High Meadows School & Camp began on an afternoon hike with friends, which is very appropriate for the legacy High Meadows still holds today, 50 years later. We sat down with Laura Nicholson, Director of Admissions and Strategic Communication to find out more about the school, with an enrollment of 340 for pre-K to eighth grade students.
- What do you see as the biggest challenge in connecting with your students?
We do not notice a huge issue in connecting with students because teachers meet students where they are and build learning in partnership with them. Our approach is cooperative. There is room and time for students and teachers to create connection in school through strong personal relationships with one another. This creates a culture where students can be challenged and grow in remarkable ways. They are excellent students and even better friends.
- How do you help students balance school+friends+activities+chill time+ family?
As students and their families are more and more scheduled, this can be more challenging. I suppose the most important thing is that we tend to limit “homework” to things that really make a difference to learning. After all, so much of what children need is time to experience the world and to learn how to navigate different situations. We also model this balance at school by providing time outside in multi-age groups and through lots of play and exploration. Our Middle Years students carry more academic work outside of school; however, even they report that there’s room and time for life outside of school.
- Your model is unique. Tell us about the school.
What makes us most unique is there is a true sense of wonder and joy on our campus. For 50 years, we have placed a premium on childhood. We couple fun and adventure with critical thought and skill development. Our students are active partners in their education. Additionally, our 42-acre campus is an inspiration for our work with students and reminds us of the interconnectedness of our world. Ultimately, our students emerge as ethical leaders with the skills and habits of mind to find joy and purpose in an ever-changing world.
High Meadows School,1055 Willeo Road
770.993.2940