The most common feedback Highland School receives from its alumni is, "I was so much better prepared for college than my peers."

In recent years, Highland students have matriculated to the top universities in the country, including Harvard, Cornell, Dartmouth, Boston University, Georgetown, Wake Forest, William & Mary, University of Virginia, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and many more.

Head of School Hank Berg believes the most important fact is not that his students get admitted to these world-class schools, but that they thrive once they attend. "We focus on helping each student find the right fit – whether that's an Ivy or a large public university or a small regional college."

"Our students are drawn to challenge, and they thrive on it," says Berg, "because our program gives them the support and experience to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities."

Rich Gerhardt ('16), a senior at Wake Forest and son of Rick and Hilary Gerhardt of Catlett, said, "Highland did a phenomenal job providing an extraordinary academic platform off which I could build. I achieved an A in my advanced literature class due to writing skills fostered at Highland."

"Highland prepared me to be an adult," Gerhardt adds. "Through the service commitments and extracurriculars, I learned to manage my time effectively and to work with different types of people in different environments. I was prepared for the heightened level of maturity in college life requires."

Alie Brill ('17), daughter of Sid and Mary Rodgers of Warrenton and a junior at the University of Alabama, reports, "I am well equipped for writing assignments, and I know how to communicate with my professors. Thanks to the higher expectations held at Highland, I am able to thrive in my college experience."

Highland School offers 18 AP courses and extraordinarily qualified faculty in all classes. Three Highland teachers are AP readers and have an in-depth knowledge of the critical thinking skills these tests require. Top-tier colleges expect to see these demanding courses on the transcripts of qualified applicants.

AP Calculus teacher and AP reader, Dr. Mimi Corcoran, said, "The critical thinking skills required to score 4s and 5s on AP exams are those also required for success at the nation's top universities. Students must learn how to solve problems, not just memorize formulas. These critical thinking skills transfer to every other subject they take, to their essays for college applications, and especially to the live interviews that elite universities require."

Highland students are challenged academically. Just as important, they are required to complete 60 hours of community service during high school. This experience, and the global perspective and empathy they gain, are sought-after traits at the nation's most prestigious universities.

"Colleges today want to recruit well-rounded students," says Director of College Counseling Renee Norden. "They want young people who have a passion for a cause or activity and seek to use their abilities and studies to solve problems, help others, and make the world a better place. Highland's program of challenging academics and service-learning makes our students the ideal academic recruits."

Project-based learning is a significant element of college programs now, and the top universities are seeking students with documented experience in this area. Gordon Wallace ('15), son of George and Beth Wallace of Warrenton, reports, "At Highland, group work and presentations were always a major part of my classes. Student-run clubs allowed me to practice leadership on projects, particularly when I was captain of the robotics team. Highland's emphasis on leadership and project-based learning made me better prepared than most of my peers to take on the engineering curriculum at Boston University."

But even more important than college placements, Berg says, is the character and work ethic of Highland students. "Throughout our academic, athletic, and arts programs, we strive to build young people of character, compassion, and commitment. From the local charities for whom they do their volunteer service to the local businesses with whom they intern, Highland students have proven themselves to be people who will use their skills to build a better world."

Highland School is an independent PK2-12 school in Warrenton, VA. Its mission is to prepare students to thrive, lead, and serve in a diverse and dynamic world, developing essential skills and character by challenging them with a demanding academic and co-curricular program.