FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What grade levels do you serve?

We currently serve grades 5-6, with plans to expand each year as students advance all the way through high school. Highland works in levels that are based on specific capabilities as opposed to traditional grade models. Age is not the deciding factor of acumen, and we put that into practice. The families that we serve are typically looking for a better education than what their local public or private schools have offered them in the past. We also serve those who wish to homeschool, but don't have the time or means to do so.

Does high-tech learning mean less social interaction?

Not at all! While students spend 2-3 hours supercharging their education with adaptive AI apps in the morning, the rest of their day is spent in engaging, hands-on life skills challenges with their peers & learning coaches. In fact, because they don’t have to spend 6 hours looking in the same direction at a chalkboard/whiteboard, Highland students get more socialization than the average school student, with the added balance of a flexible hybrid schedule! Involved in traveling sports?, acting?, music lessons? - our schedule is designed to make your life easier. This is school around your schedule.

Does my gifted child have access to school work or content above their level?

There is no ceiling for academic progression so students are able to progress at their own pace. Highland Prep champions unrestricted academic progression. Students aren’t confined by traditional grade levels; a 5th grader ready for 8th-grade math will engage with that level, ensuring a truly personalized learning journey and harnessing of potential.

What are examples of life skill workshops at Highland?

Highland believes that students need enrichment and exposure to a variety of spheres, and we have thus hosted workshops of several types to help build soft skills for the 21st century. We continue to design and host content that students love. Workshops include topics such as Mad Scientists (life skill: learn to learn), growth mindset, fitness challenge, Animation Studios (public speaking and storytelling), Brand Building, Consultants (be an expert), Personal Finance, Public speaking and storytelling, among many others.

What is the schedule like? Do you offer before/after care?

Highland operates on a hybrid blended model.

We offer in-person schooling Monday-Thursday, with the option to work virtually on Mondays and Wednesdays - allowing students and families more flexibility in their schedules for Doctors appointments, hobbies, and family time.

To accommodate families, the campus is open all week long (Mon.-Fri) with free before and after care for students who would prefer to complete their work under staff supervision in our free school cafe and co-working lounge with their friends.

Students spend the morning mastering lessons at their own pace and the other half of the day learning transferable life skills, competing in challenges, and pursuing their passions.

No school on Fridays! These are free days to be used as each family chooses to fit their schedule. Free Fridays also allow us the opportunity to take monthly field trips!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before and after care are provided at NO additional cost thanks to our all-inclusive tuition model.

Times: Mon.-Fri. with drop off at 7:50am and pickup at 5pm.

This sounds great, but what does the research say?

In 1984, educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom described a holy grail that schools have been chasing ever since. According to Bloom, an educational model that uses mastery learning and one-to-one tutoring can substantially improve outcomes in education. Bloom’s paper is titled the “2-sigma problem” because it proposes an improvement in learning outcomes of up to two standard deviations.

A 2008 paper mentioned a study in which “repeated retrieval increased final recall by 4 standard deviations.”

A 2020 study found that 75.5% of students who used adaptive learning “scored above the mean of a control group.”

Adaptive learning apps work at scale because they test often, adapt to the student’s needs, and give feedback. Additionally, we apply a mastery standard to all of our app-based coursework, with expert learning coaches always present to intervene with support, provide guiding feedback, and to offer tutoring as questions arise.

What else do you offer?

While Highland students are proven to learn 2x as much 2x faster that students in a traditional school, the benefits don't stop there! Our students perform at a high level inside and outside of school as we focus on the whole child. Beyond the core academic subjects - math, science, English, and the humanities - all Highland students are provided regular exposure to and expert-led instruction in a variety of sports, music, and art.

What's a microschool?

Microschools are a refreshing alternative to traditional schools. Often described as a modern-day "one-room schoolhouse," they offer a cozy and intimate learning environment that feels more like a home than a classroom.
Unlike traditional schools with hundreds of students, microschools cater to a small group of students. This allows for personalized attention and tailored learning experiences. Imagine having your own private tutor! Each student receives the individual support they need to thrive, ensuring that no one falls behind or gets lost in the crowd.

Key benefits of microschools include:

Personalized attention: Every student receives individualized support.
Intimate learning environment: Small class sizes create a cozy and nurturing atmosphere.
Flexible curriculum: Microschools can adapt to the unique needs and interests of each student.
Strong community: Microschools often foster a close-knit community among students and families.