Beyond Montessori

The Highland Experience

At Highland, we believe learning happens everywhere, not just within the classroom. Experiential learning and co-curricular activities together create a dynamic educational environment. By engaging in hands-on experiences, students develop practical skills and deepen their understanding. This blend fosters personal growth, critical thinking, and leadership, preparing students for real-world challenges.

An Arts Education

Visual Arts

The mission of Highland Community School’s visual art program is to foster imagination, skill development, and self-expression. Our sequential program integrates design principles, art appreciation, and visual awareness, blending traditional art education with Montessori principles to complement and enrich classroom learning.

Youth Leadership

Montessori Model United Nations

At Highland, we invest in student leadership and believe in their capacity to change the world. Our 6th graders participate in the Montessori Model United Nations Conference (MMUN), preparing by researching policy, geography, and current events. They travel to New York City to debate and develop resolutions at the UN Assembly Hall, gaining invaluable leadership experience and a passion for serving others.

Care for the Environment

Environmental Education

Highland Community School is committed to educating for sustainability. We launched the Natural Grounds Redevelopment Project to foster environmental responsibility, transforming our 2.5-acre playground into a green laboratory. This initiative includes an outdoor educational landscape, stormwater management, water conservation, and renewable energy. Our Environmental Education program offers diverse activities to instill a strong environmental ethic, enhance STEM education, promote outdoor time, and inspire children to care for the planet.

Highland Camps

Camping

At Highland Community School, everyone camps! Beginning in K5, all our students experience at least one camp trip a year. K5 – 7th graders camp in the spring, while our 7th and 8th graders also camp in the fall. This program fosters independence, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for nature, enhancing students’ personal growth and resilience.

Microeconomies

Community Cafe

The Community Cafe is operated by adolescent students who serve locally roasted coffee and student-produced baked goods. They learn to run the cash register, serve clients, and raise money for their capstone trip. This practical experience in microeconomics is vital in Montessori education, teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and real-world economic applications, preparing students for future success.

Original Theatre

Performing Arts

“The most inventive theater in Milwaukee.” -OnMilwaukee

“Some of the freshest local theater.” -Milwaukee Magazine

“We are in awe, Highland Community School…what you are doing is amazing and incredibly beautiful.” -Third Man Records

Highland’s performing arts programming has received national attention, along with a Certificate of Commendation from the State of Wisconsin. We see performing arts as not just an important tool for life, but as yet another way to bring our diverse community together. 

Students interested in the performing arts have a variety of opportunities awaiting them at Highland. All Highland students engage in weekly class sessions with Mr. Barry, the performance art director. The goal of these workshops is to help children see themselves as contributors to a team effort involving live performing. Young children will often engage in full-class singalongs, and older children will take part in full-class theatre games and team building.

Students in the elementary and adolescent programs have even more intermediate and involved opportunities to engage in the performing arts:

  • Lower elementary grades (1 – 3) participate in the Highland Community Circus, a one-of-a-kind talent show that helps children conquer stage fright and create their own unique and creative performance.
  • Students in upper elementary grades (4 – 6) work to put on an original play each spring; and participating students may elect to work in backstage run crew, set design crew, or in acting. (For some great reviews of past shows, look up our school on The Milwaukee Record’s website. 
  • Adolescent grades (7 – 8) are able to participate in up to four productions a year in Studio H, our signature blackbox theater. Adolescent productions include Comedies, Radio Dramas, Shakespeare, and productions written and directed by students.