Highlands Latin ITBS Scores
Highlands Latin School uses the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to test every student in Kindergarten-8th Grade. We selected the ITBS because it is one of the longest running (since 1936), most respected, standardized tests in the country. It has been administered for years with little change, providing a consistent and relevant comparison of our students against others across the country.
2009 ResultsFor 2009, HLS scored in the 99th percentile of all schools taking the ITBS for the fifth year in a row.
Below is a grade equivalency graph. HLS students scored an average of 3.76 grades above their actual grade level. This number is impressive and commonly quoted, but the important series of numbers for parents is the longitudinal change in our student's scores each year they attend Highlands Latin. If our students start ahead 3.76 grades and just stay there, we didn't do much. An outperforming school should increase grade equivalency relative to actual grade each year a student attends.
Our longitudinal scores are listed below. While a kindergartner at Highlands Latin scores about 2 grades above their grade level, a 6th grader scores about 6 grades above their grade level and 7th and 8th graders score off the grade equivalency chart. These are the numbers that we actually watch each year to determine if we are improving the children entrusted to us.
| Grade | Score Above Grade | |
| K | 1.9 | |
| 1st | 2 | |
| 2nd | 2.1 | |
| 3rd | 2.8 | |
| 4th | 3.8 | |
| 5th | 3.5 | |
| 6th | 5.8 | |
| 7th | 6+ | |
| 8th | 6+ |
2008 Results
For 2008, HLS scored in the 99th percentile of all schools taking the ITBS for the fourth year in a row. For the second year, both the 7th and 8th grades scored the highest possible grade equivalency of 13+.
Below is a grade equivalent graph. HLS students scored an average of 3.74 grades above their actual grade level, an improvement over 3.50 for 2007, 3.36 for 2006, and 3.25 for 2005.
2007 Results
For 2007, HLS scored in the 99th percentile of all schools taking the ITBS. Both the 7th and 8th Grades scored the highest possible grade equivalency of 13+.
Below is a grade equivalent graph. HLS students scored an average of 3.5 grades above their actual grade level, an improvement over 3.36 for 2006 and 3.25 for 2005.
For the first time, we were able to run longitudinal statistics for students attending HLS for three or more years. The resulting data indicates that we aren't just accepting smart students, but actually making them smarter. Students who have attended HLS for three or more years scored an average of 3.81 grades above their actual grade, and the students increased their grade equivalency an average of 1.74 years for each year they attended HLS. In short, students at HLS are moving forward nearly two years for each year they attend.
2006 Results
For 2006, HLS scored in the 99th percentile of all schools taking the ITBS.
Below is a grade equivalent graph. HLS students scored an average of 3.36 grades above their actual grade level.
(Note: The 8th Grade class received the maxiumum score of 13+. Grade equivalency is extrapolated from their standard score data.)
2005 Results
For 2005, HLS scored in the 99th percentile of all schools taking the ITBS.
Below is a grade equivalent graph. HLS students scored an average of 3.25 grades above their actual grade level.
(Note: The 8th Grade class received the maxiumum score of 13+. Grade equivalency is extrapolated from their standard score data.)
