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: 348 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,950
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
- Open House - Thu., September 03, 2026 - get more information!
- 草榴社区 School Fair - Thu., October 01, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Sat., October 03, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Tue., October 13, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., November 05, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., December 03, 2026 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., January 14, 2027 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., February 04, 2027 - get more information!
- Open House - Sat., February 06, 2027 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., March 04, 2027 - get more information!
- Open House - Thu., April 01, 2027 - get more information!
- ...read more
Top Rankings
Highlands School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1958
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
Campus Size
12 acres
Student Body
Total Students
348 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
45%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.:
% 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
$20,950
Tuition Notes
Family Center 6 Weeks - 3K: $1480/month
4K: $17,800/year
K-8th Grade: $20,950/year
% on Financial Aid
23%
Acceptance Rate
72%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Tanya Hyatt
Admissions Associate
Alora King
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
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 $20,950 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 ).
School Reviews
5 6/22/2026
I cannot say enough about Highlands (in full disclosure, I check both the parent box and then board member box!). My twins started in kindergarten, and as they now head into their senior years, I believe Highlands has instilled in them not only the skills they needed to navigate high school and prepare for college, but abilities that will long serve them in life. These include leadership skills, public speaking skills, and perhaps most importantly, a comfort in their own skin that I manifest whenever they interact with their peers and with other adults. With its experienced faculty and administration, lovely suburban campus, and healthy (in a good way!) student/teacher ratio, Highlands is a great place for any family in Central Alabama interested in the independent school experience for their primary years.
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