14516 Eureka Ct
Apple Valley, MN 55124

My experience as a parent has been very positive. The transition to middle school and a new area can be tough, but the school staff has been welcoming from day one. Every faculty member I've dealt with has been positive and helpful. While I see many reviews from both students and parents, it's apparent a large majority come from reviews give in the midst of an emotionally charged situation. Strong feelings come with the territory of teenage years, and parents who are upset or concerned. I can see how that would be one of the few if only ways to vent frustration from a bad experience, especially from a student without any other way to do that, and understandably so. I'm sure many are valid, even if only in a student or parents perspective. Individual issues matter as does each individual student, and 1 incident can be enough to matter, good or bad. My overall experience has been consistently positive. We still have future years here but so far so good!

Not Recommended – My Family Deserved BetterAs a parent of four children, all of whom attended Highland Elementary at some point, I can honestly say I would not recommend this school. Despite having two older children already enrolled there, I faced months of unnecessary barriers trying to get my daughter with a disability admitted—simply because of how Apple Valley distributes disability services across schools. It made no sense, and it created tremendous emotional and logistical stress for my family.While I strongly believe in public education, my experience with Highland was disheartening. Parent-teacher conferences felt cold and unwelcoming. I often left feeling disrespected and judged rather than supported. I was made to feel unsafe and unwelcome—both as a parent and a person.Some staff displayed what I would call deeply unprofessional behavior, including interpersonal dynamics that were clearly visible to families like mine. It created an environment that felt toxic and inappropriate for a learning space.In contrast, schools like Greenleaf Elementary in Apple Valley offer a much more respectful and inclusive culture—where teachers take time with students and actually listen to parents. I have nothing but praise for Greenleaf.Every family deserves a school that supports all of its children—especially those with special needs—and treats parents as partners, not problems. Highland Elementary failed my family in that regard.

High school was pretty good. Prepared me for college.