Serving 462 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Highland Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 67% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 462 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 67% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Highland Elementary School's student population of 462 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
462 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
School Rankings
Highland Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#954 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
26%
13%
Black
30%
7%
White
27%
71%
Hawaiian
3%
1%
Two or more races
13%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland Elementary School's ranking?
Highland Elementary School is ranked #954 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Highland Elementary School often compared to?
Highland Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
67% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Highland Elementary School?
462 students attend Highland Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Highland Elementary School students are Black, 27% of students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Elementary School?
Highland Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Highland Elementary School offer ?
Highland Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Highland Elementary School part of?
Highland Elementary School is part of Waterloo Community School District.
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