Highland County is a picturesque area in west-central Virginia. The county is located in the Allegheny Mountains midway between the eastern border of West Virginia and western border of the Shenandoah Valley. The headwaters of the James and Potomac Rivers are found here. The contrast of our high, narrow ridges forested in hardwoods and our broad, open valleys is breathtaking, leading to our label as “Virginia’s Switzerland.” Highland County encompasses 416 square miles of bucolic mountain terrain and received its name from its prevailing high altitude. US Highways 250 and 220 bisect the county and intersect in our county seat of Monterey.

This land of high mountain valleys, sheep and cattle grazing farms, and vast forestlands is known for its pristine beauty and rural charm. Highland County is also rich in its natural resources. Not surprisingly, both agriculture and tourism play major roles in the local economy.

Highland County is rich in historic traditions. The county was formed in 1847 from portions of Bath and Pendleton counties. The Battle of McDowell was waged here during the Civil War. This was a significant battle in Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign. Monterey, the county seat, was established in 1848. In addition, Highland is the southernmost commercial maple syrup producing region in the nation and is known for its annual Maple Festival held in March.

Highland County is the least populated jurisdiction in Virginia with a population of approximately 2,300 residents. Originally settled by Scotch/Irish highlanders and German immigrants, Highland is now an eclectic mix of native farm families and new residents drawn to the natural beauty and high quality of life.

Highland County Public Schools consists of an elementary school and a high school, both housed in one building in Monterey. Highland Elementary School serves preschool through fifth grade students, while Highland High School serves students in grades six through twelve. Highland County Public Schools has a total of 212 students, making it the smallest division in the Commonwealth. Highland County Public Schools receives Title I, Part A, funds and serves students through a targeted assistance model. The school building is available for use by civic organizations and supports community events throughout the year.

Highland County Public Schools is proud to be recognized as one of Virginia Living’s 2026 Top Schools & Universities, an honor that reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and student success.

This distinction is based on a holistic evaluation conducted by Virginia Living’s editorial team, which considers multiple indicators of school quality. These include academic performance across core disciplines such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as student success measures like on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and other markers of overall educational effectiveness.

As part of this recognition, Highland County Public Schools will be featured in the March–April 2026 issue of Virginia Living Magazine within its annual State of Education section. This section serves as a trusted, in-depth resource for families across the Commonwealth who are seeking high-quality educational opportunities, spanning elementary and secondary education, specialty programs, and higher education institutions.

For nearly 24 years, Virginia Living has been a respected statewide publication known for its comprehensive coverage of the people, places, and institutions that shape Virginia. Inclusion in its Top Schools & Universities list underscores the dedication of our educators, staff, students, families, and community partners who work together to create a supportive, high-achieving learning environment.

At Highland County Public Schools, we remain committed to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong learning—preparing our students for success today and into the future.

You can view the digital edition of the March–April 2025 issue here:

Highland County Public Schools is proud to be fully accredited by the Virginia Department of Education in 2025. This designation reflects our commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets rigorous state standards and supports student success across all grade levels.

Accreditation evaluates multiple aspects of school performance, including academic achievement, curriculum effectiveness, and student outcomes. Being fully accredited demonstrates that Highland Elementary and Highland Middle & High School consistently meet these standards, ensuring our students are prepared for continued learning and future success.

We are grateful to our dedicated teachers, staff, students, and families whose hard work and collaboration make this achievement possible. At Highland County Public Schools, maintaining excellence and fostering growth for every student is at the heart of everything we do.