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, curious child seemed to struggle in ways other children didn’t. I remember my child’s frustration, and I remember the tears after another night of homework that ended in exhaustion. I also remember the loneliness that can come with feeling like no one else understands.
These experiences don’t leave you. They shape you. And they shape the way I lead our school.
At The Highlands School, we understand that learning differences are not just academic; they are emotional. They impact how a child sees themselves, how they navigate social situations, how parents see their role, and how families function. We understand that behind every report card and reading assessment, there’s a real child navigating a world that often wasn’t designed with their brain in mind. That’s why emotional insight is at the heart of what we do.
We don’t just teach differently, we connect differently. Our students learn strategies that empower them to become independent, confident learners. And just as importantly, parents find something here they may not have had in a long time: relief, hope, and clarity.
When families come to us, they often carry more than just test scores, they carry worry, self-doubt, and guilt. At The Highlands School, we help ease that emotional weight. Our teachers don’t just understand learning differences; they see the whole child, and they support the whole family. Parents often tell me that their homes feel more peaceful after coming to Highlands. That’s not a coincidence. When a child learns how to learn in a way that works for them, everything changes.
That’s why we say that The Highlands School is “Where Students and Families Are Forever Changed.” It’s not just a slogan. It’s a reflection of what we hear from parents every day. It’s the reality of watching a child who once dreaded school begin to look forward to learning. It’s watching a parent exhale after years of tension. It’s seeing joy return to dinner tables.
If you are navigating the complexities of learning differences, I want you to know that you are not alone. You deserve a community that understands, supports, and uplifts you.
With warmth and understanding,
Claudia Nachtigal