School Year Program

“The Highlands School offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for children with learning differences. Employing the most up-to-date, research-based teaching strategies, the faculty and staff of Highlands instill confidence and produce results.”

Vincent P. Culotta, Ph.D., ABPN, Neuropsychologist

Policy

The Highlands School operates under a rolling admissions policy (space permitting) and admits children ages 5-14 (grades K-8) who have the potential for average to above average achievement levels but who are not currently achieving academically at their age level. Mid-year enrollment is possible.

Students admitted to The Highlands School demonstrate difficulty in one or more areas of skill development, including:

  • Language and Auditory Processing
  • Verbal Communication (receptive and expressive)
  • Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, phonemic awareness, vocabulary development)
  • Attention and concentration
  • Short-term or long-term memory
  • Perceptual motor integration (writing/copying tasks)
  • Gross or fine motor coordination
  • Organization, study, and social skills
  • Other academic subjects (math, social studies, science)

Children who are functioning below grade level and are struggling with skill development often display attentional difficulties and impulsivity due to processing difficulties. The Highlands School may admit children with such behaviors if we feel they can be managed in our classroom setting.

The curriculum and structure of The Highlands School cannot accommodate children whose difficulties are primarily emotionally based or who present excessive behavioral problems.

Any student enrolling in the school’s Kindergarten program must be 5 years old by September 1. The school may choose to enroll a 4-year old student with a demonstrated need and maturity level that fit the mission of our program. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Director in consultation with the Executive and Educational Directors of the school, based on birth date, testing data, observation and compatibility with the class makeup.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
The Highlands School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Process

The admissions process is a great way to become more familiar with The Highlands School and all that we have to offer. We value your thoughts, share your concerns for your child and are committed to working together with you to determine the most appropriate educational environment for your child. We hope you’ll find the checklist below helpful, but encourage you to contact us directly so that we can personalize your admissions experience.

  • Schedule a Personal Tour to see our educational philosophy in action. Call the Admissions Department, (410) 836-1415.
  • Submit the Application for Admission along with the Release of Records and any copies of psychological/educational reports and the application fee. Provide the tutor evaluation form to your child’s tutor for completion, if applicable.
  • Arrange for a screening evaluation with The Highlands School. Results are shared with parents on the testing date and determination is made as to the appropriateness of student placement. Provide the evaluation fee at the time of screening.
  • Upon receipt of an enrollment letter, submit the Tuition and Enrollment Agreement with the enrollment deposit. The student’s space will be guaranteed upon receipt of the agreement and deposit.
  • Request information on payment plans and needs-based financial aid, if needed, upon receipt of enrollment acceptance letter.
  • Submit completed financial aid forms.

Financial Aid Process

The Highlands School offers a limited amount of yearly needs-based scholarships for its school year program and makes every effort to ensure that the education provided is available to as many children as possible. Admissions decisions are made independent of financial need. You are eligible to apply for financial assistance after your child has been accepted to the school year program.

For more information regarding the financial aid application process and required forms, please contact Beth Maahs-Hoagberg, Admissions Director, at
bmaahs-hoagberg@highlandsschool.net or (410) 836-1415.

A child who learns differently needs to be taught differently.