Head of School Blog
Insight from the Head of School
Claudia Nachtigal, MATS, CAEL, is the Head of School for The Highlands. As a parent of two children with learning differences, she is passionate about our mission of educating students with learning disabilities and achievement gaps.
Her many years of experience in teaching, counseling, mediation, business, and law make her a dynamic leader for our team.
The following blog articles offer insight into the teaching methods employed by The Highlands as well as techniques to utilize in daily life to help students to learn.
Every Child Deserves Safety
Every Child Deserves Safety—No Matter Where They Go to School By Claudia T. Nachtigal, MATS, Head of School, The Highlands School On August 27, 2025, the unthinkable happened at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. During a morning Mass, a gunman opened fire...
“Will They Be Okay?”
"Will They Be Okay?" — The Unspoken Weight Parents Carry If you've ever sat across from a parent of a neurodivergent child, you've probably heard a version of the same quiet question: "Will they be okay?" It's not just about grades or behavior or fitting in. It’s...
Don’t Wait and See: Why Early Action Changes Everything
From the moment a child is born, their brain begins building the neural circuits that shape how they learn, behave, and grow. These connections—most adaptable in the first three years of life—are the foundation for future success. By age eight, the brain becomes less...
Understanding the Emotional Side of Learning Differences
As both an educator and a mother, I have walked the personal and emotional path of supporting a child with learning differences. Long before I joined The Highlands School, I was simply a parent sitting across from a teacher’s desk, trying to understand why my bright,...
Challenging Biases: Understanding Learning Differences
Every year, as students apply to The Highlands School, we read through countless recommendation forms filled out by well-meaning teachers. While many of these recommendations are supportive and kind, some are unintentionally peppered with comments that reveal deeply...
Transforming Confidence, Independence, and Family Harmony: The Highlands School Difference
Raising a child with learning differences can be both rewarding and challenging. As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children succeed, feel confident, and navigate the world with independence. But when traditional schools don’t meet their needs, it can...
Investing in Our Future: Announcing New Tuition Rates for Grades K-2 at The Highlands School
As the Head of The Highlands School, I am excited to share an important development that underscores our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education for all students. After careful consideration and in response to the evolving needs of our families, we...
A Grateful Reflection on Receiving the 2024 Andy Klein Legacy Award
I am filled with immense gratitude and pride as I reflect on our school’s recent recognition: the 2024 Andy Klein Legacy Award. This prestigious honor, presented by the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, celebrates organizations that make a meaningful difference in...
Unlocking Creativity and Critical Thinking Through Arts Education
As the Head of The Highlands School and a musician, I am committed to arts education. Its power to transform the lives of students, particularly those with learning differences, is undeniable. The arts offer an avenue for self-expression, creativity, and...
Strategies for Managing Student Anxiety
As Head of The Highlands School, I want to address a growing concern that many of us are witnessing in our classrooms and homes: student anxiety. In today’s fast-paced world, our students are navigating academic pressures, social dynamics, and the uncertainties of...