Highlands Senior High School

Highlands Senior High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
1500 Pacific Ave,  Natrona Heights, PA
Harrison Township Neighborhood
Highlands School District
3.4
3.2
701 Students
C+
Niche Grade

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Average SAT Score
1120
Average ACT Score
26
Math Proficiency
47%
Reading Proficiency
62%
Average GPA
3.56
Graduation Rate
82%

Niche Grade

C+
Academics
B-
Teachers
C
College Prep
C-
Administration
C-
Resources/Facilities
C-
Clubs and Activities
B-
Sports
C
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.56
Reading Proficiency
62%
Math Proficiency
47%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
47
Full Time Teachers
47
Teachers in First or Second Year
3.8%
College Prep
Average SAT
1120
Math
550
Verbal
570
Average ACT
26
Math
25
English
26
Reading
27
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
11
AP Pass Rate
33.3%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

4
Test Scores
4
Equity
3
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
244:1

Student Diversity

Male
52%
Female
48%
White
80.9%
Black
9%
Two or more races
7%
Hispanic
2.4%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Pittsburgh 98 Students
Penn State 71 Students
Robert Morris University - Pennsylvania 67 Students
Duquesne University 59 Students
Indiana University of Pennsylvania 55 Students
Slippery Rock University 52 Students
Carnegie Mellon University 50 Students
Community College of Allegheny County 42 Students
Point Park University 30 Students
Penn State New Kensington 26 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing 39 Students
Business 33 Students
Psychology 19 Students
Biology 19 Students
Computer Science 13 Students
Criminology 13 Students
Environmental Science 12 Students
Political Science and Government 11 Students
Mechanical Engineering 11 Students
Chemical Engineering 11 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 139 Reviews
2.0 Parent
6/2/2024
The school administration is focused on the wrong things. Very little emphasis is put on college readiness and there are a lack of clubs or activities. Every year there are fewer AP and Honors options. The misguided few punish the majority for the wrongdoings of a few. They have zero backbone and allow horrible student behaviors and violence.
4.0 Junior
12/7/2023
Highlands Senior Highschool has a lot of good and not so good attributes. the teachers and staff are communicative and very helpful, the school is well connected with the community. Highlands often gets a bad rep because there are some problem causing students and however Highlands is not a bad school, there are many people who go to that school and come out successful. The work can be easy but if you take the right classes it can be painfully challenging in a way that will help you grow. As for the students and culture highlands is like most schools everyone has their groups they spend time and everyone is very kind. the only thing i would like to see change is the student motivation and engagement, the majority of the people who go to school are motivated but its those few who aren't at motivated or engaged at all that make me bring this up because they have the potential to do well in school and life but they just are not motivated.
4.0 Senior
12/5/2023
The school has many opportunities for the sports involved with school and even musical/arts. In ways with more academic and clubs there is none to gain from, this could benefit a lot more for students. More should be connected with school and helping students with gaining more than just classes. Students who aren't involved with sports deserve involvement opportunities as well.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
3.2 6 Reviews
5.0 other
9/28/2021
I have 2 kids. My daughter is in college now & is excelling. She was prepared for college. All her teachers were wonderful and she was challenged. My son attends now and is taking honors & AP courses. I cannot say enough good things about his experience. Highlands has gotten a bad reputation, but I...
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3.0 parent
3/4/2019
My siblings and I all graduated from Highlands many years ago. I moved back to Highlands several years ago with my own family and have been very disappointed in the direction the district is going. The demographic of the students is disheartening. a majority of the population here is "low income/ at...
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1.0 student
4/22/2015
This place can't help its student to be successful. Teachers do not answer phones or return messages. I beg you to not let your kids go here or anywhere else in the Highlands school district.
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2.0 student
4/18/2015
i wouldnt recommended this school at all for anyone including for the fact its poor management for the troubled kids like me.. you get treated badly... the school dont meet up with the requirements for troubled kids.. i seen kids 10 times worse then as i have it.. getting screamed at things taking o...
Read Full Review
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Pennsylvania Allegheny County Natrona Heights 15065 Harrison Township
Highlands Senior High School

Highlands Senior High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Natrona Heights, PA and is served by the Highlands School District in Pennsylvania. The school has a total enrollment of 701 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 47% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 62% are proficient in reading. Highlands Senior High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.56, the graduation rate is 82%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1120 and an ACT score of 26. The average home value in this area is $178,261. Discover additional schools in the area, like St. Joseph High School, Harvest Baptist Academy, Redeemer Lutheran School, and more. Learn more about what Natrona Heights has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Highlands Senior High School.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
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