Thirty years ago, four women with a shared passion – and just twelve dollars in hand – set out to change lives. Motivated by the struggles of their own children and the needs of the community, they began meeting to create a school for students who learned differently – students who were bright, capable, and full of potential but who needed a different way to learn. In 1993, they formally incorporated The Highlands School, and by 1996, the school achieved its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. For more than a decade, Highlands called the quiet community of Street, Maryland, home. In those early years, the school grew to serve 40 students – a testament to the extraordinary need for a place where children with learning differences could thrive.
By 2007, that need had outgrown the walls of their rural setting. The dream of a larger, purpose-built facility became a necessity. That September, The Highlands School moved to its current home at 2409 Creswell Road in Bel Air, Maryland – a beautiful 40,000-square-foot facility on 18.5 acres of historic farmland once dedicated to horse breeding and racing. The new campus enabled the school to expand its year-round capacity to 125 students while aligning the environment with our students’ needs and our instructional pedagogy. But the timing was challenging. The move coincided with the onset of the Great Recession, and many of the pledges that were made to support the building campaign could not be fulfilled. The school was left with a $4.5 million loan. Now, as we celebrate three decades of transforming lives, we enter a defining moment in our history. To honor our legacy and empower our future, it is time to retire the debt once and for all. By eliminating the debt, we will free significant resources to expand tuition assistance, strengthen academic programming, and ensure that Highlands can continue its mission for generations to come.
We are entering this new chapter from a place of strength. Enrollment has increased 26%, and we have ended each of the past several fiscal years in a healthier position than the last. This growth – in students, programs, and financial stewardship – has prepared us for what comes next. Today, we stand at the threshold of an extraordinary opportunity: to secure our future, to strengthen our mission, and to continue transforming the lives of children who learn differently.
Will you join us?
1996
The school began with an enrollment of 6 students in Street, Maryland, in the former Highland Elementary School building.
2000
The school was at capacity with 40 students in grades 2-8.
2002
The school began a capital campaign, “Building on the Dream,” to finance the construction of the new school.
2007
The Creswell building was opened with a capacity of 125 students.
2026
THS kicks off Debt-Free. Future-Secured. Capital Campaign to retire the mortgage.
Facts and Figures
Faculty & Staff Members
Average Large Group Class Size
Average Small Group Class Size
Average Number of Students in Tutoring Program
%
High School Graduation Rate
%
Student Participation in Extracurricular Clubs
Average Number of Students in Summer Camp
%
Families Receive Tuition Assistance
Alumni
Average Students Tested Each Year
Ways to Give
As we step forward in faith to enrich our future, we ask you to consider making an initial 10% payment toward your pledge, which will help us begin paying down the debt right away. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to making this vision a reality.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Our capital campaign pledge period spans three years, allowing you to give in a way that best fits your budget and financial situation. One-time donations are also welcome. There are many ways to give:
Cash or Check
Cash or check contributions are accepted. We can easily set up automatic withdrawals,* ensuring you will never forget your pledge.
Credit Card
We accept one-time or recurring payments by credit card.*
Securities
Stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares that have appreciated can have an immediate impact on our campaign and may create an income-tax deduction for you based on their current value.*
Life Insurance
You may donate to the campaign by making The Highlands School the beneficiary of your insurance policy.
Planned Gifts
Planned gifts can be made via bequests by will or living trust or beneficiary benefits from IRAs, pensions, or financial accounts.
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer matching gift programs for employees that will allow you to maximize your giving potential. For information and required forms, check with your company’s human resources department.
*Our business office will help you set up these payments or gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate?
Can I pledge over time? Our campaign offers a wide range of gift opportunities and levels. You may choose a plan that provides you with both flexibility and time to complete the payment of your pledge. Due to the time sensitivity of our needs, we encourage you to complete your pledge within three years.
Who will be asked to support the campaign?
We are asking parents, alums, area businesses, and foundations to consider giving to the campaign.
Is my pledge legally binding? Will it be confidential?
A pledge is a gift, one you consider to be meaningful to you, but is not legally binding. All we ask is that you do your best and advise us of any financial changes that will impact your pledge. We will keep pledges as confidential as possible. Only the business office, responsible for maintaining the records, will have access to your pledge.
To what extent are campaign donations tax-deductible?
Gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The application of such laws varies with individual circumstances. Donors with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorneys or tax advisors.