Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Private School in Birmingham AL | Highlands School
Highlands School, founded in 1958 by educator Evalina Brown Spencer, is an independent private institution serving infants through 8th grade. Our mission centers on providing an academically challenging program that fosters a lifelong love of learning while instilling habits of success in every student. We emphasize a whole-child approach, integrating academic excellence with character development, leadership opportunities, and creative expression. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and over 70% of teachers holding master's degrees, we deliver personalized instruction tailored to individual learning potential. Our 12-acre campus in Birmingham, Alabama, features modern facilities and greenspaces that support experiential learning.The Highlands Way frameworkemphasizing Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Collaborationguides our community's values. We prepare students to thrive as responsible global citizens through project-based learning, world languages, and global education initiatives. Our graduates emerge as confident leaders equipped with critical thinking skills and a strong moral compass. Accredited by NAIS, SAIS, and other leading educational organizations, we maintain rigorous standards for academic and personal growth. For 66 years, Highlands has cultivated a nurturing environment where every child's unique story contributes to our collective educational mission.
Services
Private School Education
Early Childhood Programs
Project-Based Learning
Leadership Development
World Languages Instruction
Character Education
Student Support Services
Athletics Programs
Fine Arts Curriculum
Summer Camp Programs
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer 66 years of excellence in private education with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
- Our project-based learning approach develops critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills
- Diverse community representing 32 zip codes fosters inclusive learning experiences
- Leadership development program cultivates confidence and responsibility from early grades
- 1:1 device program for grades 1-8 integrates technology across the curriculum
Associations and certifications
- NAIS
- SAIS
- MISBO
- NBOA
- SSS
What people say
Academic excellence
Nurturing environment
Leadership development
Small class sizes
Project-based learning
Services
Private School Education
Highlands School provides comprehensive private education from infancy through 8th grade. Our program combines academic rigor with character development in a supportive community setting. Students benefit from individualized instruction, with teachers matching high expectations to each child's learning potential.
Project-Based Learning
Our signature project-based learning approach engages students in real-world problem solving. Through interdisciplinary projects, students develop critical thinking skills while exploring topics in depth. Culminating presentations showcase their research and creative solutions to authentic challenges.
Leadership Development
Leadership development begins in early grades and progresses through middle school. Students learn decision-making, collaboration, and community service through structured programs. Weekly community meetings provide platforms for public speaking and peer engagement.
Early Childhood Programs
Our Family Center offers nurturing early childhood education starting at six weeks old. The curriculum builds foundational academic skills while emphasizing social-emotional growth. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and developmental support.
World Languages Instruction
World language education begins in early childhood and continues through middle school. Students develop proficiency in multiple languages while gaining cultural awareness. The program emphasizes practical communication skills and global perspectives.
People
Kavita Vasil
Head of School
Kavita Vasil leads Highlands School with a vision for academic excellence and character development. She champions innovative teaching methods while maintaining the school's core values of integrity and compassion.
Kellye Allen
Director of Enrollment Management
Kellye Allen oversees admissions and enrollment, guiding families through the application process. With deep institutional knowledge, she ensures prospective students find their place in the Highlands community.
Tynley Baker
School Librarian
Tynley Baker manages library resources and literacy programs. She engages students through interactive story times and supports research skills development across grade levels.
Questions
What grades does Highlands School serve?
We serve students from infancy through 8th grade, offering a continuous educational journey from early childhood to middle school.
What is Highlands School's educational philosophy?
Our approach combines academic rigor with character development, emphasizing project-based learning, leadership training, and global awareness in a supportive community environment.
What accreditation does Highlands School hold?
We are accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), and other leading educational organizations.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1, with over 70% of teachers holding advanced degrees and significant classroom experience.
What extracurricular opportunities are available?
We offer athletics, fine arts, clubs, and community service programs that complement academic learning and develop well-rounded students.
Reviews (1)
Grace P.
Sep 11, 2018
Report
Out of all the schools my daughter has gone to she and I both love it. Everyone there is nice and no one steels you don't even have to put a lock on her locker. It is a great learning environment for all ages. They are building a new gym lunch room and more, I feel as this is a wonderful thing that they have needed to do. I really is a higher degree of learning.
