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Highlands School

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Highlands School Photo #1 - Visit www.60moreyears.highlandsschool.org for a glimpse into the NEXT 60 years of progressive, student-centered learning!
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Highlands School Photo #1 - Visit www.60moreyears.highlandsschool.org for a glimpse into the NEXT 60 years of progressive, student-centered learning!
Highlands School is an independent school distinguished by our diverse community and a commitment to academic excellence, creative expression, and leadership. Our educational approach creates a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to take risks in pursuit of greater understanding. Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Southern Association of Independent Schools Memberships: Southern Association of Independent Schools, Alabama Association of Independent Schools.  Serving infants through 8th grade.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked AL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 320 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,975
  • Acceptance rate: 72%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Highlands School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 21, 2026
Campus Size
12 acres

Student Body

Total Students
320 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Highlands School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 30 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Family Center 6 Weeks - 3K: $1400/month 4K: $16,980/year K-8th Grade: $19,975/year
% on Financial Aid
23%
Acceptance Rate
72%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Kellye Allen
Admissions Associate
Alora King
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess ClubDebate Team
Junior Rho KappaJunior United Nations Assembly
National Junior Honor SocietyRobotics Team
Student Council (Middle School)


Arts and Music Programs:
ChoirGuitar Lessons
Voice Lessons


Recreational Athletic Programs:
BasketballCheerleading
Cross CountryKarate
SoccerVolleyball

School Notes

  • School Motto: 'A Higher Degree of Learning'
  • School Mascot: Blue Devils
  • Highlands School is Birmingham'sprogressive independent school with a commitment to preparing and motivating students to thrive and make positive differences in a constantly-changing, global world.
  • 6 weeks - 8th grade
  • Project based learning, Math in Focus, Differentiated Instruction, STEM/STEAM, Global Education
  • Middle School Advisory and Capstone programs
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Highlands School cost?
Highlands School's tuition is approximately $19,975 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Highlands School?
The acceptance rate of Highlands School is 72%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. Highlands School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Alabama with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Highlands School offer?
Highlands School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Martial Arts, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Highlands School's ranking?
Highlands School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Highlands School?
The application deadline for Highlands School is Jan. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked AL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 320 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $19,975
  • Acceptance rate: 72%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Birmingham, AL is $9,282 for elementary schools and $13,245 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Birmingham, AL is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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