| Metric | Highlands County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,362 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 24 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,202/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 74 rated districts in FL → 36th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Florida Dept. of Education FAST ELA & Mathematics, 2024. Full methodology →
About Highlands County School District
Zip code 33857 in Highlands, Florida is served by Highlands County School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Highlands County School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Highlands County School District spent $10,202 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 3% below Florida’s statewide $10,500 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 873 students, an estimated 83% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 24 schools serving approximately 12,362 students, Highlands County School District is a large district. Contact Highlands County School District to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Highlands County School District ranks among Florida’s below-average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Florida’s FAST ELA & Mathematics assessments (2024 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Florida is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Highlands County School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Florida on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 33857
Children in zip code 33857 are assigned to Highlands County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 33857, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Highlands County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Florida districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Highlands
For families considering a purchase in the Highlands area, district assignment matters financially. Because Highlands County School District serves zip code 33857, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 33857. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Florida, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Highlands County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 33857.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Highlands County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 33857 data.