We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Giacomini. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.

Kate, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

As the owner and director of Highlands Micro School, I believe that preparing students for a fulfilling life and career requires not only a personalized approach to learning but also a strong emphasis on relationships—both between students and teachers and among students themselves. At our school, we embrace the concept of Crew, recognizing that a supportive community is essential for academic and personal growth. One of the things we say often is, “We are Crew, not Passengers,” meaning that we don’t just exist alongside each other—we rely on one another, we contribute, and we show up for the hard work.

This philosophy extends beyond just being a welcoming environment; it’s about responsibility and ownership. Students are aware of their learning targets, take on daily classroom jobs, and participate in cleaning both the inside and outside of the school regularly. These practices help students develop a sense of ownership over their space and their education, fostering independence, accountability, and a strong work ethic—qualities that will serve them well in both life and career.

Education isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about learning how to communicate, collaborate, and navigate disagreements productively. In today’s polarized society, people often struggle to engage with those who hold different perspectives, which only deepens division. That’s why we take our responsibility seriously in teaching students how to listen, think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and remain open to new ideas. By guiding children through productive conversations and respectful disagreements in the classroom, we equip them with the tools to build meaningful relationships and engage in civil discourse as they grow.

Reflecting on my own education, I recall how the most impactful experiences came from environments where I felt known and supported. Unfortunately, traditional school structures, with large class sizes and rigid curricula, often don’t allow for the kind of relationship-building and critical thinking that are essential in today’s world. That’s why Highlands Micro School is different—our small, flexible learning environment ensures that students not only master academics but also develop the emotional intelligence and social skills necessary to thrive.

By shifting the main focus of education from standardized instruction to meaningful relationships, responsibility, and thoughtful communication, we can better prepare students not just for careers, but for life. When children know how to engage with different perspectives, navigate conflicts with respect, and take ownership of their learning and environment, they become lifelong learners and active contributors to a more understanding and connected society.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a licensed K-6 teacher who discovered Highlands Micro School while searching for the right school fit for my own son. Like many parents, I wanted an educational environment that nurtured curiosity, independence, and a deep love of learning—one where my child wouldn’t just be another number in a large system but would be seen, known, and challenged in a way that was right for him. When I found Highlands Micro School, it encompassed everything I was looking for, and I knew I had to be a part of it. I joined the school as an educator, and now, nine years later, I’m in my second year as its director.

Highlands Micro School is a small, private school built around the idea that education should be personal, meaningful, and empowering. We prioritize relationships, individual learning paths, and real-world skills. What sets us apart is our unwavering belief that most kids can succeed when given the right environment. All of the teachers at Highlands Micro School, myself included, have worked in more traditional school models, and we are here because we believe in something better. We understand the challenges of conventional education—large class sizes, standardized curricula, and a lack of flexibility—and we are passionate about creating an alternative that truly meets the needs of each child.

I am most proud of the way Highlands Micro School changes the way kids see education. We regularly hear from parents who tell us how their children have rediscovered a love of learning, gained confidence, and built lasting friendships in an environment that feels safe and supportive. Our goal is to create lifelong learners who are not only prepared for their future careers but who are also thoughtful, engaged members of their communities.

For anyone considering our school, I want them to know that this is a place where kids are known, where learning is joyful, and where education is about so much more than just checking boxes. We are Crew, and we are in this together.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building our reputation within our market has been a combination of delivering an exceptional educational experience, fostering trust with families, and creating meaningful connections in the community. One of the biggest ways we reach new families is through our summer camps and after-school programs. These programs give children and parents a chance to experience our approach to learning in a fun and engaging way, often leading to long-term enrollment in our school.

Another key factor is our experienced and professional staff. Every teacher at Highlands Micro School has worked in traditional educational settings and has chosen to be here because they believe in our model. This level of experience and dedication builds trust with parents, who see firsthand that their children are in capable, caring hands. Our families know that we are committed to fostering not only academic growth but also the social and emotional development of each student.

Ultimately, the most powerful factor in building our reputation has been word-of-mouth. Happy parents who see their children thriving naturally share their experiences with friends, neighbors, and colleagues. There’s nothing more meaningful than hearing a parent say, “This school has changed the way my child sees learning,” and then watching that message spread to new families who are searching for something different.

At Highlands Micro School, we don’t focus on marketing gimmicks—we focus on delivering an educational experience that speaks for itself. The trust we’ve built comes from consistently showing up for our students, creating a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to learn.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with trust, autonomy, and collaboration. At Highlands Micro School, we are a close-knit team—not just because we are a small school, but because we share a deep respect for one another as professionals. We trust that our teachers know what’s best for their students, and we give them the flexibility and autonomy to make key decisions to ensure their Crew thrives.

A crucial part of maintaining morale is creating a culture of collaboration. Our teachers regularly bounce ideas off one another, share insights, and work together to solve challenges. No one is expected to have all the answers alone—we rely on each other’s strengths. This not only makes our work more effective but also makes it more enjoyable.

Equally important is fostering an environment where honest feedback is welcomed and valued. Our team is open with one another, and that transparency allows us to continuously improve while feeling supported. When people feel heard and empowered, they bring their best selves to work—and that directly benefits our students.

Beyond collaboration and trust, I also believe that making time for fun as a team is essential. I make it a priority to schedule at least three staff activities throughout the school year where we can relax, enjoy each other’s company, and strengthen our bonds outside of work. These moments of connection build the foundation for a thriving and enjoyable work environment, where staff not only work well together but also truly enjoy being part of the team.

Ultimately, the key to a strong team is ensuring that each member feels respected, trusted, and part of something meaningful. At Highlands Micro School, we aren’t just colleagues; we are Crew. And just like we teach our students, we show up for each other, knowing that our collective success is built on shared responsibility and a commitment to doing what’s best for kids.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://highlandsmicroschool.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Highlandsmicroschool
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@highlandsmicroschool6729