Highlands Christian Academy

We have been at Highlands Christian for 6 years and moving into our 7th with two boys. Although the the tuition (fairly low for a private school) and campus ( fairly large for a Broward county private school) wer the first things that drew us, it has been the people that have kept us here. The teachers and staff really care about the students, not only grade wise, but as individuals. There is a reasonable number of kids per grade for social development, but not so many that ours get lost in the crowd. The academics are not top magnet school caliber, but they do offer a challenge and push for any intelligent child. There are additional programs within the basics for those who want to stretch themselves. We haven't experienced the high school yet, but we have noticed that there are about 4 AP classes and a number of honors classes as well. One negative that I have seen is that they do not fully utilize the wonderful parent base that exists. I think that with a more active PTA and more input from parents, Highlands would rise to a whole other level. Thanks!
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands Christian Academy provides a Christ centered education by offering quality educational and extra curricular programs, such as athletics and fine arts. Over the years, I have witnessed my children grow to be well rounded individuals who have excelled academically, but most importantly, spiritually. The administration and faculty genuinely care about the students and work hard to help them succeed. I would recommend HCA to those parents searching for an excellent Christian school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for ten years. This last year was a disaster they took their eye of the prize of teaching about God. They were focused on many problems they had from a new computer system , many students not from Christian families and they fired the high school principal and a few others. They lost over 100 kids last year and they continue to say the decline is based on finance. The decline is based on you and how you run a school. In todays competitive market you can't be winging it for Jesus daily and survive. I pray that HCA will survive. The school is academically suffering in the high school and the educational standard is declining. We used to love the school but they have learned how to focus on a few kids and have idolizd them. They have not maintained the high standard God calls us to be which is excellent. We used to have better parent involvement and know we have nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent I searched high and low for a school that would meet our standards for our daughters education. Florida has one of the lowest rated schools in the country, I am so glad to see that at Highlands they fight to maintain quality academics and athletics...and the fruit of their labor reflects in the students there. I love that they are providing an amazing CHRIST-CENTERED education when so many other schools are trying to be of the world. I see us being here through graduation and encourage everyone to bring their child to be part of the experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is entering 7th grade as a parent I believe this is a crucial and influential time in her life. I am blessed to know that she will be in an environment that focuses on putting God first. My interactions with the teachers and principals so far has been AMAZING....I strongly believe that the education of my child is a partnership we take on and I am glad to be partnered up with them. I STRONGLY recommend anyone to send their kids to Highlands.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended the VPK program at this school. It was a horrible experience. They discouraged parents from being involved in the class room or volunteering at all. They over used time outs for the smallest offense. They also made children hold the "BIg Book" in the preschool directors class room till there arms tired as punishment. They took away play time on the playground with time out where they sat children in the sun along a hot fence. I spoke with other parents and they had the same experiences and where really upset as well. They are new to the VPK system and are majorly lacking in providing a positive and joyful introduction to school. Do not send your children here.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school since K-3. The elementary school years are quite challenging. They are now working on more challenging strategies for the secondary school years, which they did not have before. I LOVE that my child has the opportunity to be surrounded by those who want to follow Jesus Christ's leadership. They are missing a school nurse and guidance counselors, which is needed in any school out there. This school wants the best for your child spiritually and academically, which is very rare to find in any private or public school. HCA is a diamond in the rough. I highly recommend it!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 5th year my kids have gone to HCA. The teachers, principal and students are all wonderful. Academic excellence is stressed, along with a love of faith and family.
—Submitted by a parent

I have kids that attend HCA as well. They offer a unique family atmosphere where the teachers care for the kids and the parents. They truly want your kids to succeed in life. They give them the academic and spiritual tools they will need to move onto college and beyond. I can't say they are not without their faults but what school doesn't have some sort of faults if you are truly honest about your current school. They welcome parental involvement in all areas of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. I just moved to south Florida and this is the only school i found to be clean, welcoming and worth driving 18 miles each way for! i had searched for a school in many areas and this one I felt the best about. I have two girls, one in fourth and the other in pk. Both love going to school and both have wonderful teachers that care deeply about the children in their academics and personally. Its a close knit Christian environment...Just great
—Submitted by a parent

Having three children at Highlands, I have had to opportunity to see many facets of the school. However, I am greatly disappointed at the fact that the school is consistently going downhill. Many of the classrooms are out of the control, the teachers are not qualified, and the guidance counselor is a joke. The high school and junior high principals do not respond to concerns raised by parents. This will be our last year unless things change.
—Submitted by a parent

While my daughter has been in HCA for the past 12 years, I have to admit that the school has failed us in the highschool level. There is virtually no help in guidance. I sat down with the guidance councelor after making an appointment and he didn't even have my childs records available to look at so I had to postpone the meeting. It was a waste of time. They have always promised help classes after school and only about half the time have them available. The teachers aren't available to help the kids that need it because they are too busy disciplining unruly kids in the class room. They need to get control of the school and bring it back to the good school it was 5 years ago. We are not returning...
—Submitted by a parent

What a special blessing to be able to send my children to Highlands. My children have graduated now; but have maintained the high standards they were taught at home and school because of the great education and Christian life skills they were taught at Highlands.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school for any parent wanting structure as well as a very nurturing environment for their child. The campus is large and well kept. Kids don't feel crammed into a small campus. My daughter has been at the school from K-6th and loved every year. The teachers teach here because they really want to make a difference in kid's lives. It's a real calling for them. The spiritual training has been invaluable. My daughter is more grounded in her faith in God than most adults. We have enjoyed attending the plays, musicals and sports events. She was even able to play a small role in the spring musical last year as a 5th grader. If you want a well rounded ,quality education for your child,this is true value for the money!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two sons in this school, one in 2nd grade and one in 1st grade. They're there since K3. They love the teachers and all the activities. I could not recommend any other school for kids but Highlands. Very nice Christian environment, friendly atmosphere and a very open parents involvement. I really hope my kids graduates from Highlands.
—Submitted by a parent

The best private school by far in all of south fl. The price is reasonable, and the quality of education is outstanding. As a former student, now parent, there's no place I would rather have my kids attend. It's safe, fun, and biblically based. What more could a parent ask for? This school is Excellent!
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have two daughters enrolled at Highlands, one in 11th grade, one in 7th. Having been exposed both to the public and private school environment, as a parent I have been pleased with the quality of education here. My kids also like the environment. Approximately 80% of graduating seniors attend college. For a small private school, the athletic teams are very competitive. Both the girls volleyball and basketball teams were ranked in the Top 5 in Florida in the 2A classification. The school also is very competitive in football, soccer and baseball, softball, golf and track. The teachers are caring and take genuine interest in their students. There is a strong commitment to religious and moral values here and this is stressed in all areas. The school has strict standards and upholds them. Arts and music are developing programs but are hampered somewhat due to the school's small enrollment (975 K-12).
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands has a real family atmosphere. They encourage parent involvement, student participation, and spiritual growth. The sports program is exciting at HCA. (Our volleyball team is #1 in the state of Florida.) The teachers really care about the students and go over and beyond to help them succeed.
—Submitted by a staff

This school is terrible, the materials are weak and the study is also weak. The school is not worth the effort beacuse they don't really give an effort for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics at HCA are very poor; they need to have books that are not in Christian perspective. The arts in the school are very poor and the parent involvement is okay.
—Submitted by a parent