Parent Testimonials for High Meadow School, November 2010

I have been grateful to high meadow for many things, but most, i think, for creating an environment where individuals are seen and can thrive. i am grateful for the culture of inclusion and service. my daughter has emerged after ten years as a human being who is compassionate, who loves to serve and one who respects individual differences without needing to judge them. these qualities have been fostered and nourished at this school, and she will move forward with confidence and ownership of her education and the community she lives in. thanks high meadow.–Susan Willson

As the parents of a new first-grader (Julianne) at HMS, my husband and I didn’t quite know what to expect in September. We only know that we have very high expectations for the two most important criteria to us: first, teaching that inspires a love of learning, critical thinking, and builds strong academic fundamentals; and second, the nurturing care given to each student that encourages individuality and creativity. (All of which we thought were clearly evident during our classroom observations and hence, made our decision to choose HMS easy).

Well, Julianne’s first-grade teachers Kristin and Patrick, along with her other teachers, have exceeded our expectations. Within days of her starting school, they were able to pinpoint her academic strengths and weaknesses, and give her appropriate work that keeps her challenged and engaged, intellectually as well as creatively. Here is Julianne’s uncanny endorsement: “Mommy, do you know that I’m learning so much but it’s so much fun that it doesn’t feel like I’m learning?” Moreover, the extraordinary accessibility to, as well as the responsiveness and warmth of, the teachers have made my reticent daughter’s social adjustment to a new school environment a non-issue. The smiling enthusiasm and warmth genuinely exudes from the top (Michelle and Doris) and envelopes the front office, the staff, and the entire community of students and parents.

A heartfelt thanks to each of you for opening your arms and hearts to not only my daughter, but indeed, our entire family.–Erin Lau and Donald Louie

High Meadow is a happy and productive school – and a kind, intelligent, creative community. The teachers shine with a sense of vocation and pride. –Emma Parry

“My children get to attend the school I always wanted my own school to be. They love school, they are challenged, and their teachers really know them as individuals. –Janna Cohen

My first and enduring impression of High Meadow was the ringing of bells to capture students’ attention. It encapsulates the school’s ethos: creative, non-coercive, original. It’s a very special place. –Richard Klin

High Meadow has enabled my children to grow while learning in a comfortable and fun environment. High Meadow provides the kind of educational experience that I would provide for the kids if I was able to do it myself.–Terry Baron

High Meadow School is a place my children love to be and I love to have them there, safe in the knowledge that they are engaged in substantive learning in a caring community–Natasha Williams

As someone who works with schools each day, I always ask the teachers: would you like your child to go to this school?
For HM School, I answer a resounding yes! The staff sees the school as a community and the children as community or family members. It is a place where belonging is as natural as the air we breathe and where discovery and creativity are the norm. HM is learning at its best.–David Levine