5 John St, Highlands, NJ 07732

I am extremely happy with Highlands Elementary. My son transitioned from a private daycare during the height of COVID, after spending two full years at home with me. Naturally, I worried about how he would adapt to a public school setting and whether he might get lost in the larger student population. That has not been our experience at all.**From Pre-K (Mrs. A) to Kindergarten (Mrs. M)—names shortened here out of respect for their privacy**From Pre-K (Mrs. A) to Kindergarten ( Mrs.M) , his teachers have created a warm, nurturing, and academically enriching environment. This year in particular, there were some developmental concerns with my son that could have easily been overlooked in a different setting. Instead, his teacher ( Mrs.M) who also happens to be Teacher of the Year )) has been incredibly attentive, supportive, and communicative. Because of her dedication, my son has continued to grow and improve, with his scores getting stronger each time.What stands out even more is that the care and dedication are not limited to one classroom or one grade. Every staff member we’ve encountered, from teachers to aides to administrative staff, has shown genuine commitment to the well-being and success of the students. You can feel it in the hallways. It’s a school-wide culture of compassion and excellence.The entire school radiates a true sense of community. Children of all ages look out for one another, and the school intentionally builds opportunities for cross-age friendships and mentorships. One of my favorite things is the reading buddy program, where older students are paired with younger ones to build literacy and friendship.The parents at Highlands are equally engaged and supportive. It is heartwarming to see how families encourage the friendships our children form at school. There’s a shared sense of connection and respect that extends beyond the classroom and into the community.