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Requirements for graduation from Highland have traditionally included being a school member for a minimum of two years and participating in the accreditation process. Since each student's experiences at The Highland School are unique and depend upon his or her interests and abilities, the content of the accreditation process will be different for every prospective graduate. During the accreditation process, the student chooses a committee to help in demonstrating to the school meeting competence in three areas; 1) survival skills, 2) area of expertise or chosen future goal, and 3) understanding of school philosophy and operations. The Accreditation Committee consists of at least five members chosen by the student, but must include a staff member, a student, and a responsible person from outside the school community.
In addition to receiving a recommendation for graduation from the Accreditation Committee, prospective graduates must defend to the school meeting, in written or oral form, the thesis that they are prepared to leave The Highland School and go on to the next step in their lives.
The primary purpose of this graduation process is for students to show that they can be responsible for themselves in the world. We take great pride in the students who have successfully completed the graduation process. Highland School graduates are accustomed to making choices and taking responsibility for them. In addition, critical thinking skills and creativity have been nurtured through participation in the daily interactions of a working democracy. Through developing their interests, these students have developed self-discipline as well as the skills of finding information, persisting in working toward a goal, and solving complex problems. These skills have helped to enable our graduates to continue their learning long after leaving The Highland School.