Lily put into action what she learned at High Meadows and took one of the biggest risks of her life at just 16 years old. Equipped with confidence, passion, and a love for storytelling, she contacted the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Maureen Downey and asked to author a guest column. Her advocacy paid off, and she published a piece on banned books entitled Censoring our reading lists does not protect us. It stunts us.

Lily is in three honor societies at a local public high school and was named a 2024 AP Scholar with Distinction, but how did she wind up at High Meadows School for third through eighth grade? It all started with her family seeking a better educational experience for her and an unforgettable shadow day that Lily called “the best day of school ever.” Her parents chose High Meadows because their values aligned with progressive education. At HMS, Lily was encouraged to inquire, have an active voice in her learning, take risks, and apply knowledge in real-world applications, both in the classroom and throughout the school’s woods, forests, and beautiful rolling meadows.

High Meadows allowed Lily to discover more about herself and the world around her in a way that made her happy and celebrated her childhood curiosity. Through joyful experiences, meaningful relationships, a connection to nature, and deep thinking, students gain valuable insights, skills, and preparation for future pursuits.

“In public school, I was always tired,” Lily said. “In elementary school, you should not be tired from doing busy work. You should be exhausted from fun activities and learning in an enjoyable way. At High Meadows, I was excited to learn, and I did not dread it anymore.”

Lily flourished at High Meadows School and received the tools she needed to succeed thanks to the school’s caring, compassionate faculty, who encourage students to advocate for their needs and allow student inquiry to drive lessons. “There’s no doubt that my peers and I received what we needed to learn best,” she recalled. “In some schools, you may have to work extra hard to advocate, but at High Meadows, the teachers partner with you to help you succeed.”

Reflecting on her HMS experience, Lily recalled the emotion of graduation and had a heartfelt message for parents considering an independent school for their child’s education. “Definitely send your child to High Meadows,” she said. “You will have a special human living in your house. They will be well-rounded, ready to face challenges head-on and not shy away from them. They will advocate for themselves.”

Lily is currently evaluating her college options and plans to pursue a career as a journalist. She is the person she is today — a risk-taker, advocate, writer, and lover of learning and connecting with nature — in part because of her time at High Meadows School. To learn more about High Meadows and plan your visit, register for our January Open House.