Highland Mill Montessori is 14, which is the 18th best among 109 elementary schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Highland Mill Montessori employs 22.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Highland Mill Montessori is $13,792, which is the 7th highest among 109 elementary schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Highland Mill Montessori:

SchoolDigger ranks Highland Mill Montessori 158th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Highland Mill Montessori in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
African American students:
White students:


Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 140th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Highland Mill Montessori?

Rank History for Highland Mill Montessori

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 52.07 684th 1276 46.4%
2007 62.32 499th 1293 61.4%
2008 47.75 757th 1324 42.8%
2009 76.75 263rd 1354 80.6%
2010 78.23 232nd 1363 83.0%
2011 79.77 206th 1381 85.1%
2012 82.13 161st 1388 88.4%
2013 68.39 391st 1403 72.1%
2014 78.11 270th 1390 80.6%
2015 74.49 335th 1440 76.7%
2016 89.38 97th 1425 93.2%
2017 84.61 157th 1429 89.0%
2018 86.21 146th 1434 89.8%
2019 91.53 73rd 1473 95.0%
2021 88.75 139th 1489 90.7%
2022 95.64 34th 1514 97.8%
2023 90.27 102nd 1502 93.2%
2024 86.58 158th 1505 89.5%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 70.88 295th 1332 77.9%
2019 94.53 17th 1361 98.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.83 227th 1405 83.8%
2019 84.50 144th 1424 89.9%
2021 82.80 186th 1440 87.1%
2022 94.08 42nd 1458 97.1%
2023 86.20 133rd 1459 90.9%
2024 80.67 206th 1455 85.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 58.44 313th 582 46.2%
2024 45.82 529th 669 20.9%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 73.39 332nd 1413 76.5%
2019 90.59 82nd 1430 94.3%
2021 87.47 141st 1444 90.2%
2022 91.62 80th 1464 94.5%
2023 90.17 99th 1461 93.2%
2024 88.97 112th 1464 92.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.45 18th 927 98.1%
2019 95.05 18th 949 98.1%
2021 88.86 60th 896 93.3%
2022 98.31 7th 927 99.2%
2023 93.63 25th 933 97.3%
2024 87.68 51st 924 94.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Highland Mill Montessori

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 79.20 204th 1172 82.6%
2023 86.56 100th 1183 91.5%
2024 83.80 138th 1166 88.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, 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 Mill Montessori Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.3)
33%

33%

0%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Sunday, August 9, 2020

Open Quote I used to attend this school, and I had an overall positive experience. The PTA is strong and there are many enjoyable events the PTA runs. There are a few things that I would Chang if I was given the chance, but they are somewhat minor things. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, April 27, 2015

Open Quote Most horrible school ever. The teachers and other staff, mainly the principal (Ms. Riska) are for themselves and not the student. They have violated my child's rights and is not providing a fair education for my child. The proof is also in the school changing from a 3 cycle to a 2 cycle. Meaning instead of your child having the same teacher for 3 years, they now only have them for 2 years. The parents were not aware of this change until after the fact which also violated parents rights. This is not a true Montessori school anymore and will probably loose the Montessori name. If you don't believe me call the Montessori association yourself and find out. I have spoken to other parents and they have pulled their children out of this school. I will doing the same. The leadership is poor and not for you. Please, Please save yourself a lot of heart ache and don't pick this school. You will truly be better off with a public school if you had no other choice. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Highland Mill Montessori

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2002 64 193 4 13 6 n/a n/a 0 280
2003 64 193 4 13 6 n/a n/a 0 280
2004 63 204 5 8 6 n/a n/a 0 286
2005 51 211 5 9 8 n/a n/a 0 284
2006 59 220 3 9 5 n/a n/a 0 296
2007 34 160 3 8 4 n/a n/a 14 223
2008 41 200 6 14 4 n/a n/a 19 284
2009 31 170 6 11 1 n/a n/a 0 219
2010 53 199 4 17 1 n/a n/a 0 274
2011 44 158 1 15 1 0 13 0 232
2013 82 175 3 24 0 0 10 0 294
2014 69 137 1 22 0 0 8 0 237
2015 90 159 11 27 0 0 11 0 298
2016 94 150 8 25 0 1 11 0 289
2017 91 147 10 28 0 1 12 0 289
2018 101 139 13 29 0 0 12 0 294
2019 106 144 8 30 0 0 12 0 300
2020 110 126 11 32 0 0 13 0 292
2021 108 144 14 34 0 0 13 0 313
2022 115 133 20 31 0 0 14 0 313
2023 127 126 12 31 0 0 19 0 315

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 Mill Montessori

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 280 14.0 20.0 0
2003 280 14.0 20.0 0
2004 286 14.0 20.4 49.3
2005 284 14.0 20.3 45.4
2006 296 14.0 21.1 33.8
2007 223 n/a n/a 42.6
2008 284 20.9 13.6 30.6
2009 219 19.1 11.5 40.6
2010 274 21.1 13.0 37.6
2011 232 18.7 12.3 44
2013 294 18.6 15.7 36.1
2014 237 16.7 14.1 38.8
2015 298 15.0 19.8 26.8
2016 289 17.0 17.0 26
2017 289 18.4 15.6 23.9
2018 294 17.3 16.9 26.2
2019 300 18.1 16.5 24
2020 292 19.9 14.6 22.6
2021 313 20.4 15.3 17.3
2022 313 23.0 13.5 8.9
2023 315 22.3 14.0 17.1

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 Mill Montessori

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 280 14.0 20.0 0
2003 280 14.0 20.0 0
2004 286 14.0 20.4 49.3
2005 284 14.0 20.3 45.4
2006 296 14.0 21.1 33.8
2007 223 n/a n/a 42.6
2008 284 20.9 13.6 30.6
2009 219 19.1 11.5 40.6
2010 274 21.1 13.0 37.6
2011 232 18.7 12.3 44
2013 294 18.6 15.7 36.1
2014 237 16.7 14.1 38.8
2015 298 15.0 19.8 26.8
2016 289 17.0 17.0 26
2017 289 18.4 15.6 23.9
2018 294 17.3 16.9 26.2
2019 300 18.1 16.5 24
2020 292 19.9 14.6 22.6
2021 313 20.4 15.3 17.3
2022 313 23.0 13.5 8.9
2023 315 22.3 14.0 17.1

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 Mill Montessori

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,243 (9.0%) $12,549 (91.0%) $13,792

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Highland Mill Montessori

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 73rd of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 102nd of 1502 Elementary schools
 1.8%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Highland Mill Montessori)83.370.7
 12.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)69.661.3
 8.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Highland Mill Montessori)83.368.3
 15%
   3rd Grade Reading (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)57.346.4
 10.9%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Highland Mill Montessori)76.977.1
 0.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)63.255.2
 8%
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (Highland Mill Montessori)73.182.9
 9.8%
   4th Grade Reading (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)52.551.5
 1%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Highland Mill Montessori)10087.1
 12.9%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)65.457.9
 7.5%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (Highland Mill Montessori)6976.7
 7.7%
   5th Grade Reading (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)5045.8
 4.2%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (Highland Mill Montessori)10093.5
 6.5%
   5th Grade Science (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)72.862.2
 10.6%
   5th Grade Science (North Carolina)72.665.3
 7.3%
6th Grade Mathematics (Highland Mill Montessori)10091.7
 8.3%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)62.451
 11.4%
   6th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)58.852.3
 6.5%
6th Grade Reading (Highland Mill Montessori)89.575
 14.5%
   6th Grade Reading (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)56.946.3
 10.6%
   6th Grade Reading (North Carolina)6049.3
 10.7%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students300315
 5%
African American144126
 12.5%
American Indian00
Asian812
 50%
Hispanic3031
 3.3%
Pacific Islander00
White106127
 19.8%
Two or More Races1219
 58.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients24%17.1%
 6.9%


Schools Near Highland Mill Montessori









Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Mill Montessori

Students at Highland Mill Montessori are 40% White, 40% African American, 10% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 4% Asian.

Highland Mill Montessori ranks 158th of 1505 North Carolina elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 315 students attended Highland Mill Montessori.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

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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