Our accreditation and recognitions.
Highland Prep is held to rigorous external standards for teaching, leadership, and learning, and recognized for the work our students and staff do every day.
Accredited by Cognia
Highland Prep is accredited by Cognia, the global, nonprofit accreditor formed from the former AdvancED and North Central Association. Cognia accreditation is the same standard held by established public and private high schools nationwide.
For a family choosing a school, accreditation is a signal that an independent authority, not the school itself, has examined how Highland Prep teaches, leads, and serves students, and found it meets the mark.
Independent verification
An outside team of educators reviews the school against rigorous standards for teaching, leadership, and student learning.
Credits that travel
Coursework and a diploma from an accredited school are recognized by colleges and universities across the country.
Continuous improvement
Accreditation is not one and done. The school is measured on an ongoing review cycle and held to its own goals for getting better.
Awards and recognitions.
Beyond accreditation, Highland Prep is part of national programs and rankings that hold STEM schools to a high bar.
Arizona A-Rated School
Earned an A letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education, the state's highest rating for academic achievement and growth.
U.S. News Best High Schools
Ranked #28 among all high schools in Arizona in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
AP School Honor Roll, Platinum
One of only 8% of schools to earn Platinum on the College Board AP School Honor Roll, with more than 50% of the graduating class earning college credit by scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam.
Niche Best Schools 2026
Recognized in Niche's 2026 Best Schools rankings, based on academics, outcomes, and community reviews.
Project Lead The Way
An official Project Lead The Way school, delivering PLTW's national, project-based STEM curriculum.
College Board AP
Offers College Board Advanced Placement courses, so students can earn college credit while still in high school.
See the rigor for yourself.
Credentials tell part of the story. The best way to judge a school is to walk the building and see the work happening in the classrooms.
Questions about our accreditation? Call the front office at 623-300-8385.