[14] In 2005, a team of three HPHS students were recognized as First Place National Finalists in the 13th Annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards science competition for their innovative design of a satellite-based earthquake and tsunami detection/prediction system.

Beginning in 1971, the high school had a ten-watt FM radio station, WVHP, the voice of Highland Park, that broadcast from 6AM to 8AM and 5PM to 10:30PM Monday through Friday.

Highland Park High School Owls[2] compete in the Greater Middlesex Conference, which is comprised of public and private high schools in the Middlesex County area and operates under the supervision of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).

[18] The football team competes in Division 1B of the Big Central Football Conference, which includes 60 public and private high schools in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren counties, which are broken down into 10 divisions by size and location.

[23] The baseball team won the Central Jersey Group II state sectional championship in 1959, 1962, 1966, 1969 and 1970.

[28] The 1977 Highland Park football team won the Central Jersey Group I state title with a 35-12 win against Dunellen High School in the championship game.

[29] The field hockey team won the Central Jersey Group I state sectional title in 1977.

[31] The girls' basketball team won the 2007 Central, Group I championship, topping Dunellen High School, 50–35 in the final.

[32][33] In 2011, the boys' tennis team won the New Jersey Group I championship for the first time, defeating Leonia High School in the final round of the tournament.

[36][37] The cross-country running team won the Central Jersey Group II state sectional title in 1966-1968.