High Meadow School
High Meadow School
High Meadow School, ensconced in Stone Ridge, New York, operates as a forward-thinking independent institution that nurtures inventive and intellectual exploration, active community participation, and individual maturation by means of a pertinent and exacting curriculum. The institution's commitment lies in establishing an all-encompassing and diverse ambiance that respects the distinctive approach each student takes towards knowledge formation while encouraging them to venture into academic and artistic enterprises with boldness. High Meadow School's ethos revolves around the delight of learning and the strength of unity, as educators, pupils, and parents interconnect through communal involvement and school-wide cultural festivities.
Founded in 1984 by Mimi Labourdette, in conjunction with like-minded families who shared her affinity for the progressive educational philosophy of John Dewey, High Meadow School draws inspiration from the region's scenic allure, a motif that echoes throughout its appellation and curriculum. The inaugural campus was situated at Brook Farm, situated at the foot of Mohonk Mountain. The High Meadow School’s narrative continued in 1992 when it transitioned to its present site in Stone Ridge, New York, broadening its horizons to encompass three educational edifices, a center for performing arts and athletics, a music facility, a yurt, and a gazebo.
Programs in High Meadow School
The High Meadow School's educational philosophy is deeply rooted in the progressive education movement of the late 19th century. This movement champions the holistic development of each child, encompassing their physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions. Serving as a dynamic laboratory for collaborative and inquiry-based learning, High Meadow School places a strong emphasis on nurturing relationships and community engagement. This pedagogical approach actively cultivates skills vital for participation within a democratic society, including effective listening, self-expression, problem-solving, and a sense of communal responsibility.
Within the school's various divisions, this educational philosophy translates into tailored practices.
First off, even the youngest members of the High Meadow School community are seamlessly integrated. Educators employ observation and meticulous documentation to identify personalized strategies for facilitating children's growth and fostering relationships. This nurturing environment promotes a balance between open-ended play and project-based learning, creating a warm and familial setting for early learners.
As students transition to the Lower School, the educational approach evolves from a focus on natural learning processes to a structured, inquiry-driven methodology. Here, reading, writing, and mathematics serve as tools that empower students to explore the world around them, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance.
In the Middle School at High Meadow School, a harmonious fusion of nurturing and academics is maintained. With the support of small advisories and closely-knit teaching teams, students are known and understood individually. The Middle School at High Meadow School encourages student interests and promotes independent activities, valuing the diverse perspectives that enrich the community.
In the Upper School, High Meadow School continues its commitment to fostering a democratic community on a larger scale. Drawing inspiration from the Hudson Valley's rich history and culture, students engage with the past as it continues to influence the present. High Meadow School empowers students to envision themselves as active participants in shaping history's ongoing narrative, instilling a sense of agency and purpose. Beyond the academic realm, High Meadow School also extends its offerings to afterschool programs. These programs, which are open to all children, regardless of whether they attend the school, further amplify the sense of community and engagement that defines the High Meadow School experience.
The Spring 2023 term at High Meadow School spans from April (following Spring Break) to June. All Afterschool classes encompass a provided snack for participants. For families affiliated with HMS, a play-based Aftercare program for students from Nursery to 8th Grade is accessible from 3-5PM. High Meadow Summer Camp welcomes individuals of all backgrounds. Please be aware that all campers must adhere to state immunization regulations. Additionally, it's important to note that campers must also be fully potty trained.
In the upcoming summer, High Meadow School has organized five one-week sessions from July 10 to August 11. These include recreational camps tailored for ages 3 through rising 2nd graders, priced at $450 USD per week, as well as themed camps designed for rising 3rd-8th graders, costing $500 USD per week. The camp day will be in session from 8:45 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Optional aftercare services will be available until 4:15 pm. Throughout each session, students will be grouped according to age, with at least one lead counselor accompanied by either an assistant counselor or a Counselor-in-Training (CIT). Furthermore, the camp will have a registered nurse on site during every session to address any medical requirements campers might have. High Meadow Community Connections (HMCC) extends classes and workshops to new and expecting parents and caregivers, along with their children aged 0–3 years. The cost for these classes is $150 USD for eight sessions, and a reduced fee option is also available.
Tuition Fees in High Meadow School
High Meadow School welcomes young learners in its Nursery 3s and Pre-Kindergarten programs, with specific age requirements to ensure a suitable learning environment. Nursery 3s students are expected to have turned 3 years old by December 1. The tuition structure for the 2023-24 academic year offers flexibility to families, with rates of $12,500 USD for a five-day per week attendance (M-F), $7,500 USD for a three-day schedule (T, Th, F), and $5,000 USD for two days per week (M, W). Pre-Kindergarten students, who should be 4 years old by December 1, can enroll for a tuition fee of $15,165 USD.
The school extends its quality education through the Early Childhood and Lower School programs, encompassing Kindergarten to 4th grade. For the 2023-24 academic year, the tuition rate for these grade levels is set at $18,750 USD.
High Meadow School's Upper School program, catering to 5th through 8th grade, focuses on providing students with essential skills and knowledge as they approach the higher grades. The tuition rate for the Upper School in the 2023-24 academic year is established at $18,850 USD.
In addition to tuition, families should be aware of annual fees associated with enrollment. These include a facilities fee of $475 USD and a FACTS service fee of $50 USD. High Meadow School values families enrolling multiple siblings and offers a sibling discount of $1,000 USD for each additional full-time enrollment, supporting families seeking quality education for multiple children.
Accommodation
While the heart of High Meadow School doesn't extend to housing its students within its walls, it recognizes the significance of weaving unforgettable living experiences into the educational fabric of its attendees. For those traversing the globe in pursuit of knowledge, the school doesn't just offer a syllabus; it opens doors to an array of off-campus housing options, allowing students to craft their own narrative of comfort and immersion.
As the echoes of academia resonate, Stone Ridge and its surroundings beckon with an array of apartments and rentals. Like keys to unlock personal havens, these accommodations come in diverse sizes, suiting individual preferences and collective aspirations. The canvas of choices spans from snug one-bedroom apartments to shared living spaces that foster camaraderie. Monthly rental rentals commence at approximately $1,000 USD for a solo residence.
For those seeking a unique chapter in their academic saga, shared housing and homestays are chapters written in collaboration with local families. A home away from home, these options bring students into the heart of American life. With shared meals, life's daily cadence flows seamlessly. A monetary scorecard of around $800 to $1,200 USD a month envelops these embracing abodes.
Future Prospects in High Meadow School
As High Meadow School’s journey reaches its pinnacle with graduation; a new odyssey unfurls—one that leads to a world of limitless prospects. The education acquired within these walls is a springboard to a future that extends far beyond, instilling a sense of empowerment and readiness for the boundless opportunities that await.
The transition from High Meadow School to the expansive landscape of post-secondary education ushers in an array of avenues. As graduates embark on this next chapter, they find themselves at the threshold of remarkable post-graduation work permits, including the coveted Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. These permits are the keys that unlock hands-on experiences and professional growth.
Upon joining universities and colleges, graduates have the privilege to immerse themselves in real-world scenarios through internships, co-op placements, and practical training that harmonizes seamlessly with their academic pursuits. These immersive endeavors nurture not just domain-specific competencies, but also the resilience and versatility that are essential to excel in a dynamic global landscape.
The pursuit of permanence becomes a natural aspiration for those who wish to carve their legacy in the United States. As High Meadow School’s graduates traverse the academic realm, they may encounter pathways to attain permanent resident status, offering them the opportunity to weave their aspirations into the very fabric of the American narrative. This journey is marked by legal processes and criteria, representing a conduit through which individuals can forge a life intertwined with the nation’s heritage, values, and future.
Beyond the technical intricacies of work permits and residency, the United States presents an expansive canvas for young graduates to paint their stories of exploration and growth with citizenship. With its vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and an abundance of cultural encounters, the nation is a treasure trove of moments waiting to be seized. Graduates who choose to remain can delve into educational pursuits, professional ascension, and personal enrichment—all while embracing the kaleidoscope of opportunities the United States proffers.
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