Greetings, HHS Faculty, Students, and Families, 

On behalf of administrators, faculty, and staff, we welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year at Highland High School, home of the mighty Bulldogs! We are thrilled to begin the year and cannot wait to welcome everyone on the first day, Wednesday, August 16. Together, we will work as partners in education to ensure a positive, meaningful, and impactful school year for all.

Our faculty and staff are excited to collaborate with you and your family this year. We appreciate the continued support from parents and guardians who join us on this crucial journey. HHS faculty and staff are dedicated, skilled, and enthusiastic about teaching and learning. They care about students and go beyond the call to positively impact the lives of young people. You can click HHS Admin or HHS Faculty & Staff to learn more about our talented team of educators and support staff.

Highland High School, located 30 miles northeast of St. Louis, houses approximately 900 students, 60 certified faculty, and 30 support staff. Students experience a traditional 7-period class schedule with a Rotating Homeroom each day to complete homework, prepare for assessments, or get teacher assistance.

Highland High School offers a robust, rigorous curriculum promoting college and career readiness. We have ten core departments: English, math, science, social studies, PE, fine arts, vocational, foreign language, counseling, and special education. Beyond our core curriculum, offerings include ten dual credit college classes, 11 Advanced Placement classes, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), FACS (Family and Consumer Science), and PLTW classes (Project Lead The Way), numerous vocational offerings, and multiple fine and visual arts classes. The Construction Trades program was brought back a few years ago, and juniors and seniors may also take courses at the Collinsville Area Vocational Center or join the new CEO entrepreneur program.  

Students are also encouraged to choose from various clubs, organizations, and IHSA extra-curricular opportunities as part of their school experience.  Our athletic programs are top-notch, and we have exceptional fine and visual arts programs that include band, choir, musical, madrigal, show choir, and visual arts offerings.

Education is a collaborative process that incorporates efforts from students, parents, guardians, faculty, and the community. We do our best to make sure that every student who attends HHS has the opportunity to learn and grow in a positive environment. Faculty and staff do their best to establish positive connections with students, helping them to reach their goals and dreams. We also work hard to create a healthy culture within our school that supports teaching, learning, and real-world experiences for all.

We strive to maintain high expectations for teaching and learning at HHS. Whether pursuing a college or university, trade school, military, or a career pathway, we do our best to prepare students for success during high school and beyond. Students are encouraged to get involved with school clubs, athletics, and activities, to be respectful and kind to others, to take pride and ownership in their school and community, and to do their best. Thanks for helping us maintain a positive school culture every single day. 

In closing, we believe in effective communication at HHS, and the information found in this letter shares essential details about the start of the school year and beyond. As always, please get in touch with us at 618-654-7131 or via email with questions, concerns, or feedback. The high school is proud to be recognized by US News and World Reports as a top school in Illinois. The Highland CUSD #5 mission statement is "Igniting bright futures to build a better community."  We continue to work toward our goal of “Excellence in Education Every Day.”

With that in mind, our door is always open. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 618-654-7131. You can also stop by the office to see our outstanding school. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2023-2024 school year!

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Chris A. Becker
Principal

Highland High School