Experiential Education

Highland School embraces the belief that traditional classroom learning must function in partnership with innovative methodologies designed to nurture the entire student. Through experiential education programs, including service learning, field studies, trips, activity days, internships and hands-on projects, Highland strives to enhance learning, promote character and leadership development, and build connections within and beyond the school community. The objective of these programs is to provide opportunities for students to:

• Develop self-awareness and personal growth;
• Create healthy, productive relationships with peers and adults in and outside of Highland;
• Participate in meaningful experiences outside of the classroom that challenge and broaden their perspectives of their school, local, national and global communities;
• Study in non-traditional learning environments; and
• Apply classroom learning to life beyond Highland.

Experiential learning is an important and unique feature of the Highland experience. The Department of Experiential and Service Learning serves as an umbrella over five main program areas: Service Learning, Field Studies, Character and Leadership, Sustainability, and Senior Projects. Each of these areas is overseen by either a director, division director, or a coordinator who works with divisional faculty to develop and implement programs. These program directors/coordinators, the Director of Experiential and Service Learning, and selected divisional faculty comprise the Department of Experiential and Service Learning which is tasked with ensuring the continuity and communication of all programs.