High Meadow School

PO BOX 552

Stone Ridge, NY 12484

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 07, 2024

This school has changed drastically for the worse. So much staff turnover, no counselor, 3 different assistant administrators in 3 years. Curriculum is hard to pin down. Signed up with reading support offered, it was removed from program after one year. When students struggle parents are told to find and pay for outside tutoring, high tuition doesn’t seem to cover academics or social belonging. Progressive education seems to mean students can choose to not participate and teachers choose to look the other way and call it “choice”. Bullying is treated same as student engagement- it’s ignored. Recent graduates are not prepared for high school.
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2023

My son was subjected to racism in our district and we were forced to find a safe place for him to learn and grow. High Meadow has provided this for us.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2023

Perhaps one of the most distressing aspects of current day High Meadow, is the stark absence of diversity. A school should be a place where children learn to appreciate and respect differences, but in this case, the homogeneity of the student body and staff is striking, especially as a minority. In my personal experience, my daughter's struggles with reading were initially dismissed as behavioral issues by the teaching staff. It was only after seeking external help that we discovered she is dyslexic. This misdiagnosis speaks to the school's inability to provide adequate support and resources for students with diverse learning needs.Lastly, the social dynamics among parents at High Meadow can be incredibly challenging. If you do not happen to gel with the very small parent group (6 to 14 parents), you and your children may find yourselves on the outskirts. The school's predominant demographic of Brooklynites might make it even more difficult for those who do not fit this mold. In conclusion, my time at High Meadow has been a deeply frustrating and disappointing experience. The lack of stable teaching staff, organizational disarray, bullying, unchecked behavior by staff children, dearth of diversity, and an overall disconnect between parents and leadership make it a less than ideal educational environment. I urge parents to carefully consider their options and research thoroughly before enrolling their children in this school. Furthermore, the extremely small grade and class sizes have given rise to a toxic culture of bullying and cliques among the students. This environment hinders the growth and well-being of children and is a serious concern for parents who want a safe and nurturing place for their kids to learn and grow.Some staff children running around without restraint is yet another problem that adds to the chaos. This lack of discipline only further exacerbates the disorganization and disregulation that seems to pervade the school.
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2022

This was a good option when my child was very young, for a few years, and when there was a different head of school. But then she had a bad experience involving a teacher who judged her negatively from the beginning of the school year, expected every (3 and 4 year old) child to act the same and average, and gave us hardly a positive word about her all year. This is a child who is well liked by almost everyone she meets, is advanced socially and academically, and is truly remarkable and not just according to her parents. The school administration has changed and is completely unreachable, unreasonable and at times rude. The academics are non existent and the children who remain in this school through eighth grade enter high school needing remediation. I strongly caution against this school.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2022

School was wonderful until new administration took over last year. Serious lack of communication, mediocre academics, lack of differentiation, and little diversity. The time spent outdoors is great but other areas are lackluster.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2021

The kindness compassion and caring of this school is simply unmatched What a amazing place to educate your children
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2020

Both my sons thrived at High Meadow. They have a great mix of focused academics, arts and play. My alumni student moved on to high school incredibly prepared to succeed. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2019

My Three children have thrived at High meadow School! They are all very different people, and have had their needs met in a kind and supportive way. The school offers a wonderful balance of academic, arts and play opportunities. The children get to go outdoors, and learn about themselves, their peers and the natural world. The academic components of the school are sound and students are very well prepared for High School . I am grateful that my children have had this opportunity.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2019

Although our biggest problem with High Meadow was their absolute inability to meet children that were accelerated learners (they are good with average or slow learners), I will say that one teacher in particular (Jacquie Kazden) was not only ineffective, but did all she could to reduce my daughter's self esteem. She liked being able to help kids that were behind, but kids that were ahead were treated as if they had something to prove. Fortunately she is no longer a teacher there (unfortunately, they kept her as an administrator), but the impact on my daughter has been very long term and I suspect she doesn't know what a destructive force she has been.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2019

High Meadow is an incredible school. All it takes is one visit and you will see that the children are happy and engaged. Also, you will find that the teaching staff is very diverse, which can be hard to find in other schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2019

My older child went to school at High Meadow K-8 grade. She was a painfully shy and anxious child. By the time she reached 8th grade she was able to perform in school plays, the talent show, and give an 8th grade graduation speech. The teachers are so incredibly caring, and really give each child what that individual child needs to support them in their growth and learning. The students are caring and supportive of each other. The middle school experience especially is so much different than what typically goes on in middle schools. Kids want to learn and love to learn when they graduate from High Meadow. My younger child is going into 7th grade and has flourished in every way. The small class sizes, excellent teachers, academic choices, and culture of caring a support are incredible and I only wish that every child could have an educational experience like the one at High Meadow.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2019

Both of my children attended HMS from Pre-K through 8th Grade. They have since gone on to have profoundly successful experiences in high school and college. HMS students work with their teachers to develop meaningful, personal connections to academic material, and they take that with them wherever they go!
Submitted by other on February 07, 2019

High Meadow School truly focuses on developing the talents and interests of each individual child. The school's educational philosophy is grounded, honest, and open to progress. The sense of community at HMS is unbelievable. As one elementary student said, "At HMS, students and teachers take care of each another."
Submitted by other on February 06, 2019

HMS takes a unique approach to helping students become they best they can be in all areas of their lives. From academics to art to music to community building, HMS does it all!
Submitted by principal on February 06, 2019

An amazing place that meets children where they are and takes them as far as they can go
Submitted by other on February 05, 2019

Very positive from admissions to classroom practices. This school is outstanding
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2018

High Meadow has been an incredible school for my 2 children. It is everything I wish I had experienced going to school. The teachers are amazing and deeply committed to the students. The culture of the school is incredibly supportive and allows for the kids to follow their interests and express their true selves. Kids of all ages get to spend a great deal of time outside and in nature. Friendships across different age groups are common. The academic and arts electives offered are fantastic - everything from sign language to debate to advanced dance. The combination of very strong academics with a lot of opportunity for choice for kids to follow their passions is just what I want for my children. The school is very well run and there is a wonderful sense of community for both the families and the children. I really can't say enough great things about High Meadow.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2018

My son has loved this school which he has been at since he was 2 years old, he is in the 4th grade now and we plan to keep him at HMS thru the 8th grade. He has thrived here both academically and socially. I think that High Meadow offers a unique approach that has worked perfectly for my child.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2018

My sons have thrived at High Meadow. Although on paper they were doing fine in the public school (friends, good grades, good teachers) the lack of play, increase in homework and large class sizes were taking a toll. HMS provided a perfect balance of critical thinking, outdoor recess time, project-based learning, and immersion in the arts.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2014

High Meadow has created a wonderful sense of community and a great learning environment. The school is very small, only one class per grade, but both our kids have loved it from the first day.