Why Highlands?

Highlands School is a preschool through 8th grade school — intentionally.

Our student-centered academic environment motivates students to take ownership of their learning from early childhood and beyond. Our educational approach creates a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to take risks in pursuit of greater understanding while also preserving the innocence of childhood.

At Highlands we believe in allowing "kids to be kids" and the importance of age-appropriate activities.

Portrait of a Graduate

Have you ever wondered what makes a Highlands Student stand out from the pack? There are four qualities that our graduates carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.

The Highlands Way

"The Highlands Way" is an integral part of everyday life in the Highlands School community.

The Highlands Difference

At Highlands School, we hold our students, faculty, and staff to a higher degree of...

Professional Excellence

The Highlands community is what makes our school so special. The students, faculty, administration, parents, and trustees all give generously of their time and talents to make Highlands a caring community for academic excellence, but none more so than our faculty and staff.

The Case for the Preschool through 8th Grade Model

Our student-centered academic environment motivates students to take ownership of their learning from early childhood and beyond. Our educational approach creates a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to take risks in pursuit of greater understanding while also preserving the innocence of childhood. At Highlands we believe in allowing "kids to be kids" and the importance of age-appropriate activities.

High Academic Expectations

Studies show that test scores of students who enter stand-alone middle schools experience significant drops in math and English compared to those who remain in K-8 programs. Early childhood through 8th grade programs offer strong curriculum continuity, providing a seamless approach to learning that helps students continuously strive toward the next level of success. As students take ownership of their education and seek out leadership opportunities, they maximize their learning potential. Rising to the challenge from an early age, students develop strong foundations in core academic disciplines.

Comfortable, Confident Students

Preschool through 8th grade schools offer smaller, tight-knit communities that feel more like home for young learners. Every student is known by name and develops meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers — even those in higher grade levels. This intimate learning environment builds confidence and allows students to have their goals and challenges addressed in an age-appropriate way.

Early Leadership Opportunities

When the middle school years are characterized by transition, students struggle to find their place. On the other hand, centering these years on leadership encourages growth, maturity, and strong character development. Staying with a school from pre-k or kindergarten through grade eight ensures students are never “caught between” elementary and high school. As they advance to higher grades, they are given meaningful leadership opportunities which develop the skills necessary for success in high school and college.

Future-Minded Families

High school is a critical time that sets a student’s future into motion. It is important to avoid making this decision prematurely. Seventh or eighth grade is the best time to choose the right high school environment for your student — one that that addresses their strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Completing the preschool through 8th grade experience gives you that opportunity. Together with your child, you can thoughtfully select the right high school, at the right time. Click here to learn more about our outplacement program.

Exceptional Resources

The value of a sequential program that is designed with great intention and purpose cannot be understated. In K-8 schools, all attention and resources are channeled to the ever-critical elementary and middle school years. This often translates to a better learning environment. From passionate teachers to classroom technology, every resource at Highlands School is hand-picked to aid in the developmental success of our students.

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