Highlands High School

Summary:

Highlands High School is a public magnet high school in San Antonio, Texas, serving 1,651 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), which is ranked 811 out of 968 districts in Texas and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Highlands High School consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of Texas high schools, with a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger over the past decade. Its performance on STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) exams is significantly below the state and district averages across all subject areas, including Algebra I, Biology, English I/II, and U.S. History. The school has also seen a decline in its four-year graduation rate, dropping from 89.2% in 2019-2020 to 77.5% in 2022-2023, and its dropout rate has fluctuated between 2.3% and 5.9% in recent years, which is higher than the state and district averages. Additionally, Highlands High School has a very high percentage of students (around 90%) who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

When comparing Highlands High School to other nearby schools, such as Brackenridge High School (also in SAISD) and various IDEA and Compass Rose charter schools, Highlands consistently underperforms on academic measures like STAAR EOC exams, graduation rates, and dropout rates. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and additional resources to support high-poverty schools like Highlands High School, which faces significant challenges in improving student outcomes.


Detail:

Public, Magnet 9-12

 3118 Elgin Ave
       San Antonio, TX  78210-5599


(210) 438-6800

District: San Antonio Independent School District (Isd)

SchoolDigger Rank:
1696th of 1,987 Texas High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,164 Help


Feeder schools for Highlands High School:

Elementary:    Charles C Ball Elementary
    Democracy Prep At Stewart Academy
    Eloise Japhet Academy
    Foster Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Hot Wells Middle
    Rogers Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  15.0 Help
Number of students:  1,651

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
89.4%
African American:
7.1%
White:
2.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  91.9% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Highlands High School is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2018 the calculated Average Standard Score was 7.43. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details Highlands High School ranks worse than 85.4% of high schools in Texas. It also ranks 12th among 19 ranked high schools in the San Antonio Independent School District (Isd). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 15.17. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Highlands High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Hispanic (89.4%), African American (7.1%), White (2.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 91.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Highlands High School is 15. 11 high schools in the San Antonio Independent School District (Isd) have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Highlands High School employs 109.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Highlands High School is $12,164, which is the 9th highest among 19 high schools in the San Antonio Independent School District (Isd).
Schooldigger 2018 Rankings:

Highlands High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Highlands High School 1696th of 1987 Texas public high schools. (See Highlands High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
At Risk students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


San Antonio Independent School District (Isd):

SchoolDigger ranks San Antonio Independent School District (Isd) 811th of 968 Texas school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Highlands High School?

Rank History for Highlands High School

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 8.42 1972nd 2027 2.7%
2018 7.43 2019th 2080 2.9%
See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Texas Education Agency, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Highlands High School

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Compare

Rank History for all high school students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 32.10 1159th 1427 18.8%
2005 36.39 1086th 1429 24.0%
2006 41.07 1024th 1430 28.4%
2007 44.04 1030th 1497 31.2%
2008 34.75 1200th 1510 20.5%
2009 33.42 1252nd 1539 18.6%
2010 38.41 1254th 1568 20.0%
2011 44.06 1231st 1672 26.4%
2012 19.40 1413th 1603 11.9%
2013 16.71 1466th 1652 11.3%
2014 18.67 1510th 1734 12.9%
2015 21.20 1469th 1743 15.7%
2016 23.01 1472nd 1762 16.5%
2017 11.71 1562nd 1777 12.1%
2018 12.50 1573rd 1797 12.5%
2019 21.62 1506th 1857 18.9%
2021 11.47 1661st 1861 10.7%
2022 12.80 1655th 1876 11.8%
2023 15.62 1671st 1961 14.8%
2024 15.17 1696th 1987 14.6%
See the entire list of Texas High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Multi-racial students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 0.13 673rd 677 0.6%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for high school English Language Learner students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 31.22 773rd 1113 30.5%
2019 40.76 553rd 1136 51.3%
2021 25.15 959th 1195 19.7%
2022 19.51 1107th 1278 13.4%
2023 16.90 1205th 1371 12.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for high school Special Education students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.90 1109th 1347 17.7%
2019 28.76 1053rd 1357 22.4%
2021 29.98 1045th 1382 24.4%
2022 34.74 929th 1418 34.5%
2023 35.01 940th 1478 36.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 15.47 1610th 1794 10.3%
2019 26.58 1471st 1818 19.1%
2021 14.28 1650th 1848 10.7%
2022 16.42 1608th 1847 12.9%
2023 18.84 1604th 1897 15.4%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.01 1633rd 1781 8.3%
2019 21.95 1498th 1798 16.7%
2021 11.98 1622nd 1815 10.6%
2022 11.13 1646th 1841 10.6%
2023 13.10 1643rd 1891 13.1%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Gifted and Talented students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 3.48 1114th 1137 2.0%
2019 26.79 1012th 1145 11.6%
2021 9.42 1106th 1177 6.0%
2022 1.13 1153rd 1172 1.6%
2023 11.57 1093rd 1182 7.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for high school At Risk students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.60 1475th 1784 17.3%
2019 42.38 962nd 1810 46.9%
2021 17.51 1631st 1829 10.8%
2022 17.65 1644th 1837 10.5%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for At Risk Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.05 1623rd 1803 10.0%
2019 19.89 1542nd 1824 15.5%
2021 10.36 1679th 1840 8.8%
2022 13.53 1629th 1853 12.1%
2023 16.50 1606th 1913 16.0%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school African American students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.02 860th 1013 15.1%
2019 28.29 732nd 1024 28.5%
2021 31.93 669th 1020 34.4%
2023 26.61 781st 1069 26.9%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for high school Hispanic students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 15.45 1506th 1691 10.9%
2019 24.76 1396th 1714 18.6%
2021 13.13 1556th 1743 10.7%
2023 18.77 1523rd 1820 16.3%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Highlands High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools TX State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 5.27 1456th 1539 5.4%
2019 12.55 1402nd 1526 8.1%
2021 17.49 1304th 1510 13.6%
2023 20.93 1311th 1576 16.8%
See the entire list of Best Texas High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Texas Education Agency, 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.

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



Data source: Texas Education Agency

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Enrollment information for Highlands High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 520 403 5 1336 n/a n/a n/a 0 2264
1989 513 371 10 1344 0 n/a n/a 0 2238
1990 450 371 10 1383 0 n/a n/a 0 2214
1991 400 234 10 1498 1 n/a n/a 0 2143
1992 368 221 9 1490 0 n/a n/a 0 2088
1993 347 254 7 1511 1 n/a n/a 0 2120
1994 339 203 3 1531 1 n/a n/a 0 2077
1995 323 219 5 1522 2 n/a n/a 0 2071
1996 323 219 5 1522 2 n/a n/a 0 2071
1997 300 205 6 1648 0 n/a n/a 0 2159
1998 293 203 3 1629 2 n/a n/a 0 2130
1999 272 203 6 1688 0 n/a n/a 0 2169
2000 257 198 7 1705 2 n/a n/a 0 2169
2001 248 219 9 1738 2 n/a n/a 0 2216
2002 234 200 8 1771 1 n/a n/a 0 2214
2003 234 200 8 1771 1 n/a n/a 0 2214
2004 210 192 5 1771 3 n/a n/a 0 2181
2005 193 185 4 1791 0 n/a n/a 0 2173
2006 186 158 7 1757 1 n/a n/a 0 2109
2007 176 154 5 1733 0 n/a n/a 0 2068
2008 153 182 8 1761 0 n/a n/a 0 2104
2009 144 194 3 1790 2 n/a n/a 0 2133
2010 130 179 3 1806 3 n/a n/a 0 2121
2011 94 185 1 1708 1 1 7 0 1997
2012 77 172 2 1671 1 0 6 0 1929
2013 63 143 2 1604 1 2 6 0 1821
2014 46 130 4 1527 2 1 9 0 1719
2015 47 126 4 1476 1 1 6 0 1661
2016 51 117 5 1514 1 2 8 0 1698
2017 63 145 5 1896 0 1 7 0 2117
2018 44 134 1 1618 2 1 9 0 1809
2019 31 95 2 1304 2 0 6 0 1440
2020 30 102 2 1369 1 0 8 0 1512
2021 41 97 3 1372 2 0 10 0 1525
2022 39 98 3 1389 2 0 8 0 1539
2023 38 117 7 1476 3 0 10 0 1651

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 Highlands High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2264 108.0 20.9 n/a
1989 2238 n/a n/a n/a
1990 2214 111.0 19.9 n/a
1991 2143 110.7 19.3 n/a
1992 2088 109.0 19.1 48.9
1993 2120 115.0 18.4 64.6
1994 2077 117.6 17.7 54.8
1995 2071 112.3 18.4 56.2
1996 2071 112.3 18.4 56.2
1997 2159 115.4 18.7 64.8
1998 2130 117.0 18.2 61.2
1999 2169 116.7 18.6 73.6
2000 2169 119.6 18.1 71.6
2001 2216 122.3 18.1 70.2
2002 2214 129.3 17.1 60.5
2003 2214 129.3 17.1 60.5
2004 2181 127.4 17.1 58.2
2005 2173 129.9 16.7 50.3
2006 2109 131.0 16.1 44.4
2007 2068 131.1 15.8 37.7
2008 2104 131.2 16.0 57.2
2009 2133 129.3 16.5 52.3
2010 2121 129.6 16.3 56.9
2011 1997 132.7 15.0 47.3
2012 1929 120.4 16.0 38.2
2013 1821 117.5 15.4 85.8
2014 1719 113.4 15.1 84.6
2015 1661 103.0 16.1 87.6
2016 1698 104.0 16.3 90.8
2017 2117 115.9 18.2 90.7
2018 1809 119.8 15.0 92.3
2019 1440 98.1 14.6 90.7
2020 1512 99.3 15.2 89.6
2021 1525 100.6 15.1 88.1
2022 1539 103.3 14.8 89
2023 1651 109.3 15.0 91.9

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 Highlands High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 2264 108.0 20.9 n/a
1989 2238 n/a n/a n/a
1990 2214 111.0 19.9 n/a
1991 2143 110.7 19.3 n/a
1992 2088 109.0 19.1 48.9
1993 2120 115.0 18.4 64.6
1994 2077 117.6 17.7 54.8
1995 2071 112.3 18.4 56.2
1996 2071 112.3 18.4 56.2
1997 2159 115.4 18.7 64.8
1998 2130 117.0 18.2 61.2
1999 2169 116.7 18.6 73.6
2000 2169 119.6 18.1 71.6
2001 2216 122.3 18.1 70.2
2002 2214 129.3 17.1 60.5
2003 2214 129.3 17.1 60.5
2004 2181 127.4 17.1 58.2
2005 2173 129.9 16.7 50.3
2006 2109 131.0 16.1 44.4
2007 2068 131.1 15.8 37.7
2008 2104 131.2 16.0 57.2
2009 2133 129.3 16.5 52.3
2010 2121 129.6 16.3 56.9
2011 1997 132.7 15.0 47.3
2012 1929 120.4 16.0 38.2
2013 1821 117.5 15.4 85.8
2014 1719 113.4 15.1 84.6
2015 1661 103.0 16.1 87.6
2016 1698 104.0 16.3 90.8
2017 2117 115.9 18.2 90.7
2018 1809 119.8 15.0 92.3
2019 1440 98.1 14.6 90.7
2020 1512 99.3 15.2 89.6
2021 1525 100.6 15.1 88.1
2022 1539 103.3 14.8 89
2023 1651 109.3 15.0 91.9

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 Highlands High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $2,057 (16.9%) $10,120 (83.1%) $12,176
2020 $2,451 (20.5%) $9,489 (79.5%) $11,940
2021 $2,235 (18.4%) $9,929 (81.6%) $12,164

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Highlands High 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 1506th of 1857 High schoolsRanks 1671st of 1961 High schools
 4.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Algebra I (Highlands High School)4125
 16%
   End of Course Algebra I (San Antonio Independent School District (Isd))4626
 20%
   End of Course Algebra I (Texas)6245
 17%
End of Course Biology (Highlands High School)3529
 6%
   End of Course Biology (San Antonio Independent School District (Isd))4240
 2%
   End of Course Biology (Texas)6357
 6%
End of Course English I Reading (Highlands High School)2330
 7%
   End of Course English I Reading (San Antonio Independent School District (Isd))2735
 8%
   End of Course English I Reading (Texas)4954
 5%
End of Course English II Reading (Highlands High School)2631
 5%
   End of Course English II Reading (San Antonio Independent School District (Isd))3237
 5%
   End of Course English II Reading (Texas)5156
 5%
End of Course U.S. History (Highlands High School)6850
 18%
   End of Course U.S. History (San Antonio Independent School District (Isd))6049
 11%
   End of Course U.S. History (Texas)7571
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students14401651
 14.7%
African American95117
 23.2%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian27
 250%
Hispanic13041476
 13.2%
Pacific Islander00
White3138
 22.6%
Two or More Races610
 66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients90.7%91.9%
 1.2%


Schools Near Highlands High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Highlands High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,651 students attended Highlands High School.

Highlands High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Charles C Ball Elementary
Elementary : Democracy Prep At Stewart Academy
Elementary : Eloise Japhet Academy
Elementary : Foster Elementary
Elementary : Highland Hills Elementary
Elementary : Mission Academy
Elementary : Muriel Forbes Elementary
Elementary : Schenck Elementary
Elementary : Smith Elementary
Middle : Hot Wells Middle
Middle : Rogers Middle

Students at Highlands High School are 89% Hispanic, 7% African American, 2% White.

Highlands High School ranks in the bottom 14.6% of Texas high schools.


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

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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