Highland High School is a public high school in Bakersfield, California, United States, providing technology-based instruction across the curriculum.
Serving 2,530 students in grades 9-12, Highland High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 19% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,530 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland High School's student population of 2,530 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 106 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,530 students
Total Classroom Teachers
106 teachers
Year Founded
1970
Colors
Blue, Green
School Rankings
Highland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland High School is 0.43, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6008 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
74%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
15%
20%
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)25.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
66%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
22%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Scot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland High School's ranking?
Highland High School is ranked #6008 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highland High School?
The graduation rate of Highland High School is 86%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Highland High School?
2,530 students attend Highland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Highland High School students are Hispanic, 15% of students are White, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland High School?
Highland High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Highland High School offer ?
Highland High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Highland High School part of?
Highland High School is part of Kern High School District.
School Calendar
View the Highland High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break
March 22, 2027 (Monday)
School Reviews
Review Highland High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
