Highlands Elementary School

Highlands Elementary School, an average-sized K-5 school in Dothan, Alabama, overseen by Dothan City, works with 501 students, covering grades K through 5.

Dothan City runs 16 schools in total, collectively educating 8,220 students. Highlands Elementary School is one of those campuses.

On demographics, Highlands Elementary School shows that the largest single group is White, at 60% of enrollment. The remainder is composed of 22% Black, 11% Hispanic, 7% Asian.

Looking at the economic backdrop, The school lists 33 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 15.2:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 17.0:1, putting Highlands Elementary School tighter than the state norm the norm. Around 39% of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, often used as a Title I proxy. That share is below Houston County's rate of about 63%.

With demographic context factored in, Highlands Elementary School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 55.8% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 54.5%.

Zooming out to the county, the surrounding county (Houston County) shows that median household earnings sit near $58,626, about 23% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 13%. In all, Houston County runs 35 public schools (combined enrollment of about 15,127 students), of which Highlands Elementary School is one.

The closest other public school is Dothan City Early Education Center, roughly 3.3 miles away. Within five miles, there are 6 other public schools. On composite proficiency, Highlands Elementary School comes 1st of 6 in the immediate cluster, higher than the nearby-schools average of 36.7%.

The school occupies a downtown site.

Five-year trend. Highlands Elementary School's enrollment has stayed largely flat since 2018, when it stood at 502 (now 501). Over the same period, the White share fell from 67% to 60%. Class-load math has narrowed: from 19.3:1 in 2018 to 15.2:1 in 2025.

On allk12, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.