Highlands Middle School

Don’t recommend. I’m a current student and just had to pull an all nighter. Yeah, that’s right. In middle school no one should ever pull an all nighter. Please send your kid to a private school. The ranking on highlands is extremely false. There are some way better schools ranked lower.

The learning at this school was okay, but the teachers were unbearable. I am currently a junior in high school, but I went to this school for my junior high years. The principal definitely had his favorites and would only listen to their side of the story whenever a referral was involved. The phone policy was unnecessarily strict, especially when the student handbook states that phones are allowed at lunch. Why couldn’t we unwind for half an hour and look at our phones? Strange. One specific teacher would abuse her power of watching students screens on laptops and send personal messages to you if you were playing games, even if not in her class. What if I got done with my work early? I had nothing to do and my teachers would allow me to play games. But no, this female teacher HAD to make sure that she was above everyone and watch every single students screen. My favorite part was the dismissal. Bullying was a huge issue at the school, but some male teachers condoned it. I will not name names, but overall many teachers gave me a hard time. I wasn’t even a bad student or caused ruckus, just being a normal person. That’s all I have to say about my middle school.

This schools attention to our children's development in academics and SEL is outstanding, from every level that I have observed this is an exemplary institution.

Compared to Park Jr. High up north on Ogden & Brainard, this school was such a better choice for my son and thank God I win the legal action to get him here. The school is caring, it is NOT based on tickets & detentions, but love & understanding. The teachers and admin are truly welcoming and the leadership here knows exactly how to run a school.

All three of my children have attended Highlands. They were by far more prepared for High School and college then other kids in our district. My son needed additional support due to disabilities and Highlands has an excellent support staff. The communication I received from from teachers, the principal and support team was impressive. They strive to create a challenging, supportive and safe environment for all students.