HMS Class of 2023

Our 2023 8th grade graduates are heading into their high school experiences not only with a strong academic foundation, but also with the flexibility, perseverance, and sense of humor that was required to navigate middle school. As they prepare for their next chapter in high school, we asked our 2023 graduates to reflect on “What is your favorite thing about High Meadows?” Read on to hear their responses.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the teachers.

The way the teachers interact with their students and how inclusive everyone is. Also, the way we get to learn and develop outside in an environment with animals and fresh air.

The students' freedom and different responsibilities, because this allows us to explore, express ourselves, and take ownership of our learning.

The animals. I have grown up with them, and High Meadows gives you the ability to learn how to act with them, and learn to love them.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is spending time with my friends on the meadow.

The 8th grade Colorado trip shows how much fun it is to be at High Meadows. It is an amazing experience and is something for all students to look forward to.

The freedom students are given and the trust and encouragement to be ourselves. We learn by doing and are constantly surrounded by nature and our animals. Every school day is exciting and unexpected!

The responsibility instilled in you. Teachers give you room to make mistakes but want to see you pick yourself back up and keep trying. Teachers at HMS believe that each student has the ability to carry themselves as a kind, respectful person.

The community created because of the program. It's very tightly knit and everyone knows everybody else so it's very friendly and kind. You also go on trips with everyone and it builds unique bonds.

I like that during the day we not only have classes, but we get a break in the middle with two classes we get to choose. I love that we get to do cooking or help with the animals.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the people.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the loving and welcoming feeling I got when I first arrived at High Meadows. I loved that so much because I have felt that every day since then!

Mini courses! Students get to choose 2 classes every 6 weeks of their choice from a variety of courses. From theater to barn animals to debate to band to sports to tech. You learn so much from them and the skills stay with you forever!

The people. Everyone there, including teachers, are always welcoming. Everyone I have met at HMS has always made me smile even if I barely know them. The HMS community is filled with people I will never forget.

The teaching style. The way that information is taught makes it so it's absorbable, and not just a vocalization of a textbook, and there are genuine conversations that the class chooses to learn more about.

I don't think this is a "one answer only" kind of question. But something I love is the fact that when I'm at HMS I'm speaking my truth and I don't feel that I need to be someone else.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the patient, supportive, teachers at High Meadows.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the relationships I've made with teachers and students over the years.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the positive, non-violent environment.

My friends. I became so close to my friends and we share so many great memories together. I am so grateful for the friendships I made at my time at High Meadows.

At High Meadows you are outside a lot unlike other schools.

The community of inspiring people. The teachers have always encouraged me to speak up and have confidence in myself, and that has changed my life.

I like the community and the teachers at High Meadows. Because everyone is very kind and makes you feel happy. Going to school at High Meadows makes you want to come back the next day.

Going to Colorado because of once-in-a-lifetime memories and experiences that I'll never forget. I also really appreciate HMS for helping my family by providing a meal train and other assistance during tough times.

The community is very supportive and High Meadows' very unique approach at education, especially for younger kids.

The amazing bonds you create there and all the support the teachers give you.

High Meadows School is a very welcoming place that has allowed me to know myself and embrace my individualities and features. I always felt in a very safe and inclusive environment! Made life long friends along the way!

The teachers take us seriously and my friends are amazing. I love social studies and how much we have to work and how much freedom we have. The campus is beautiful.

My favorite thing about High Meadows is the friendships that I have made and the trips that help bring the grades closer together.

What I liked best about High Meadows is how hospitable the community was when I first started and the opportunities it gave me to embrace for the future.