Since 2002, High Meadow School has partnered with High Meadow Arts, Inc. to emphasize the arts as a critical aspect of young people's development. High Meadow Arts' in-school programs at High Meadow School include weekly instruction in choral singing, general music, percussion, string ensemble, visual arts, drama and modern dance for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Children study each of the arts weekly throughout the year and the arts are integrated into classroom curriculum as a regular part of children's educational experience.

One example of this is the Bird Sanctuary project, Arts Take Flight. Spearheaded by the school's fourth grade classroom teacher, Barbara Piombino, and science teacher, DeWitt Nelson, High Meadow Arts in partnership with the School is creating a bird sanctuary on the school campus that will be student-made, recognized by the state, and used by the community. Integral to their explorations in ecology, life science and bird studies, students will work with High Meadow Arts' visual arts and music educators to create an artistic and environmental plan for the sanctuary. Students will listen to a variety of songs centered on the environment from around the world, develop a rubric for what makes a ÒgoodÓ song from a melodic as well as lyrical point of view. Then they will set about building a collection of songs based on their studies related to the sanctuary and their musical training - learning and writing instrumental and lyrical songs that reflect themes in ecology, and bird-life more specifically. In visual arts, students will create 3-dimensional sculptural/functional works including a 3-d map and sanctuary timeline, bird sculptures, sculptural gateways to the sanctuary as well as artwork throughout the school detailing the progress of the project throughout its development. They will research local ordinances to be incorporated into the Sanctuary's design with community partners including The Hudson Valley Waste Management Corporation, and the Environmental Conservation Committee of Marbletown.

By the end of year 2 the Sanctuary will be a two-acre nature walk in which our children will study, identify, and label species of plants, trees and birds, and the community will be welcomed to walk and watch. Visitors will see the sculptural bat houses and gateways and be informed by the hand painted and woodblock labels. Each year will culminate in an Earth Day celebration where students will perform their songs and show their art work.

High Meadow School

High Meadow School is a Pre-K through eighth grade learning community in Stone Ridge, NY that is inclusive, tolerant, and prepares students to become independent thinkers, informed decision makers, and compassionate citizens.

Founded in 1984 as an alternative to traditional education, the School's rigorous curricula and high standards are committed to the philosophy and tenets of progressive education as put forth by John Dewey. At High Meadow School the arts support the school's unique approach to individualized learning and progressive practices. Education Director, Michelle Hughes, is a graduate of Bank Street College of Education in Museum Education and is focused on sustaining a student-centered school, committed to the principles of democracy, integrity, innovation and diversity.