The Highlands School (2026-27 Profile)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 69 students
Yearly Tuition: $29,500
Acceptance rate: 70%
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Facts

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

AIMSMDDC (Assoc. of independent Maryland and DC Schools)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	The Highlands School
1	1
2	4
3	5
4	3
5	11
6	13
7	10
8	12
12	10

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences

Year Founded

1996

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Campus Size

18 acres

Student Body

Total Students

69 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

15%

State avg.: 39%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

26 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

3:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

60%

Average Class Size

12 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Uniform

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$29,500

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Please contact school.

Summer Program Cost

$2,880

% on Financial Aid

80%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$4,000

Acceptance Rate

70%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Claudia Nachtigal

Admissions Associate

Michelle Miller

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

4 sports

Sports

BasketballCross Country

DanceSoccer

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

6 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Pep SquadRunning Club

Service Club

Arts and Music Programs:

ChorusDrama Club

Robotics

School Notes

The Highlands School is a private, 501(c)(3) institution with accreditation from the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS).
Our school is dedicated to educating K-8 students with learning differences and achievement gaps.
With the knowledge that one in five students faces learning challenges and one in ten deals with dyslexia, we strive to bridge these gaps.
In Harford County alone, nearly 8,000 students could benefit from The Highlands School's unique support.
Our team of highly trained educators employs specialized teaching methods and a shared commitment, resulting in successfully reintegrating over 1,800 students into public and private schools.
We achieve this through a 2:1 student-teacher ratio, personalized educational plans, and research-backed accommodations.

Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in The Highlands School. Highlands is a private, independent, AIMS-accredited2 program designed for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and language-based learning differences. We have been changing lives since the school first opened its doors in 1996. In 2007, we moved to our current state-of-the-art facility which is located on a beautiful 18-acre campus in Bel Air, Maryland that was once home to the Preakness-winning racehorse Deputed Testamony.
I invite you to spend some time exploring our website. I am confident that you will find Highlands to be a vibrant school community. During the school year, we have a full academic program that provides our lower and middle school students with a complete classroom experience as well as small-group instruction. We are very excited to have added an Upper School and we look forward to the first Highlands graduating class in 2018!
In addition to classroom and small group instruction, options for on-site tutoring is available. There are many opportunities for experiential learning including our Hands-On-Highlands Program which is a groundbreaking K-12th-grade curriculum that engages students in a multi-disciplinary technical education. During the summer Highlands continues to bustle with activities like our Mind Jump Summer Program, non-academic camps, and HSPT prep. Outside of the classroom students have the opportunity to become involved in activities such as our Musical, Chorus, Robotics, Agriculture, 4-H, Woodworking, Basketball, Cheer, and much more!
At Highlands, we challenge our students to utilize research-based teaching methods that work. Students receive individualized instruction and are taught using multiple modalities in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. Our goal is to unlock our students` potential; thus, giving them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams and passions. In the school`s 20+ year history, our dedicated and talented faculty members have helped over 1,600 students by empowering them with the tools they needed for personal and academic success.
There is no better way to understand the "Highlands Way" than to experience it. Come join us for a visit to see what The Highlands School is all about!
Claudia Nachtigal, MATS, CAEL
Head of School

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Highlands School cost?

The Highlands School's tuition is approximately $29,500 for private students and $2,880 for summer students.

What schools are The Highlands School often compared to?

The Highlands School is often viewed alongside schools like High Road School Of Harford County by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of The Highlands School?

The acceptance rate of The Highlands School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 80%.

Does The Highlands School offer a summer program?

Yes, The Highlands School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does The Highlands School offer?

The Highlands School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance and Soccer.

When is the application deadline for The Highlands School?

The application deadline for The Highlands School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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