Our First Year at HMS: Why We Enrolled & Why We Stay

From the very beginning, High Meadows made it clear that our daughter would be known, valued, and challenged as her full self. Her teachers took the time to learn our family story, her interests, and the cultural context that shapes who she is.  That intentionality showed up not just in warm conversations, but in the classroom: an inclusive curricula, diverse authors and perspectives, and lessons that encourage critical thinking about identity, justice and community in age-appropriate ways.

 

What stands out most is that High Meadows School doesn’t shy away from hard conversations about race, equity, and belonging; instead, it treats them as essential to educating thoughtful, compassionate humans. Equally important, our child feels safe and joyful. She is encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and take intellectual risks. She sees herself reflected not only in books and lessons, but in the respect she receives from teachers, faculty and peers. As parents, that sense of belonging matters deeply.

 

We chose High Meadows School  because of its progressive values. We stay because those values are lived daily—in classrooms, in community spaces and in relationships. As an African American family navigating our first year here, we are grateful to be part of a school that is committed to educating with both excellence and conscience and that understands diversity as a strength that enriches everyone.