Q: What is the schedule like?

Highland operates on a hybrid blended model. We offer in-person schooling Monday-Thursday. Students spend the morning mastering lessons at their own pace and the other half of the day learning transferable life skills, competing in challenges, and pursuing their passions. No school on Fridays! These are free days to be used as each family chooses to fit their schedule. Free Fridays also allow us the opportunity to take monthly field trips! Our learning lounge remains open Monday-Friday. SCHOOL HOURS: Monday-Thursday 8:30pm-4:00pm *Students who stay full day need to pack a lunch. Early Drop Off: Begins at 7:45am After Care Pickup: 5:00pm

Question 1

Does Highland accept LA GATOR Scholarship funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are excited to be an approved LA GATOR scholarship vendor! What does this mean for you? This means ALL students enrolled in the LA GATOR Scholarship Program are eligible to receive at least $5,243 to be used toward tuition.​ Some students may even qualify to have their entire tuition covered! We'd love to help you apply.

Question 2

What grade levels do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We currently serve grades 5-6, with plans to expand each year as students advance all the way through high school. The families that we serve are typically looking for a better education than what their local public or other private schools have offered them in the past. We also serve those who wish to homeschool, but don't have the time, ability, or means to do so.

Question 3

How are students grouped?

Accepted Answer

Highland , does not use traditional grade levels, instead focusing on individual student progress and skill mastery regardless of age or time spent in the program. We work in levels that are based on specific capabilities as opposed to traditional grade models.  Students progress through curriculum based on their own abilities and learning pace. Age is not the deciding factor of acumen, and we put that into practice. Our classes are multiage classrooms (5-6 grade, 7-8 grade, 9-12 grade). We learn with each other in a family style setting. When necessary, we might place students in small groups based on need for specific activities or lessons.

Question 4

What is the schedule like?

Accepted Answer

Highland operates on a hybrid blended model.
​
​We offer in-person schooling Monday-Thursday. Students spend the morning mastering lessons at their own pace and the other half of the day learning transferable life skills, competing in challenges, and pursuing their passions.

No school on Fridays! These are free days to be used as each family chooses to fit their schedule.  Free Fridays also allow us the opportunity to take monthly field trips! Our learning lounge remains open Monday-Friday.

SCHOOL HOURS:
Monday-Thursday 8:30pm-4:00pm

*Students who stay full day need to pack a lunch.

Early Drop Off: Begins at 7:45am
After Care Pickup: 5:00pm

Question 5

Do you offer virtual/online schooling?

Accepted Answer

Students who qualify for our Flex Program may opt  to work virtually from home or on the go on Mondays and Wednesdays - allowing families more flexibility in their schedules for Doctors appointments, hobbies, and family time.

We are also exploring other e-learning opportunities to meet our families where they are.

Question 6

Do you offer before/after care?

Accepted Answer

To accommodate families, the campus is open all week long (Mon.-Fri) with free before and after care for students who would prefer to complete their study under staff supervision in our free school cafe and co-working lounge with their friends.

Before and after care are provided at no additional cost thanks to our all-inclusive tuition model.

Before & After Care Times: 
Monday-Friday 
Drop off at 7:50am 
Pickup at 5pm

Question 7

What's a microschool?

Accepted Answer

Microschools are an alternative to traditional schools. Often described as a modern-day "one-room schoolhouse," they offer an intimate learning environment that feels more like a cozy café than a classroom.
Unlike traditional schools with hundreds of students, microschools cater to a small group of students. This allows for an immensely personalized experience where each child is given the attention and tools they need succeed. Imagine having your own private tutor! Each student receives the individual support they need to thrive, ensuring that no one falls behind or gets lost in the crowd. In fact, our students

Key benefits of microschools include:

Personalized attention: Every student receives individualized support.

Intimate learning environment: Small class sizes create a cozy and nurturing atmosphere in which students blossom. The research speaks for itself.

Flexible curriculum: Microschools can adapt to the unique needs and interests of each student.

Strong community: Microschools often foster a close-knit community among students and families.

Forget About Your Worries: Students who report feeling anxious in a traditional schooling typically flourish in the amicable tight-knit community of a microschool.

Question 8

This sounds great, but what does the research say about your methods?

Accepted Answer

In 1984, educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom described a holy grail that schools have been chasing ever since. According to Bloom, an educational model that uses mastery learning and one-to-one tutoring can substantially improve outcomes in education. Bloom’s paper is titled the “2-sigma problem” because it proposes an improvement in learning outcomes of up to two standard deviations.

A 2008 paper mentioned a study in which “repeated retrieval increased final recall by 4 standard deviations.”

A 2020 study found that 75.5% of students who used adaptive learning “scored above the mean of a control group.”

Adaptive personalized learning works at scale because it allows us to formatively assess often through observation and monitoring, adapt to the student’s needs immediately, and give actionable feedback. Additionally, we apply a mastery standard to all of our core skill coursework, with expert learning coaches always present to intervene with support, provide guiding feedback, and to offer tutoring as questions arise.

Question 9

Does my gifted child have access to school work or content above their level?

Accepted Answer

There is no ceiling for academic progression so students are able to progress at their own pace. Highland Prep champions unrestricted academic progression. Students aren’t confined by traditional grade levels; a 5th grader ready for 8th-grade math will engage with that level, ensuring a truly personalized learning journey and harnessing of potential.

Question 10

How do you balance a rigorous curriculum with social interaction?

Accepted Answer

While students spend 2-3 hours supercharging their education in the morning, the rest of their day is spent in engaging, hands-on life skills challenges with their peers & learning coaches. In fact, because they don’t have to spend 6 hours looking in the same direction at a chalkboard/whiteboard, Highland students get more socialization than the average school student, with the added balance of a flexible hybrid schedule! Involved in traveling sports? Music lessons? Our schedule is designed to make your life easier. This is school around your schedule.

Question 11

What are examples of life skill workshops at Highland?

Accepted Answer

Highland believes that students need enrichment and exposure to a variety of spheres, and we thus host workshops of several types to help build soft skills for the 21st century. We continue to design and host content that students love. Workshops include topics such as Mad Scientists (life skill: learning to learn), growth mindset, fitness challenge, Animation Studios (public speaking and storytelling), Brand Building, Consultants (be an expert), Personal Finance, among many others.

Question 12

What else do you offer?

Accepted Answer

While Highland students are proven to learn 2x as much 2x faster that students in a traditional school, the benefits don't stop there! Our students perform at a high level inside and outside of school as we focus on the whole child. We acknowledge that learning is dynamic and elastic, so we have designed learning that grows with you. Beyond the core academic subjects - math, science, English, and the humanities - all Highland students are provided regular exposure to and expert-led introductions to a variety of activities - including sports, music, and art.

Question 13

Does Highland offer transportation to and from school?

Accepted Answer

No. Highland does not offer any transportation to or from school. Though we do encourage carpooling and would be glad to connect you with other families so you can work out those details!

Question 14

Does Highland accept students with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. We want to be upfront that our primary focus is on students in grades 5-12 who require a personalized education. While we cater to students with varying learning abilities, we are not capable of supporting those with severe physical or learning challenges and would recommend one a local private school that specializes in those areas.

Question 15

Can a student graduate from Highland and go to college?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our students can go on to higher education successfully! Our students are well equipped for college academics and we work to ensure they meet all graduation requirements as well as requirements for TOPS eligibility.

Question 16

Will my student receive a report card and high school transcript?

Accepted Answer

Highland does provide progress reports and will receive an official High School Transcript upon completion of their departure to use to apply to universities across the United States.

Question 17

Does my student have to take the LEAP test at Highland?

Accepted Answer

No! Since we are a non-public private microschool, we do not have to participate in state LEAP testing. We do administer informal formative assessments throughout the year to monitor student growth, but those are low-states, laid back, and seen as a celebration of learning.

However, if your student is planning on attending college, they will need to take the SAT or ACT to prove they are ready for higher education. We will help parents register for testing.

Question 18

Who is responsible for the record keeping of the students enrolled at Highland?

Accepted Answer

At Highland Preparatory Academy, we take care of all the record keeping for you! We keep accurate records of attendance, courses, credits, and progress/mastery. Highland follows all compulsory requirements for private schools as required by the state of Louisiana.

Question 19

Does Highland have an attendance policy?

Accepted Answer

We strive to be as flexible as possible and encourage families to make choices that are best for them. For that reason, our school year is organized into six sessions, with a break in between each to allow families the flexibility to take vacations and students a chance to rest. Students also have the opportunity to opt into our Flex program, completing their studies virtually on Mondays and Wednesdays. No school on Fridays. While we don't have a strict attendance policy, we will communicate when absences become excessive. 
Excessive absences results in inconsistent learning and is detrimental to students. 
Excessive absences may also result in termination in enrollment at Highland.

Question 20

What if a hurricane disrupts school?

Accepted Answer

Highland is responsible for providing 180 days of instruction. Should we close due to a weather emergency, we will work with families to ensure that the learning is made up. As a hybrid school we have the ability to enact e-learning from the safety of your home if road conditions are unsafe. This will be determined on a case by case basis and communicated by our team.

Question 21

What is the parent's role while their students are enrolled at Highland?

Accepted Answer

Parents play an important role in the success of their students while enrolled at Highland. Parents know their children best and can provide valuable insight into how they learn best, and how we can meet their needs. We appreciate parent input and insight and will seek it out each session through student and parents surveys to tailor the experience around your unique family.

Question 22

What is expected of parents?

Accepted Answer

We expect parents to play an active role in their child's education. This means parents will regularly communicate with Highland about the educational and emotional needs of their child as needed.

Parents are responsible for timely drop off and pick up, timely communication when their student will be tardy or absent, and timely payment of tuition.