Highland Middle School

As a medium-sized intermediate school in Highland, Indiana, Highland Middle School educates 774 students from grades 6 through 8, run under School Town of Highland. Enrollment runs roughly 30% larger than the state mean of about 594.

Highland Middle School is one of 6 schools operated by School Town of Highland, a district that teaches 3,165 students overall.

For racial and ethnic makeup, Highland Middle School lists that the most-represented group is White (48%), with the rest of the student body spread across multiple groups. Other groups include 37% Hispanic, 11% Black.

Looking at the economic backdrop, On paper, Highland Middle School has 37 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 20.9:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 15.6:1, putting Highland Middle School higher than the state norm the norm. Roughly 46% of students at Highland Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator.

On a residual basis (actual vs predicted given the student mix), Highland Middle School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 42.9% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 48.3%.

In the broader community, the surrounding county (Lake County) records that the typical household earns roughly $71,493 per year, roughly 26% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and the poverty rate sits near 11%. In all, Lake County runs 121 public schools (combined enrollment of about 74,661 students), of which Highland Middle School is one.

The closest other public school is Highland High School, roughly 0.1 miles away. 8 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Highland Middle School at 2nd of 8; the average score across the group is 45.4%.

Geographically, the school is in a residential area.

Trend over the last 7 years. Over the past 7-year window, the student count expanded 7%: 722 students in 2018 compared to 774 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 60% to 48% across the same window. Class-load math has grew: from 15.2:1 in 2018 to 20.9:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. The community welcomes input from current and former families.