Highland students develop confidence, independence, resourcefulness, self-motivation, and responsibility in a school community that values individual rights and the democratic process.

Highland students have the responsibility to decide what they do with their time—much like adults do in their own lives. Our students take advantage of our 500 acres of forests, fields, and streams, wireless Internet access, our library, gym, art, music, and other rooms.

Without following a standardized curriculum, Highland students are constantly active in pursuing what they are interested in: whether that is a particular academic subject, a skill they are developing, or talent they naturally have. Our students have the space and time to really delve into their passions. Sometimes this can be spending all day, for many days, building a boat. This is one of the ways they discover who they are and their relationship to the rest of the world.

Children are natural learners. Every child’s experience at Highland is unique to that child. Students become accustomed to making choices and taking responsibility for those choices. Through pursuing their interests, students develop self-discipline as well as the skills of finding information, persisting in working toward a goal, and solving complex problems. All students at Highland experience participation in the daily interactions of a working democracy. This results in gaining critical thinking skills and creativity. All of these experiences will help your child discover their strengths and continue their learning long after leaving The Highland School.

Read more about how Highland students develop personal responsibility, leadership skills, and creativity.