Highland Middle School

Good overal school with amazing basketball teams for the class of 12 . There are some sub par teachers and harsh and unfair rules on being late to class. Late to 1 class = 1 detention 3 lates = Saturday school. Luckily most teachers arent very setting about it.

Two of my children went through Highland Middle School, and both had good experiences. My oldest hit the highest honor roll almost all three years and it really helped her self-esteem and motivated her to study. She had some very special teachers who nurtured her in writing and she is majoring in English at college because of how her HMS teachers worked with her years ago. My son was a bit of a rascal but he was treated fairly and with respect when he was disciplined. He experienced motivating math and science teachers, and landed in honor programs for both in high school. We found teachers and administrators communicative and sincerely interested in the progress of students. This is a difficult age for kids, and for parents. But the school does a good job of growing up both!
--Submitted by a parent

The culture and tone of the school is very anti-parent. It is not a collaborative learning environment. The principals do not work well with parents. The special education teachers (at least the 3 my son had) were very ineffective. The regular education teachers do not work well with special education children, either. It was a very frustrating three-years for my child. We transferred from an excellent school (Oak Grove School in Green Oaks) and regret our decision.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say that one of my children has experienced three years at Highland and I was quite impressed that my student was able to achieve High Honor Roll all three years. I was especially amazed since my child is not a straight A student. My concern comes with the study skills not taught or learned during middle school here - and how unprepared these children are for academic success in High school. Once in High School, it was a very hard struggle academically and no straight A's. I have to agree with earlier posts that the Principal and Vice Principal have their own agenda and their efforts would be much more effective if they collaborated more with the families, especially parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I am moving in to the 7th grade at Highland Middle School. I loved my teachers so much as a 6th grader. I wasnt on gold but the teachers were still nice. but on marown, they were amazing! Having moved and everyone else moving in to the school was a little bit more changling, it was hard to make new friends because everyone already has friends. Although 6th grade has ended, i sent my teachers a note saying how wonderful and nice they were to everyone, only one responded, my wonderful la lit teacher! I miss her so much. If you are moving from somewhere else and are deciding to come here, you should!! I had a wonderful teachers and a wonderful experince! I love Highland Middle School!
--Submitted by a student

Coming to this school from the elementary, is quite an adjustment for the parents as well as the students. The leadership (principal) at this school does seem to vary depending on the issue and who is having the issue! My kids have enjoyed the teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with January O6. Important day to day student issues at school are not shared easily. There is definitely an adversary relationship between parent and school that hinders my comfort level as a concerned parent and sets a bad example for the kids!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a 7th grade student at Highland and the teachers are helping me get through a tough 7th grade year. Especially Miss Burkhart!!!
--Submitted by a student

My child is in sixth grade, and doing great academically. My only disappointment is with the principal and vice principal. I have left messages regarding small issues and never gotten a return call. The staff seems to be achieving academic excellence with our kids, though. It would be ideal if we could have the high academics and a little more civility towards parents!
--Submitted by a parent