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Two students smiling in front of the Highlands School sign at the Catherine S. Styslinger Learning Center — Highlands School students on the school’s 12-acre campus. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

If you’re a Birmingham parent exploring school options, you’ve likely heard of Highlands School. Tucked away on a charming 12-acre campus between Mountain Brook, Birmingham and Irondale, Highlands School is a private, independent school that challenges students academically while giving them room to explore their creativity, gain confidence and be themselves.

So, what does a Highlands education actually look like? We took a closer look at the people, programs and philosophy behind the school to learn more.

What makes the Highlands School experience unique?

Group of nine middle school students smiling together on a school lawn — The close-knit Highlands community gives students plenty of opportunities to learn and grow together. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Highlands School: 205.956.9731 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 4901 Old Leeds Rd, Birmingham, AL 35213
Visit the admissions page for tuition and application deadlines

1. Learning is active, not passive

Students at desks raise hands during a lesson as a teacher presents at a projector screen — Students participating in an interactive classroom lesson at Highlands School. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

At Highlands School, you won’t find students sitting passively, waiting for instruction. As an independent school, Highlands believes students learn best when they are active participants—that means asking questions, exploring ideas, solving problems and collaborating with peers.

Check out the Highlands School website to see how course curriculum prepares students for lifelong success.

2. Highlands School’s 12-acre campus gives students room to grow

Illustrated aerial map of Highlands School campus, showing buildings arranged around a central green lawn with pathways and surrounding trees — A student-made map of the Highlands School campus. (Highlands School)

Located just six miles from downtown Birmingham at 4901 Old Leeds Rd, Highlands School’s 12-acre campus is a beautiful, wooded oasis for learning and growth. With seven buildings, four playgrounds, outdoor gardens, an auditorium, NFHS regulated high school basketball court, a soccer field and a walking trail, the campus encourages students to move, collaborate and learn in different environments – not just behind a desk.

3. Students develop leadership skills early

A young man reads the picture book "Where is Bear?" aloud to two young children on a playground lawn — Older Highlands School students have opportunities to mentor and connect with younger classmates. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

At Highlands, leadership skills are fostered from an early age with public speaking exercises and opportunities to collaborate with classmates. As they grow, those opportunities become more intentional, including:

Mentoring younger students
Participation in student leadership
Presenting in community meetings
A year-long Capstone project for eighth graders

The goal isn’t to give each student a title—it’s to give them the confidence to trust themselves, communicate clearly and lead with character.

Visit the website to see how Highlands School fosters leadership development from infancy to eighth grade.

4. A global perspective starts with three world languages

Teacher helps a young student with a worksheet featuring Japanese characters as the girl watches closely — Students explore multiple languages and cultures as part of Highlands School’s world education experience. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

To give students a broader perspective on languages and cultures around the world, Highlands School offers opportunities to explore not just one world language, but three: Mandarin, Spanish and French. In fact, each student experiences all three languages through third grade before choosing one for further study in fourth grade to eighth grade.

That early exposure builds confidence, cultural awareness and a strong foundation in language learning. In fact, Highlands School students typically place at least one year ahead in their chosen language when they enter high school.

5. Students learn by doing—not just memorizing

Two students at a table drawing with markers on paper, colored pencils nearby — Students put their creativity to work through hands-on learning. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Knowing the answer to a question is one thing; knowing how to find the answer to any question is another.

At Highlands, students aren’t taught to memorize dates and formulas—they’re given the chance to put their knowledge into action through project work, presentations, athletics, the arts, community service and leadership opportunities. Along the way, they can figure out what excites them, what challenges them and where their interests might take them.

Check out the Highlands School website to learn more about its Project-Based Learning approach and see examples of student-led projects in action.

6. Academic excellence doesn’t mean sacrificing childhood

Young girls swing on a playground while teenage staff wearing lanyards supervise, with adults watching nearby — Highlands School gives students plenty of opportunities to learn and enjoy being kids. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

While high academic expectations are an important part of the Highlands experience, students shouldn’t have to sacrifice childhood curiosity and creativity in the process. Thanks to Highlands School’s small class sizes and low student – teacher ratio, students are challenged academically while receiving close individual attention in a close-knit school community.

That foundation continues well after eighth grade, with Highlands graduates going on to schools throughout Birmingham, including Indian Springs and Altamont. Alumni have also gone on to colleges and universities including Harvard, Yale and MIT.

7. Highlands prepares students for an ever-changing world

Students raise their hands in a Spanish classroom decorated with posters and vocabulary charts — Highlands students take an active role in their education. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Since it’s impossible to predict what the world will look like when today’s schoolchildren enter adulthood, Highlands School’s “Life Long Learner” philosophy focuses on pushing kids academically while keeping them curious and kind along the way. Technology, careers and industries will continue to evolve; meanwhile, Highlands students develop the confidence, curiosity, character and skills to face those challenges, no matter how they arise.

Ready to see what Highlands School feels like?

A student writes with a pencil at a desk while a classmate leans in beside her in a classroom — Independent work gives students opportunities to build confidence while taking ownership of their learning. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The best way to experience Highlands School isn’t through a screen – it’s by touring the campus, stepping into a classroom, seeing students learning in action and meeting the people who make this community what it is.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore school options or already considering Highlands School, they would love to welcome your family to campus through several upcoming opportunities:

Storytime at Highlands — Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9–10:30AM | Pre-K & Kindergarten
Middle School Open House — Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 8:15–9:15AM
All Grades Open House — Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 8:15–9:15AM

Interested in seeing Highlands School for yourself? Visit the website to learn about upcoming events or follow @highlandsschoolbham on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn for updates.

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