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o High Meadows
This guide is designed to help you explore the many ways you can enrich your experience and deepen your connections at High Meadows. From volunteering and getting involved, to providing financial support, the impact of engaged parents, faculty, alumni, grandparents, and friends cannot be underestimated.
High Meadows is so much more than a school. It is a place to make connections, to grow, to be part of.
The magic of High Meadows is fueled by the passion, commitment, and support of our community. A strong culture of philanthropy and community engagement empowers us to fulfill our mission and vision through meaningful, inspired learning experiences.
Together, we make up a diverse, joyful, and empowered family. Thank you for loving High Meadows and showing up in meaningful ways.
Lisa Baker Head of School & Camp
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Philanthropy plays a vital role in the strength and sustainability of independent schools. High Meadows is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which means we rely on multiple revenue streams to fund our annual budget. Like most independent schools, our two primary sources of income are tuition and fundraising.
Tuition typically covers approximately 73% of what it takes to operate our school. This means that your philanthropic commitment is not just appreciated, it is essential. Your gift to High Meadows plays a critical role in advancing our mission and ensures we have the resources to help our students, faculty, and programs thrive.
Each year, we plan thoughtfully to ensure that our budget supports both our people and programs. In addition to projecting tuition revenue, we also anticipate a specific amount of income produced by fundraising efforts.
Meeting these fundraising goa our mission, but also for ensur and affordable to a diverse co every student, family, and em inspiring experience.
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What is the High Meadows Fund?
The High Meadows Fund is at the center of our annual fundraising efforts, delivering essential support to the people, programs, and places that define our school. As a critical component of our operating budget, the Fund helps maintain small class sizes, enrich curriculum, and equip teachers with the tools and training they need to spark creative, meaningful learning.
It also enhances our vibrant campus – from classrooms and technology to the barnyard, trails, and gardens – creating inspiring spaces where children explore, play, and grow.
In short, t drives innovatio
Doesn’t
Like most independent schools, tuition at High Meadows does not cover the full cost of a student’s education. In fact, tuition and fees only account for approximately 73% of our annual operating expenses. The remaining gap is filled through fundraising.
What does the Fund support?
Everything that makes High Meadows exceptional! The Fund supports the full student experience – from books in the library and faculty salaries to art and technology supplies, tipi canvases, garden tools, pony and pig food, and more. It fuels inspiring classroom moments, outdoor adventures, and creative expression.
In addition to meeting day-to-day needs, the Fund also allows us to respond to unexpected expenses, invest in special activities, and launch new initiatives throughout the year.
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There
are many
ways to support the High Meadows Fund:
Online: Visit www.highmeadows.org, click “Donate” and submit your gift (one-time donation or pledge).
By Mail or In Person: Send your gift via mail or visit us inside the Franklin House.
Stock & Securities: Gifts of appreciated assets can provide tax benefits.
Donor-Advised Funds: Recommend a grant through your DAF provider.
Planned Giving: Include High Meadows in your estate plans for a lasting legacy.
How much should we give/Why should we give?
Every gift to the High Meadows Fund – no matter the size – makes a meaningful impact. As a small school, we rely on the generosity of our entire community to support the programs, people, and experiences that define High Meadows. To help achieve our bold and shared vision, we are working towards a giving goal of $1,000 per child enrolled. We understand that not all families can give at this level, and others may be able to give more. That’s why we ask each family to give at a level that is meaningful to them.
Your 100% tax-deductible gift can be directed to an area you care about most and helps us grow stronger – together. When every family and faculty member participates, it sends a powerful message of unity and commitment to our mission. Thank you for giving - every family’s involvement moves us closer to our goal.
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There are multiple opportunities for you to financially contribute to our school at no cost to you! Certain companies allow you to choose High Meadows School on your account profile, and a percentage of funds will come back to High Meadows. Set it up once and shop as usual. The main partners of this are Kroger, Mabels’ Labels, Box Tops for Education, and Shoparoo.
Georgia GOAL
p y g y pp financial assistance at High Meadows!
Individuals and Corporations (partners in partnerships, LLC owners, and shareholders of S-Corps) paying Georgia taxes are eligible for a dollarfor-dollar credit on state income taxes. Every year, the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program, combined with support from High Meadows Fund and budgeted dollars, allows HMS to enroll bright, motivated, and curious students regardless of their family's ability to pay full tuition.
Learn more about how to participate at goalscholarship.org!
The participation deadline is December 31, 2025.
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Wondering about ways to spend meaningful time on campus?
Our family association, FAHMS (Family Association of High Meadows School), works diligently each year to organize opportunities for parents and family members to enjoy and support High Meadows. Be on the lookout for dates for Tire Swing Tuesday, FAHMS-hosted coffees, and other exciting events!
Engaging with HMS through FAHMS is a fun and easy way to get to know other parents, staff, and how High Meadows School works. We are delighted to welcome you and hope you find being part of FAHMS engaging and rewarding!
Larissa Michel
Co-President
Annette Barron
Co-President
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Actively participating in events, educational opportunities, and volunteering helps you share the High Meadows experience alongside your child. Whether you’d like to help in the barnyard, serve as a room representative, or decorate for the gala, there is a just-right opportunity for you to be meaningfully engaged at HMS.
Jennifer Titus is the 25-26 FAHMS Volunteer Coordinator. Contact Jennifer at jennifer.stanfield7@gmail.com to get plugged in.
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Room Representative
HMS Room Representatives help build a classroom community as the liaison between the classroom teachers, the class families, and FAHMS.
Library Helper
Love a little quiet time to yourself? Volunteer to help shelve books and keep our library tidy and organized!
Guest Educator
Teachers often reach out to parents to share their areas of expertise, professions, passions, or interests. What might you like to share with students at HMS?
Parent Ambassador/Buddy
Becoming a Parent Ambassador or Buddy is a wonderful way to help families discover all that High Meadows has to offer! Parent Ambassadors support the Office of Admission by volunteering at admissions and prospective family events. Once new families are enrolled, buddy families help them feel welcomed, connected, and part of our vibrant community.
Barnyard Helper
Love our animals and want to spend quality time with them? This role helps support the care of our animals and programming and includes chores like mucking the horse paddock, cleaning the chicken coop, and other basic barnyard chores. Most shifts occur on weekends and during school breaks.
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From picnics and festivals to guest speakers and curriculum nights, there are endless opportunities to spend time on campus playing, learning, and connecting. Throughout the year, we have a variety of events, including the Fall Family Picnic, Meadow Mile, Fall Festival and Youth Service Fair, Spring Family Picnic, and community gatherings.
Being an active part of your child’s school community enriches the experience for both of you. We invite you to join us beyond the school day for the many events and gatherings that make High Meadows such a special place.
Don’tforgettoreadyourweeklyMeadowMessenger emailfortheweekahead’sevents!
Accessacomprehensivedetailedcalendarofallschoolevents, breaks,andopportunitiesonthecalendarat family.highmeadows.org.
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Meadow Messenger
Our weekly e-newsletter, delivered to your inbox on Monday, helps you stay informed of calendar events, opportunities to be involved, and other important updates. We ask families to read Meadow Messenger every week to stay in-the-loop!
Family Portal
The Portal (family.highmeadows.org) is your hub for family resources, forms, directories, and more! Bookmark it as an important tool you’ll utilize frequently.
Seesaw & Teacher Emails
Early Years faculty utilize a tool called Seesaw to share pictures, videos, and other fun and informative updates. All familes will periodically hear from teachers via email, which is also a great way to reach your teacher with questions.
Room Parent Communications
Room Representatives are volunteers who assist with classroom/grade-level communication and engagement opportunities. Your Room Representative can be a helpful resource if you have questions as well!
Follow us on Social Media
Find High Meadows on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These accounts are a great way to get a glimpse into daily life at HMS. There is also a parent Facebook group - search for ‘HMS Parents Group’ to join and stay connected!
Read The Tire Swing
The Tire Swing is published quarterly and provides an inside look at the latest news and events on campus. It’s a great way to read in-depth stories about school events, learn about upcoming community activities, or stay up-to-date on the latest alumni news and milestones!
o d f r t s
High Meadows School is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The Board is comprised of parents, alumni parents, and friends of the school. Trustees are carefully selected based on demonstrated service and clear commitment to the school’s mission, goals, and philosophies. Individuals are nominated by the Governance Committee and voted on by current Trustees.
The mission of the Board is to ensure financial health and stability, legal compliance, physical campus integrity, and the creation/implementation of long-rage strategic plans for High Meadows School and Camp. In partnership with the Head of School, the Board works to ensure a bright and sustainable future
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My name is Theresa Robison, and I’m honored to begin serving as chair of the High Meadows Board of Trustees. I’m a proud parent of three boys who have thrived at High Meadows, including my eldest, Zach, who graduated in May 2025. Now entering my sixth year on the board, I’ve previously served as governance chair and vice chair, and I step into this new role with deep appreciation and enthusiasm.
High Meadows has been more than just a school for our family — it has been a wellspring of joy, grounding, and growth. It is a place where children are truly seen, encouraged to ask big questions, and supported in becoming curious, confident, and compassionate individuals.
I’m excited to continue this important work alongside a dedicated and thoughtful Board of Trustees — fellow parents, alumni, and friends — who share a deep commitment to stewarding the mission of High Meadows. Together, we will continue to support and strengthen the long-term vision of a community that deeply embodies its values.
Theresa Robison Board Chair
rsandberg@highmeadodws.org
Lower Years Principal lkennedy@highmeadows.org
Danielle Wright Director of Equity and Justice & Lower Years Assistant Principal dwright@highmeadows.org
Michael Rhodes Director of Technology mrhodes@highmeadows org
Laura McKie Director of Enrollment & Strategic Communication lmckie@highmeadows.org
Help High Meadows by sharing your experience with others:
Encourage a friend with children to take an Admission Tour.
Share information about our admissions & community events on your social media accounts.
Invite friends and neighbors to join us for our Fall Festival or Early Years Festival.
Write a positive review online (Greatschools.org, Niche, Facebook, etc.).
Share our social media posts and chime in about HMS when you see posts from people exploring schools.
Share a testimonial about your positive experiences at HMS! Contact Kraig Doremus in our marketing department to schedule an interview or submit your testimonial to kdoremus@highmeadows.org.
Stay in touch after your child graduates. Join our active alumni group! For more details contact alumni@highmeadows.org.
Have a friend who has questions or would like to tour High Meadows?
Contact Director of Enrollment Laura McKie at lmckie@highmeadows.org
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More than anything, we want High Meadows to feel like home.
As part of the High Meadows family, we want you to feel informed, connected, seen, heard, and empowered. We invite you to share your experiences, wonderings, feedback, and ideas along your journey here.
We grow better together and welcome your partnership as we strive to provide our students the best possible opportunities to thrive.
High Meadows School
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.
High Meadows School & Camp inspires adventurous learners who ask questions that drive learning and seek sustainable solutions in collaboration with others. Our students emerge as ethical leaders with the skills and habits of mind to grow and adapt as they discover a place of purpose and joy in an everchanging world.