Highland Middle School

Posted: March 20, 2026

The walls are covered in school-sponsored political statements in every leftist opinion you could think of. While this in itself is no problem the school directly blocks any opinions they disagree with from the walls of their school when they ask the children to design posters. The school suffers from various budget cuts and removes educational classes (at least as educational as a class at Highland can be) but at the same time they hire four new mental health counselors, purchase three new flat screens for the cafeteria, spends more on vegetarian options for lunch, as well as clubs and sports that lose the school money. They speak of discrimination but have many female-only sports and clubs, including a new addition to for these children called; "Girl Group" where any student who has XX chromosomes can stop school work fifty minutes early to discuss women's rights and how they are marginalized by this institution that has taken a dark path. I myself went to this school and want the best for it.

Posted: March 20, 2026

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Posted: October 29, 2024

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Posted: October 29, 2024

I went to this school for 6th and 7th grade and I have to say that this is the worst school I’ve ever attended. It is full of violence and overall misbehaving kids who really have no interest in doing the work but to torment the teachers and play around with their friends.
I was someone though who actually cared about my grades and getting work done but it was almost impossible because of the classroom disruptions. I remember specifically in 7th grade my teacher decided to just give up on getting the other students accept like 4-5 to stop being loud and playing around and taught those who wanted to learn. 7th grade was the worst year of my life. I switched classes because I got made fun of when I came in with a bad haircut, but the class they switched me too I got bullied in. I was a quiet kid who minded her business and these kids tormented me. All I wanted was to learn. 6th grade wasn’t as bad but for both 6th and 7th grade science class the teachers couldn’t teach because of the behavior. Constantly support would be called into the room to yell at the class and take people out. The teachers at this school are pretty sucky and are mean or bi polar there are very few nice ones like the band teacher who is nice.

Posted: November 14, 2023

This school is bad if I had a choice to go I wouldn't. The teachers are mean If you have a choice DON'T GO.

Posted: November 14, 2023

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Posted: November 29, 2021

My daughter is in the 8th grade at Highland and she has loved attending here. The experience she has had in advanced placement classes has brought out so much in her self-confidence. She has ADHD and does not always learn how some topics are taught so several of her teachers allow a “study buddy” type learning with her and another student. They are positive reinforcement for one another and I like that teachers encourage them to help one another. (And she has nearly straight A’s)!

Highland has an incredible support staff in their school counselors. From academic to social to emotional and even home support I cannot say enough positive remarks about them. They go above and beyond for their students (as well as many of the teachers) and I feel this gains a great deal of respect from the student body.

As a parent I take part in the PTSA and have been leading the school garden committee where we have started to grow vegetables and fruits for our families and then also help maintain our native/ perennial beds so teachers gave the opportunity to bring the classroom outside.

I also know the principal makes himself very available to the families and his encouraging demeanor is contagious. We have been so lucky to be under his guidance since Spring semester of 2018.

Overall Highland Middle had been making huge strides in equity and fairness. The only reason I’m not giving the school 5 stars is because I know the school is making major changes that will be positive for the long haul.

Posted: November 29, 2021

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Posted: June 7, 2019

Wasted 6 months of potential learning. My son had to attend this School when we moved here from GA. in the middle of the school year. It’s sad to see how far behind this School is on what the kids are learning. So happy to be moving on

Posted: June 7, 2019

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Posted: December 12, 2017

Terrible school.. Teachers have zero interest in helping disadvantaged children succeed. The Unstoppables team is incapable of dealing with ADHD kids. My child averages 1-2 subs a day.. Teachers do not care about children.

Posted: December 12, 2017

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Posted: September 23, 2016

I regret encouraging my child to attend Highland. This used to be a good school but now has a tremendous disipline problem. My once happy and outgoing child who always loved school is now miserable, depressed and has extreme anxiety issues. She doesn't even feel safe at school because of the kids she has to deal with daily. In the two years that my child has been at Highland, I've only ran across one or two teachers that seem to care about their students.

Posted: March 31, 2016

Posted: March 31, 2016

Highland middle School does NOT assign any homework. At all. I have only had like 10 homework assignments the entire 2.5 years i was there.

Posted: March 31, 2016

Posted: March 31, 2016

Im currently homeschooled, but I went to Highland for 2.5 years and I could not be happier to get out. Here are the pros and the cons of this school.

Pros:
-the chorus teacher is the BEST chorus teacher ever. She's sweet, funny, amazing, and does an amazing job at teaching the students. Im still taking lessons with her privately!
-There are two world languages you can take: Spanish and French.
-You can take 2D art or 3D art
-Lots of after school activities
-The counselors are super nice

Cons:
-Most of the teachers cannot teach whatsoever.
-Too many problematic kids
-Bomb threats are almost monthly
-The principle sucks at his job
-The core content teachers suck at actually making you feel smart
-I barely paid any attention in most of my classes and I got A's and B's
-The French teacher sucks at her job. I once wrote down the lyrics to "never gonna give you up" by rick astley on apaper and I got an A.
-It's not super easy to make friends
-LOTS OF FIGHTS OH MY GOSH
-There are three types of teachers. The super strict teachers that actually like their students and want them to succeed (Ms. Torres is a Spanish teacher there and she is a prime example of that kind of teacher) The teacher that just gives lectures and doesn't even care if the students aren't listening, and the teacher who is super fun but doesn't teach much due to them cracking so many jokes.
-Don't go here.

Posted: August 13, 2015

My advanced placement child regrets choosing this school. She is sometimes put into classes with kids who do not care to learn. When asked for a transfer, the answer was no. If you look at these reviews the best reviews were years ago. Looks like this school is not longer what it used to be.

Posted: August 13, 2015

In advanced classes the teacher appear to be effective but not in the other classes.

Posted: August 13, 2015

My student spends plenty of time working on her studies. But we will see if she is prepared for high school.

Posted: August 13, 2015

From what my students says some students can not be controlled. My student regrets her decision to go to this school because there are many loud and uncontrolled students

Posted: February 2, 2015

Lockdowns, gun searches and drug dogs are what your child learns here. 6th grade was enough for us and we go into another magnet program. That "highland" attitude has been passed on to the kids of this school where there is no learning to be had. It's pure survival. I know that all of the incidents are not even reported. Children who misbehave are not reprimanded when their parents threaten the school. There have been kids with knives with no punishment. One mom who is a social worker gets her child out of trouble and keeps his low performing academics in the AP program by threatening the school and they back down. I didn't want this child in class with mine that was there to learn! This was once a good program and now just out of control. We are out and not returning. Your child can not be prepared for high school. The AP program is extremely low level. The AP here would be remedial at most middle schools.

Posted: August 25, 2014

2 weeks into 6th grade my child is disappointed and i am not very impressed about Highland MIddle and the way they do things. My child was given a bully packet and i wasn't even notified but my child was hurt by it and told me what happened otherwise i wouldn't have known. Kids are not allowed to carry their backpacks throughout the day so they leave them in a classroom, last week someone stole her backpack which had her inhaler. She told teacher and teacher said it is not her responsibility, how is that? If nobody is in classroom why isn't it locked and if classroom is used for others why are kids forced to leave their belongings. I called school same day to discuss the bully situation and stolen backpack/inhaler and was told i would get a call from someone first thing Monday, guess what no call. School is old and air conditioning is not the best, it is very damp and stuffy in there and my daughter has been sneezing and coughing every day. My husband was told that they are aware of kids having breathing problems, staff as well and that there is mold but they do their best and would call 911 if needed since there is no nurse on staff.

Posted: July 14, 2013

My daughter has completed her first year at Highland Middle school on the Pacesetters team. This year was a much easier transition (from elementary school) than I anticipated. As in any school, the experience is what you make of it. I love the looping system. I believe it gives the teachers and students, plenty of times to "know" each other; the expectations of the students and the needs of the students. The school is large and has many students. I don't mind that aspect, because that can be benefitical for adapting to college life. My daughter lucked out with a wonderful team leader and dedicated teachers. Trips were great ( not too many). The reward (created by her teachers) system for good grades, was a great motivator for her. Her band concerts were enjoyable. She made a couple of "quality" friends. We hope that next year will be just as good and maybe better!

Posted: March 31, 2013

I have recently transfered to this school and I'm really enjoying it. The only problem is you have 4 related arts and this makes things cramped in your locker and need a lot more supplies.

Posted: October 28, 2012

My daughter is having an awasome experience. The Challenger team is top of the chart. She has a 4.0 GPA and is loveing school. Mr Schfer is her insperation. Thanks team Challenger. Tracey B LaFever 10/29/12

Posted: October 21, 2011

Highland is like most public schools: too many kids, sincere and sometimes still passionate but overwhelmed teachers and a well meaning administrative staff that is doing the best they can with what they have. Turnover is high and my child has subs too often. As a result, the environment is often chaotic and not academically challenging. If you don't stay on top of everything 24-7, your child will surely get lost in the shuffle. There's hardly ever homework or projects that promote critical thinking. Heavy emphasis on getting through the curriculum and testing at the sake of ensuring kids learn (but these days, I'm not sure if you can escape that no matter what public school). Heckman is a pretty good principal, there's an active PTA and hopefully with the IB program academics will get stronger. Looping system has been an asset.

Posted: January 10, 2011

Highland is truly a great school! My daughter is a 7th grader there. We really like the looping system where students are put into teams & stay with the same set of teachers for all three years. The teachers really get to know the students. The academics are rigorous and challenging. The 3-D art classes are wonderful! The PTA is very active. There are a lot of after school activties. The school has a nicely structured environment which supports each youth expressing themselves and appreciating diversity. If you're looking for a great school, check Highland out!!