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Published Researcher Isobel Wilkes ‘ 13 Credits Her Confidence & Leadership to Time at HMS
Isobel “Arc” Wilkes ’13 felt at home the moment her family drove up the High Meadows School driveway for the first time. As she looked out the passenger side window, she felt a sense of belonging as she took in the school’s beautiful nature-filled campus. The young second grader was excited and ready for this new educational adventure, but little did she know just how much HMS’s nurturing, caring environment would inspire and prepare her to succeed and become a published researcher.
Early Encouragement and a Community That Cared
Isobel quickly stood out as an advanced learner who benefited greatly from High Meadows’ inquiry-driven learning model. She remembers learning to engage in her school days with renewed interest and enthusiasm, but what left the most lasting impact was how much her teachers and classmates cared about her. When she missed class to recover from a tonsillectomy, her friends wrote letters that lifted her spirits. “It was sweet and heartfelt,” she said. “I could only eat scrambled eggs while I recovered, and the letters gave me a sense of community.”
Isobel quickly stood out as an advanced learner who benefited greatly from High Meadows’ inquiry-driven learning model. She remembers learning to engage in her school days with renewed interest and enthusiasm, but what left the most lasting impact was how much her teachers and classmates cared about her. When she missed class to recover from a tonsillectomy, her friends wrote letters that lifted her spirits. “It was sweet and heartfelt,” she said. “I could only eat scrambled eggs while I recovered, and the letters gave me a sense of community.”
In fourth grade, Isobel recalls sitting outdoors with her writer’s journal as Silver Moon casually trotted through the woods nearby. Her childhood is full of memories blending meaningful academic work and being immersed peacefully in nature at High Meadows. While these moments happened more than 15 years ago, her parents recently discovered her old writings and enjoyed reminiscing on her experiences and growth.
“You could see the progression in my writing from fourth to fifth grade,” Isobel mentioned. “I wrote a one-page book review, and my teacher wrote a lovely response telling me he liked the review and proposed some guiding questions to help me expand my thoughts. His letter prompted me to go further. He encouraged me to write more, write longer, and connect ideas to real life. I could give an anecdote about each of the High Meadows teachers. Not only did I feel encouraged to follow my passions, but also to work on my weaknesses. My voice and my ideas mattered.”
Prepared for the Future
By the time she entered the Middle Years program, Isobel took full advantage of the challenging and experiential curriculum while gaining skills and confidence. She also learned to respectfully advocate, speaking up for herself and her classmates. The dynamic academic program allowed her to enter high school ready to succeed, especially in advanced placement courses. After graduating, Isobel attended Norcross High School and notes that she “adapted wonderfully academically and socially because of High Meadows School’s faculty and staff.”
By the time she entered the Middle Years program, Isobel took full advantage of the challenging and experiential curriculum while gaining skills and confidence. She also learned to respectfully advocate, speaking up for herself and her classmates. The dynamic academic program allowed her to enter high school ready to succeed, especially in advanced placement courses. After graduating, Isobel attended Norcross High School and notes that she “adapted wonderfully academically and socially because of High Meadows School’s faculty and staff.”
After high school, Isobel chose Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. There, she double majored in General Music and Psychology with a minor in Data Science. Her passion for music therapy — using familiar songs to help people, especially those with dementia, access memories — was a natural fit. “They light up when they hear the music,” she explained. “It helps them feel less confused and more whole. It’s a great niche.”
Isobel’s academic interests did not stop with music. She is a published researcher, having done extensive studies on cockroaches. She even built an apparatus for her research project using skills she gained from the Middle Years woodworking mini-course. What did Isobel and her fellow researchers discover? Cockroaches can learn and remember.
Today, she works as an engagement manager and organizes people and projects to ensure successful outcomes. Isobel credits her confidence, leadership, and growth to her time at High Meadows.
From a second grader enchanted by the woods and trails to a published researcher and confident professional, Isobel is a shining example of what it means to be nurtured and challenged by a school that sees the whole child. Her story is a testament to the lifelong impact of a supportive learning environment — one that teaches children not only how to learn, but how to thrive. To experience High Meadows School in person, plan a visit today!
The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.
Age 3 through Grade 8 | Authorized IB PYP World School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org
