Upper School

The Highlands school has a rigorous academic program.

 Small classes of not more than 12 students

  • Students are given direct EF instruction
  • 4 years of math and English are required
  • Extra reading and writing support
  • Laptops for all students and Smartboards in every classroom
  • Special area classes in music, art, drama, health, and P.E.
  • Weekly classes in our Hands on Highlands program that engages students in a quarterly, rotating program in hands-on learning, activates their critical thinking, and immerses them in a project-based curriculum in the following areas: Growing Greater (agriculture/horticulture), Building Today (woodworking), Tasting Success (cooking and nutrition), and Lego Robotics.
  • Curriculum approved by the Maryland State Department of Education

Upper School students develop and enhance their EF skills for academic success.

  • Establishing routines
  • Memory strategies
  • Organizing strategies
  • Emotional self-regulation
  • Planning and prioritizing
  • Shifting and flexible problem solving
  • Self-monitoring and checking strategies
  • Goal setting

At The Highlands School, we help our Upper School students develop a personal college/career plan.

  • Junior Seminar where students begin to explore interests
  • Senior Capstone allows students to further investigate college and career plans
  • Guidance department to help students navigate the college and career process
  • Opportunities for internships
  • SAT/PSAT testing
  • Hands on Highlands, our innovative Tech Arts program
  • Financial Literacy to help students learn money management and planning

Highlands graduates have been accepted to colleges and universities such as Elizabethtown College, Stevenson University, Beacon College, York College, McDaniel College, Goucher College, and Johnson & Wales University.

"Three years ago, our son in fifth grade wasn't confident. Words can never fully express what Highlands has done for our son in both education and self-esteem. He has blossomed into a fine, confident young man. His handwriting is now very legible, something we never thought would happen. He has been surrounded by a positive and encouraging staff that believes in what they do and it has been in all the wonderful and amazing progress our son has made over the past three years. We look forward to seeing what Highlands has in store for our son as he takes the leap into Upper School."

ChristinaParent