Ten Frequently Asked Questions about The Highland School

 1.  What does “democratic school” mean? 

            At this school we value children as equal individuals.  Every school operating decision is made by the General School Meeting and each school member has an equal vote in that decision-making process.  The daily interactions of school members make up the heart of the school as we solve problems, create activities, and live our lives together.

 2.   What is an “interest-based” curriculum? 

            Our interest-based curriculum provides children the opportunity to follow their interests with a supportive staff (student/staff ratio of 4/1).  In addition to making meaningful choices about their lives, children can pursue their interests in as much depth as they desire.  They also have a wide range of opportunities in which to participate; including ongoing interest groups and activities, as well as governing the school.  Individual responsibility for decisions is at the core of our curriculum.  Learning to take responsibility serves Highland graduates well as they move on to colleges or careers.

 3.  Are there grade levels? 

            No.  Children are able to interact with individuals both older and younger than they are.  They are able to take advantage of learning from a variety of personalities, cultural backgrounds, and experiences.

 4.  How do children learn anything if they are not required to do school work?

            We believe that children are born curious with needs to reach out and explore their environment.  They are also social beings who enjoy sharing their experiences with others.  Some of the most important and difficult skills are learned before children are school aged.  For example, walking and talking are not “required” by families, yet they are embraced by children at an early age.  At The Highland School, students learn because they are interested in satisfying their own curiosity, because they want to share in social activities that involve communication skills, and because they want to develop their own abilities to accomplish things in the world. 

 5.  How is discipline handled?

            Discipline is handled primarily by the knowledge that the same school members who make the rules enforce the rules.  Most rule violations are handled informally by a student or staff member reminding the rule breaker of the rule.  If the reminder isn’t enough, any school member can write a complaint and involve the judicial system.

            The Highland School’s judicial system is created and can be amended by the General School Meeting.   The system follows the principles of due process and innocent until proven guilty to safeguard individual rights.  Currently, there are three elected judges who hear cases of rule-breaking and decide on sentences.  Any sentence can be appealed to the General Meeting on reasonable grounds.

            A second type of discipline; self-discipline is developed over time as students commit to activities and put their best efforts into following through on them.  As children learn to cope with frustrations and roadblocks, they develop self-discipline.  This intrinsic discipline enables students to accomplish their goals as they pursue their interests.

 6.  How do students graduate?

            The graduation process involves choosing a committee to help the student demonstrate to the General School Meeting that he or she is ready to be responsible in the world.   There are three competency areas including life skills, the student’s special area of interest, and understanding how the school works.  The prospective graduate defends his or her thesis in front of the School Meeting.  Upon completion of the process, the General School Meeting votes to award a diploma and the student graduates.

 7.  Can students go on to college?

            Yes, graduates of The Highland School have been accepted at a wide range of colleges and universities across the country.  A few of the colleges include; Miami University of Ohio, West Virginia University, Marlboro College (in Vermont), Salem University, and the University of Chicago.

 8.   What are the advantages of starting early?

            Children who start at 4 years old can continue the pattern of learning that they began at birth.  They usually don’t have to unlearn the idea that they wouldn’t learn anything if they weren’t forced or enticed into it.  Thus, they are able to joyfully participate in learning and living at The Highland School.

 9.  What kind of children do well at The Highland School?

            We believe that each child is a unique individual and we find that each child’s experience at Highland is different.  Overall, however, a wide variety of children have done well at The Highland School.   Students have come to the school with different cultural backgrounds, family structures, and past experiences.  Taking responsibility for themselves and learning to make meaningful choices have given all of our graduates the opportunity to successfully pursue their interests in the world.

 10.  What do children gain from going to a democratic school like Highland?  

            They learn to take responsibility for their decisions, they learn to value individual differences and respect diversity.  They learn to communicate.  They learn to pursue their interests and develop a sense of their own positive powers.  They learn not to be afraid to make mistakes and how to develop through reflecting on the consequences of their actions.  They have the self-confidence to find out what they need to know even if they are exploring a previously unknown area.  They gain the self-discipline to persevere in following through on personal and social commitments.