Highland School

597 Broadview Avenue

Warrenton, VA 20186

23 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 07, 2024

As the parent of a graduate, I can say that my 5* rating of Highland School only improved when my son went to college. He not only was accepted at a very competitive and highly ranked private university, he THRIVED. He was so much better prepared for all the challenges of college than his peers - most of whom also graduated in the top percentiles of their classes from highly-ranked secondary schools. The academics at Highland are superior, but just as important are the leadership values, service mindset, and executive skills development Highland provides - starting way down in the preschool grades. Students are respected, trusted, challenged and supported in developmentally-appropriate ways throughout their journey. Independent school education is a significant investment, even with financial aid, and I can't imagine a better return on any investment than the adult my son became thanks to his education at Highland School.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2023

My kids have been attending Highland for several years now. We absolutely love the school. The teachers, the curriculum, the sports, the facilities, and the sense of family are all fantastic. We couldn’t ask for a better experience. Thank you, Highland!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

I was hesitant at first about Highland because I had formed my own stereotypes about private school. When my son was being bullied (emotionally and physically) at the public schools without the principal doing anything to stop it, we turned to Highland. we had our son tour the school with us because it was ultimately his decision. When we started the tour, our son had his head down as he had grown to do through the bullying. By the end of the tour, our son had his head held high and said to Donna, "I want to go to your school". He saw right away the different environment at Highland compared to the public elementary school he was attending.What I like best about Highland is they challenge the students and the parents to be kind but embrace challenge. "Practice makes progress" is the phrase used by the Middle School Director. My son has grown in confidence, independence and was welcomed by all of the kids even though he was the new kid. My son is challenged academically with hands on work as well as the usual classwork. I feel like this is the best decision we have made to prepare our son for his future.In addition, the head of the athletics program runs an amazing program called Young Hawks where the upper school coach the middle and elementary school kids, demonstrating leadership and community even through sports.They do have financial aid so don't let the price tag stop you from exploring this school.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2019

This school is truly exceptional in developing the “whole person.” It is superior to even the best public schools in every facet.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2018

We have loved Highland from the beginning (Pre-K) but now that our son is a junior and entering the college search process, we are learning just how effective the academic program is, especially in reading & writing, teaching superior study and time-management skills, and developing character and commitment to service. Our son is fully prepared to "learn, lead and serve" as the school's mission states.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2018

Excellent. Our two sons love this school, have made great friends, and benefited from the rich array of learning opportunities. No complaints!
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2018

We wanted to send our (at the time) two year old to a private school that he could go to from preschool through 12th grade. We were so excited to find Highland! Everyone in the beginning was so welcoming and nice- we thought we had found a great fit. Long story short, our son was having a really hard adjusting. He was having some behavioral issues (keep in mind he had just turned two at the time so this was completely normal) The teachers and the director of the Lower School had NO idea want to do with him and made me feel horrible about the situation. Whenever we pass Highland now, he says to me “they were so mean to me.” They even went as far to suggest a weighted vest and for him to go see a psychiatrist. I couldn't believe it. We pulled him out immediately. We will never send him back here. Unless your child is perfect, don’t send them there!
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2018

The Honor Roll assembly was this past week. At least 90% of the students walked across the stage. Grade inflation much?
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2015

My children have been at Highland School for a year now and I can honestly say that there's a dramatic difference from the public school education we had experienced before.The academic classes are far more challenging with an emphasis on writing, presenting, and class participation that wasn't possible in their crowded public school classes. Athletics and the arts are not just an afterthought. They are essential to school life and an integral part of the learning experience.The faculty are more that just dedicated teachers, they are educational experts who demand more from every student while respecting individual personalities and different learning styles. Our students receive individual attention that is simply not possible in a public school setting.Moving to Highland has been a life-changing decision for our students and family. I'd strongly encourage you to check it out for yourself!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

My children have thrived at Highland, each in his/her own way. The academics are strong. However, I think the sense of community and ownership are what truly set Highland apart from the pack. Students are able to affect change and make a difference at Highland. The depth of the education Highland offers goes well beyond the classroom. My children are growing into curious learners, confident self-advocates and invested citizens.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2015

We love this school...our children are thriving! They are learning so much more than the "regular" academic stuff. Study habits, organization, and time management to name a few. Real-life skills that they weren't being taught at our previous school. Everyone at Highland strives to make sure your child is doing and becoming their best.
Submitted by other on April 02, 2015

This school is second to none. The school's focus is 100% on the students and they offer creative and challenging programs. In addition, the faculty/staff and students provide an outstanding learning environment including a highly competitive athletics program. All my kids have flourished at Highland and actually enjoy going to school each morning; even after spring break. It is a "true" school community and many of the programs define this experience and approach to learning. Thanks!!!
Submitted by other on February 09, 2014

The worst school that I have ever been to !!!!! It's the waste of money, the students focus on what they wear. And the school academics is so poor.
Submitted by other on October 05, 2012

I attended the PaulVI vs Highland Girls Varsity Volleyball game this Friday night at PaulVI with my neighbor. I was shocked at the poor sportmanship that was displayed by the Highland team. When I went to pulbic school in western Pennsylvania we were taught to always display good sportmanship. Our schools demanded it. It was part of developing good character. A trait that would last a lifetime. Looking at your websites you claim to prepare your students for college addmission. You state that you are the best. Your young ladies did not show good character on the court. Everytime PaulVI would serve; The Highland Team would yell loudly to distract them. Shame on Highland. PaulVI relied on skill and not on poor sportsmanship and won the game. I was very disappointed in the "ladies" from Highland. Watching Highland warm up, I was impressed and expected more of them. They should honor themselves in displaying good manners on the court. They have a very skilled team.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2012

Yes Highland is expensive, but you without a doubt get your moneys worth. The teachers and admins are extremely dedicated to making sure your child is as successful as possible. From a parents point of view it makes me want to go to school again! I know my son enjoys school as much as possible for a teenager. They make the days seem less stressful and long with breaks and a much more relaxed environment than in public school. Food is delievered almost every day from various places like Tropical Smoothie. There are most definitely people who are wealthier than others but it doesn't make much of a difference. There are groups of friends but for the most part everyone knows everyone and they all get along and support each other. It is truly a great school and if you are considering any schools in this area you should pick Highland!
Submitted by other on July 27, 2012

Highland's evolution over the years has continued to impress me. They've embraced a lot of young teachers who've brought a lot of passion and fresh ideas to the classroom who compliment and work well with the faculty that have been there "forever". Socializing with teachers now, rather than being taught by them, its great to hear them talk about summer programs they attend and their theories on teaching, behavior, etc...that once the bell rings they don't just "clock out"...Having graduated from there, it's been great to see the school's concerted effort to stay engaged with alumni - the way students flocked back to the school for the reunion to see their old teachers, not just their classmates - I think speaks volumes. I think the school really does create a sense of an extended family and accessible support system. Of course the facilities and programs keep growing - I wish they had all of those things when I was there! I paint a pretty rosy picture...no program, place or person is without it's faults, but I think they work hard to identify and remedy them. Overall I think the school's a good place with good people and continues to move and grow in a positive direction.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2012

We have two children at Highland and have been a part of the school for eleven years. Our children continue to have a wonderful experience at Highland. The individual attention has allowed them to grow academically and emotionally. Highland's community spirit is contagious, you couldn't ask for a better learning environment for your child.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2012

My family has had a wonderful experience at Highland School. It is a place where teachers, students and parents work together to achieve amazing things. The academic program is perfectly balanced. Children are encouraged and supported in every aspect of school life. Highland's focus on character, leadership and environmental stewardship is also important to our family. We love being part of a school that gives back to the community in so many ways.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2012

What is going on here? Most of the good teachers are now gone. There are only a few left. They are only staying until they can find better jobs. This year, an inexperienced, middle school teacher with a bachelor's degree was chosen as a department chair over an experienced, teacher with a master's degree; a department chair was fired because she spoke her mind; a talented faculty member was fired to make way for a "favorite" to get the job; a headmaster friend was made department chair and the current chair was ousted; titles and bonuses are freely given to the "favorites." It really is a shame that this institution has been allowed to decay and to become one person's kingdom. Send your child somewhere else. This place is full of inbalance, favoritism, nepotism, unfairness and back-stabbing. Did anyone notice the misspelled words in the rating before mine? And this person is defending the academic standards? Too ironic!
Submitted by other on January 23, 2012

PLEASE READ THE WHOLE RATING! Whoever wrote the coment a few pages is lieing. Highland DOES has a 100% collage rate so I don't know how you think all the people at Highland care about are Field Studies and Sports. This is a well rounded school and I don't know why you think that it is not a collage prep school