Highlands School

Highlands Middle School students are definitely striving for new heights, both literally and metaphorically.  In September our eighth graders went on their annual Leadership Retreat.  In addition to spending time with elders at a nursing home near campus, the students and two teachers spent time challenging themselves at Camp Cosby.

The group spent the first afternoon kayaking on the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River. They enjoyed beautiful weather as they overcame the challenges of navigating white water, getting stuck on rocks, and taking the occasional swim.

The next morning’s activities involved challenge by choice. The first activity was climbing the Alpine Tower. Each participant had the opportunity to choose a route to the top or to stop at whichever point seemed right. We celebrated our success with a ride on an amazing swing. To finish our time at Camp Cosby, we tackled the high-ropes course. Completing high ropes involves overcoming a series of obstacles high in the trees.

We are also challenging ourselves intellectually.  Highlands School has begun the process of becoming an IB World School.  We are officially an “interested school”, having registered our pursuit of this certification with the International Baccalaureate Organization.  While many people are more familiar with the Diploma Programme, IB also offers a Middle Years Programme (MYP).

The MYP is compatible with the Highlands mission and strategic plan and focuses on life-long learning and international mindedness.  Through this rigorous academic program, Highlands students will develop an appreciation for their own culture and that of others while acquiring the knowledge, skills, and characteristics to lead successful and productive lives in our quickly changing world.

We also take time to explore new ideas and activities through our elective program.  Students opt to participate in yearbook, newspaper, Scholars’ Bowl, drama, Alice programming, and a variety of other offerings.  Check out the first issue of this year’s newspaper, The High Life 2.0.

Please visit our web page often to find more information about what our students and teachers are doing as we continue striving for “a higher degree of learning.”