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Highland Elementary School

Summary:

Highland Elementary School is a public elementary school in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, serving students from kindergarten to 4th grade as part of the Ephrata Area School District. This high-performing school consistently outperforms the district and state in academic achievement, with strong results across all grade levels and subject areas.

Highland Elementary School stands out for its exceptional academic performance, with 57.7% of students proficient or better in PSSA Math, compared to 42.4% for the district and 39.3% for the state. In PSSA English Language Arts, 66.7% of Highland students are proficient or better, compared to 59.4% for the district and 53.8% for the state. The school also excels in PSSA Science, with 83.6% of students proficient or better, significantly higher than the district's 71.6% and the state's 65.6%. Highland's success extends to its diverse student subgroups, ranking highly in the state for the performance of Hispanic, White, low socioeconomic status, and disabled students.

In addition to its strong academic results, Highland Elementary School has a more diverse student population compared to nearby schools, with a higher percentage of Hispanic and multiracial students. This diversity may contribute to the school's well-rounded educational program and critical thinking skills. Overall, Highland Elementary School stands out as a high-performing, inclusive, and diverse elementary school within the Ephrata Area School District, providing an excellent educational experience for its students.


Detail:

Public K-4

 99 Highland Ave
       Ephrata, PA  17522

(717) 721-1160

District: Ephrata Area School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
483rd of 1,534 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,807 Help


Students who attend Highland Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Ephrata Intermediate School
    Ephrata Middle School
High:    Ephrata Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.8 Help
Number of students:  468

Racial breakdown:

White:
73.7%
Hispanic:
16.0%
Two or more races:
6.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  49.6% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Highland Elementary School ranks better than 68.5% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks first among 4 ranked elementary schools in the Ephrata Area School District! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 70.45. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Highland Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the Ephrata Area School District. Racial makeup is: White (73.7%), Hispanic (16%), two or more races (6.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 49.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Highland Elementary School is 14.8, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Ephrata Area School District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Highland Elementary School employs 31.4 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Highland Elementary School is $14,807, which is the lowest among 4 elementary schools in the Ephrata Area School District!
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Highland Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Highland Elementary School 483rd of 1534 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Highland Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Disabled students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Ephrata Area School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Ephrata Area School District 186th of 606 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Highland Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Highland Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 60.04 612th 1302 53.0%
2004 81.66 219th 1308 83.3%
2005 47.47 835th 1299 35.7%
2006 53.57 875th 1545 43.4%
2007 60.41 731st 1555 53.0%
2008 56.36 835th 1551 46.2%
2009 49.22 998th 1549 35.6%
2010 61.97 726th 1579 54.0%
2011 70.43 489th 1597 69.4%
2012 71.25 507th 1599 68.3%
2013 59.80 766th 1519 49.6%
2014 56.83 812th 1467 44.6%
2015 59.93 705th 1474 52.2%
2016 58.34 801st 1554 48.5%
2017 66.84 581st 1547 62.4%
2018 45.04 1006th 1530 34.2%
2019 62.23 680th 1544 56.0%
2021 67.16 487th 1433 66.0%
2022 59.71 697th 1534 54.6%
2023 70.45 483rd 1534 68.5%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Highland Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 77.03 241st 1414 83.0%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Highland Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 84.19 105th 1043 89.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Highland Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 78.37 63rd 432 85.4%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Highland Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 62.24 458th 1236 62.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Dept 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 Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

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Enrollment information for Highland Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 628 0 15 11 0 n/a n/a 0 654
1989 637 3 22 21 0 n/a n/a 0 683
1990 606 3 27 20 0 n/a n/a 0 656
1991 615 3 24 27 0 n/a n/a 0 669
1992 645 3 16 24 0 n/a n/a 0 688
1993 590 3 23 17 0 n/a n/a 0 633
1994 568 4 11 9 0 n/a n/a 0 592
1995 563 3 14 12 0 n/a n/a 0 592
1996 563 3 14 12 0 n/a n/a 0 592
1997 572 4 9 15 0 n/a n/a 0 600
1998 606 4 9 10 0 n/a n/a 0 629
1999 592 4 5 12 0 n/a n/a 0 613
2000 541 10 12 5 3 n/a n/a 0 571
2001 510 7 11 9 1 n/a n/a 0 538
2002 454 1 8 14 0 n/a n/a 0 477
2003 454 1 8 14 0 n/a n/a 0 477
2004 445 1 11 21 0 n/a n/a 0 478
2005 424 0 10 24 1 n/a n/a 0 459
2006 430 0 10 20 1 n/a n/a 0 461
2007 428 3 8 32 1 n/a n/a 0 472
2008 421 4 10 35 1 n/a n/a 0 471
2009 383 6 8 27 1 n/a n/a 0 425
2010 352 4 9 33 1 n/a n/a 0 399
2011 352 8 14 51 1 0 0 0 426
2012 333 5 16 48 1 0 0 0 403
2013 352 6 16 64 0 0 0 0 438
2014 358 9 9 61 1 0 4 0 442
2015 376 8 10 48 2 0 12 0 456
2016 362 5 10 55 1 0 15 0 448
2017 372 5 11 44 1 0 17 0 450
2018 355 10 8 57 1 0 17 0 448
2019 333 6 8 50 1 0 19 0 417
2020 337 6 9 50 0 0 18 0 420
2021 345 6 10 60 1 0 26 0 448
2022 350 6 8 58 1 0 27 0 450
2023 345 7 8 75 1 0 32 0 468

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 Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 654 34.2 19.1 n/a
1989 683 35.2 19.4 n/a
1990 656 34.4 19.0 0
1991 669 34.4 19.4 n/a
1992 688 34.6 19.8 n/a
1993 633 32.5 19.5 n/a
1994 592 32.0 18.5 n/a
1995 592 30.5 19.4 n/a
1996 592 30.5 19.4 n/a
1997 600 31.5 19.0 n/a
1998 629 32.5 19.4 n/a
1999 613 31.5 19.5 n/a
2000 571 32.0 17.8 18.2
2001 538 27.0 19.9 16.9
2002 477 31.8 15.0 22.2
2003 477 31.8 15.0 22.2
2004 478 29.3 16.3 24.9
2005 459 30.3 15.1 23.1
2006 461 30.3 15.2 26.9
2007 472 32.6 14.5 26.7
2008 471 32.1 14.7 23.1
2009 425 25.7 16.5 28
2010 399 24.0 16.5 34.1
2011 426 24.8 17.1 37.1
2012 403 23.9 16.8 40.4
2013 438 24.0 18.2 46.8
2014 442 23.7 18.6 48.9
2015 456 27.0 16.8 50.4
2016 448 27.0 16.5 48.2
2017 450 27.2 16.5 46.9
2018 448 27.6 16.2 48.9
2019 417 28.5 14.6 49.9
2020 420 28.4 14.7 44.3
2021 448 30.5 14.6 48.7
2022 450 33.2 13.5 48
2023 468 31.4 14.8 49.6

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 Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 654 34.2 19.1 n/a
1989 683 35.2 19.4 n/a
1990 656 34.4 19.0 0
1991 669 34.4 19.4 n/a
1992 688 34.6 19.8 n/a
1993 633 32.5 19.5 n/a
1994 592 32.0 18.5 n/a
1995 592 30.5 19.4 n/a
1996 592 30.5 19.4 n/a
1997 600 31.5 19.0 n/a
1998 629 32.5 19.4 n/a
1999 613 31.5 19.5 n/a
2000 571 32.0 17.8 18.2
2001 538 27.0 19.9 16.9
2002 477 31.8 15.0 22.2
2003 477 31.8 15.0 22.2
2004 478 29.3 16.3 24.9
2005 459 30.3 15.1 23.1
2006 461 30.3 15.2 26.9
2007 472 32.6 14.5 26.7
2008 471 32.1 14.7 23.1
2009 425 25.7 16.5 28
2010 399 24.0 16.5 34.1
2011 426 24.8 17.1 37.1
2012 403 23.9 16.8 40.4
2013 438 24.0 18.2 46.8
2014 442 23.7 18.6 48.9
2015 456 27.0 16.8 50.4
2016 448 27.0 16.5 48.2
2017 450 27.2 16.5 46.9
2018 448 27.6 16.2 48.9
2019 417 28.5 14.6 49.9
2020 420 28.4 14.7 44.3
2021 448 30.5 14.6 48.7
2022 450 33.2 13.5 48
2023 468 31.4 14.8 49.6

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 Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $691 (4.9%) $13,282 (95.1%) $13,973
2020 $669 (4.8%) $13,271 (95.2%) $13,941
2021 $1,017 (7.3%) $12,966 (92.7%) $13,983
2022 $635 (4.3%) $14,172 (95.7%) $14,807

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Highland Elementary School

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 680th of 1544 Elementary schoolsRanks 483rd of 1534 Elementary schools
 12.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Highland Elementary School)62.168.1
 6%
   3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)5651.7
 4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Highland Elementary School)63.576.4
 12.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)61.954
 7.9%
4th Grade Math (Highland Elementary School)48.149.5
 1.4%
   4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)46.246.5
 0.3%
4th Grade Science (Highland Elementary School)88.483.6
 4.8%
   4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)77.874.1
 3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Highland Elementary School)74.158.8
 15.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)63.651.8
 11.8%
All Grades Math (Highland Elementary School)54.957.7
 2.8%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Highland Elementary School)88.483.6
 4.8%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Highland Elementary School)68.866.7
 2.1%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.953.8
 7.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students417468
 12.2%
African American67
 16.7%
American Indian11
Asian88
Hispanic5075
 50%
Pacific Islander00
White333345
 3.6%
Two or More Races1932
 68.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients49.9%49.6%
 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Elementary School

Highland Elementary School ranks 483rd of 1534 Pennsylvania elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at Highland Elementary School are 74% White, 16% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 2% Asian, 1% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 468 students attended Highland Elementary School.

Students who attend Highland Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Ephrata Intermediate School
Middle : Ephrata Middle School
High : Ephrata Senior High School


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