High Meadows School

High Meadows has really changed over the past three years. The school has refined all that it does amazingly well (borrowing from the IB profile) which is to create open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced, reflective, communicative, principled, knowledgeable, and inquiring students. At the same time they have improved on being more consistent across all class and curriculum areas with regard to discipline (all teachers are trained and us Positive Discipline), safety, and academics. It is a perfect school for educating the leaders of the 21st century.
—Submitted by a parent

I am actually a graduate of High Meadows from a few years back. I attended preschool through 8th grade and it is absolutely the best learning environment you can ask for. Not only do you learn above and beyond what you expect, but the teachers, staff, and students grow to be a family. High Meadows is the only place I have ever been able to be completely myself, surrounded by amazing people who really care about you and your education. The teacher-student relationships make learning so much easier, as well as the friends you make are friends you keep for a lifetime. I've never been to a school with such a sense of community as High Meadows, and where the students are excited to come to school. High Meadows expands your knowledge beyond books. It really is difficult to describe the learning, the people and the atmosphere of High Meadows because it is so unique. But if you have the opportunity to attend High Meadows and you don't take it you are missing out. Students graduate with all the skills they needed to be a successful student, and High Meadows prepares you well to take on all challenges you may encounter. I consider High Meadows to be one of the best experiences I've ever had.

High Meadows has given both of my children a well-rounded education in an environment that has taught them to care about their own learning and to think broadly about the world. The teachers love the children and are committed to High Meadows -- everyone in the school community seems to "get it" that this is a really special place and you can't find what we have here anywhere else. My children began in preschool--so for me it is always interesting to see how much families who came from elsewhere (with something to compare) especially value the school! We picked it because of the outdoors experiences, the developmentally appropriate teaching methods, the non-punitive discipline philosophy and the commitment to developing intrinsic motivation (not reward-based teaching). My younger child is still at High Meadows; my older child who graduated after 8th grade is now excelling at her private high school. We have been pleased to find the high school administration and teachers seem to really know about and respect High Meadows graduates...we have heard a lot of compliments about how well High Meadows prepares students.
—Submitted by a parent

High Meadows is the best school I have ever been to. I went 6th through 8th grade, and never once had a complaint about it. The teachers are nice, understanding, and helpful. The students are friendly. High Meadows helps children see beyond themselves and look at the whole world. I have yet to find a school that can this school.

High Meadows is an incredible place for inquisitive young minds to grow. My son loves the school's inquiry-based learning model, gorgeous campus, and incredible teaching staff. There is nothing more important to me than my children's love of learning, and this is exactly what High Meadows fosters every day.
—Submitted by a parent

When describing High Meadows, I often find myself using the word "magical." Our daughter has been there for two years now - preschool - pre-k and we've been watching her blossom into this really loving, empathetic, aware person. She loves learning, loves going to school, loves her teachers and her friends she attends school with. Between the ages of 4 - 5, kids are so wrapped up in "me, me, me" (as they should be developmentally) but High Meadows really instills the ability to see beyond themselves, even at this young of an age. I recently said to my daughter, "There is your playground!" as we were driving by the younger kids' outdoor play area and she responded, "Actually, mom, it's OUR playground," - I was just so amazed. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she rides ponies every Wednesday. Honestly, it's just a magical place... you'll feel it as soon as you walk on the campus.
—Submitted by a parent

High Meadows is a real world school, preparing children by helping them become critical thinkers who are creative, innovative, curious, research-oriented problem solvers. This school is not about rote memorization and drills. It is about being exposed to many viewpoints and engaged in learning. The IB orientation, the truly integrated curriculum, the very low teacher-student ratio, the emphasis on learning at the "just right" pace, and the complete "whole person" curriculum that makes environmental studies, art, music, drama, languages, and athletics a natural part of a child's day are all designed to create young people who LOVE TO LEARN and aren't afraid to go out into the world, take risks, work in teams, and make great things happen.
—Submitted by a parent

High Meadows is what every school should be. Both of my children attended there preschool through eighth grade. Every child is appreciated and valued. Creative and experiential teaching is the norm. We love the focus on the environment and the farm animals. A huge focus is placed on character education and respect. There is no place for bullying or clicks in this environment.
—Submitted by a parent

High Meadows has been a wonderful experience for my whole family. It is everything and more that a school should be.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended High Meadows from preschool-8th grade and I am now a college sophomore. The memories that I have from this amazing school are some of the best memories of my life. What separates High Meadows from the average school is the imaginative learning environment created for the students. We played outside for hours, learned about nature, & learned how to use our creative and intellectual minds from a young age. I attended a public high school and let me tell you the environment that I was raised in at High Meadows is no where near cinderblock classrooms with a 30 min recess. I definitely developed my love for literature (my major) at HM. I had learned every single book I was to read in high school before entering high school because of the amazing Mrs. E-Z! High Meadows taught me to be expressive and independent and I very much disagree with the reviewers that said the children must fit "a mold to belong". That is so far from the truth! The diversity at High Meadows is amazing and the children are taught to have a world perspective from a young age as well. Honestly I cannot think of a better place for someone to grow up. I can't wait to send my future children to High Meadows.

Our child has attended High Meadows for grades 4-8 and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Dedicated, caring and talented teachers. Outstanding extracurricular programs (which have improved steadily every year in the time we've been at the school). Some reviewers stated that this is a great school if your child is highly motivated. Very true. I am puzzled by the reviewers who criticize the narrative reports in lieu of traditional report cards. Who could possibly prefer to receive a report card which says "Your child received a B" when instead you can receive an insightful, personalized and detailed written report describing what your child did well, needs to work on, or failed to do during the term? As some parents have observed, this is not a school for every child or every family (what school is?). But if the school's style and philosophy matches your child's needs, the results are incredible.
—Submitted by a parent

High Meadows is an excellent example of what school should be for all students! The inquiry method of learning meets each child individually. After attending public school, my son found his voice at High Meadows! The faculty and staff are among the best in the state, working together to serve each child. Sound to good to be true? It's not! Then there is the campus- the extended classroom 40acres wide! Learn about the world and giving back to your community. Your student will learn about the environment, the community and the world. See your student achieve more than you imagined. As a parent of a middle schooler, I never thought I would say- these might be some of the best years of his life! Middle school- can you imagine? It is a must visit campus!!
—Submitted by a parent

My fifth graders have been to two elementary schools and this one is by far the best. They actually love coming to school, and the teachers know them so well already and respond to who they are. The community is warm, welcoming, and socially and educationally progressive.
—Submitted by a parent

AMAZING!!! The answer the my prayers. I am so happy I pulled my kids out of public school and I have never seen them so happy. The best decision I have ever made!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher and a parent at High Meadows School. This is the school for your children if you want them to be thinkers and active participants in their learning. Our teaching staff is committed to ongoing professional development. We are an International Baccalaureate school which provides the skills, knowledge, and concepts our children need for the 21st century. The beautiful 40-acre campus provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. This is a community of learners!
—Submitted by a teacher

I can not say enough positive things about High Meadows! I have just re-enrolled my son for his second year, and my daughter went 2 years preschool as well. We drove 45 minutes each way to get there and finally moved to Roswell once we realized we wanted our children to go there as long as possible. I first heard of this school from a child psychologist who had checked out all the preschools in a 30 mile radius and said it was the best --- I was pregnant at the time and wrote down the name. As an educator I had many criteria --- looking at the whole child (especially social skills at this level), developing a love of learning and fostering global awareness, environmental, drama, art, lots of time outside, and more and HM has it all. We LOVE it!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are mediocre. The curriculum is designed for students who are very self-motivated. However, there are many children with behavior issues. This interferes with the entire process. The discipline program is weak at best. The administration seems to contradict themselves often with who they claim to be and who they actually are. Their academics are inquiry-based, but their core knowledge is lacking. I do not agree with the lack of grading, testing, text books, etc. I am a former teacher, and I do believe there are much better schools for the cost.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for a motivated student. Globally & evironmentally focused with a whole child development approach to learning. Students individual gifts, talents and leadership skills developed.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent who said that you need to fit their prototype. If you do, great. This is not a school that celebrates individuality. The administration/mgmt can be almost militaristic in their enforcement of 'school policy.' It's too bad, really. The campus is amazing and some of the teachers are really good. But, all of that is overshadowed by the pervasive attitude of 'fit in' or get out. They act like you are lucky your child is there. Also, don't expect to have any input as to how your child is educated. They tell you how it's going to be and you basically have no say. This is a great school for 'sheeple.'
—Submitted by a parent

I came across these reveiews and saw that most are extremely positive and only 2 were somewhat negative. I had 2 kids attend the school and for one it was an amazing place that stimulated learning and provided a secure environment for him to build his self esteem and love for learning. For my other kid, it was a disasterous experience and all the shortcomings of the management and the particular teachers involved were exposed for what they truly were. If your child fits their prototype - the school is amazing but if it is suspected that he/she doesn't; then beware.
—Submitted by a parent