The Highlander Carden School

My daughter began Highlander in kindergarten. She graduated from sixth grade at Highlander and has flown through middle school at another, more expensive private school. As she tests, evaluates and compares high schools, the skills she learned at Highlander guide her through all processes. As my son begins his journey through Highlander, I am amazed, again, at his excitement as he bounds from our car each day. Some of my daughter's teachers have retired and although I am sad my son will not benefit from their wisdom, I am pleased to see new, young teachers continuing in their place. Is Highlander perfect for each child? No school is perfect, but I cannot wait to see what Highlander offers my independent, crazy son. The teachers love and believe in the Carden program. If there is a situation or problem, speak directly with the teacher or director and a solution will be found. Parents can volunteer or be as involved as they want. Highlander uses Iowa Testing just as most private schools do, and my daughter's scores were complimented wherever she applied. Highlander students are nurtured to think, explore, study, and be organized.
—Submitted by a parent

Just ask for the ICEE scores of students here or any other measure of academic success before you enroll a child here. The cirriculum is "alternative" and this school is not accredited. This should serve as a warning flag to all parents. Think of a very, very expensive liberal arts education in college and then looking for a job in todays job market. Be wary of this school. My children were not prepared for any private school when they left Highlander after four years. Tests are directly from study sheets and no applied knowledge seems to be required. This is a feeder school for the local public Junior High and not much else. The teachers have all been there for an extremely long time and do not seem enthused about their jobs. The principal is elderly and very nice but not an effective leader. Don't waste your money and search for an alternative.
—Submitted by a parent

My child did well at this school. It prepared her for the challenges of The upper grades and equipted her with the skill to succeed. Their were times as a parent I felt challenged to not agree with the methods ,but in the end I used the experience as a lesson. I would recommend this school highly and I would feel good about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Highlander is great school with outstanding teachers. The small classes give the students the attention they need to excel. My kids are both testing 5 grades above their actually grade level.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration/teacher very cold!! Would not recommend this pre-k program to anyone based on my child's experience. Highlander is not willing to work with "all" young children in this program, so just make sure you ask questions to find out if your child is a good fit for what they offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is a great school. The reading program, the Carden Method, is excellent. It is a unique way of teaching phonics which begins in pre-school. I understand most of the students are reading at least on a grade level higher than average by the first grade. Same for the Saxon Math program, excellent way to provide a foundation for math success. The teachers are generally great, really care about the children, are teaching at Highlander be cause they love it there. The children get up in front of the class to read memoriized poems, etc. from an early age which gives them confidence in public speaking. The principal and staff are highly approachable and caring. I believe the children come out of this school well-rounded, well-loved and able to go to any other private or advanced curriculum public school programs with ease. Highly recommended.

It is an interesting way of teaching. Do not send your child to this school unless want to have a not well rounded child. Although nurturning, it is very structured and does not focus on the whole child. It is only for parents who take great pride in their children being above grade level but not in actual learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Highlander prepared me with a curriculam that was above average compared to local public schools and has set me up for my current success in high school.
—Submitted by a student

We love this school and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. The teachers and staff know every child, and it is a caring, nurturing and safe environment. The curriculum can't be beat either. I am amazed at all the things my children have learned and know that they will go far because of the education they have received at Highlander.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is okay if you do not mind the fact that they do not allow any parent to give their opinions about their child. They seem to think that they rule your entire lives, not just the school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent and former teacher I love Highlander for the many aspects of education it provides. The love and support each student receives is wonderful. The Carden Curriculum is fabulous in the way it spirals from PK through 6th grade. PK begins oral recitation with simple nursery rhymes! Come and see why parents who attended Highlander now send their children.
—Submitted by a parent

The curriculum and atmosphere are fantastic. My 2nd grader reads close to a 5th grade level and my first grader isn't far behind. The teacher, parent and administration involvement is top-notch.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school if you are looking for a small classroom and very structured learning experience. This is not for every child, but it works wonders for the ones who are able to learn within the expectations of the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had at least one child attending Highlander School for the past 12 years. It is an awesome school with very caring and qualified teachers. It has given all 4 of my children a great start to their education and a foundation that they are continuing to build on every day.
—Submitted by a parent