High Mowing School is an independent, private, co-educational, day and boarding school located in Wilton, New Hampshire, United States. It serves students from early childhood through grade 12. Founded in 1942 by Beulah Hepburn Emmet, it is the oldest Waldorf high school and the only Waldorf boarding school in North America.
History
The school was established in 1942 by Beulah Hepburn Emmet (1890–1978), a teacher who was dissatisfied with the politics in the public school in Connecticut where she had taught. Inspired by the writings and educational theories of Rudolf Steiner, she opened the school on her family's hilltop farm in the Monadnock Region of southern New Hampshire. It became the first Waldorf high school founded in North America.
The name "High Mowing" derives from New England colonial tradition. Hayfields used for mowing (cutting hay to feed farm animals) were called "mowings" by early settlers. A "high mowing" referred to a hilltop field.
In 1972, Ann Courtney Pratt (1932–2021), a graduate of High Mowing School, founded Pine Hill Waldorf School, an elementary school. The two institutions merged in 2017. A significant fire destroyed several campus buildings in 1970.
Academics
High Mowing follows a Waldorf curriculum with a liberal arts focus. Each school day begins with a "Main Lesson Block," an integrative period of 1 hour and 45 minutes that runs for three to four weeks, covering subjects including history, literature, drama, science, and mathematics. These are followed by track classes—typically four per day—in English, mathematics, natural sciences, history, world languages, and the arts.
The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA).
Demographics
According to the most recent available data, the school enrolls approximately 300–360 students. As of 2013–14, the demographic breakdown was: White (87.0%), Asian/Pacific Islander (6.5%), Hispanic (5.6%), Black (0.9%), Native American/Alaskan (0%), and Multiracial (0%). Approximately 28% of students are students of color, and students represent over 20 home countries.
Traditions
Traditions include Chapel (a reflective gathering), Greens Sunday and the Yule Festival (winter holiday events), an annual Nativity play, and May Day (a spring celebration featuring a maypole dance, musical performances, and community events).
Athletics
High Mowing is a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) District Two, competing in boys' and girls' soccer, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. Other activities include cross-country running, skiing, hiking, ultimate frisbee, and circus arts.
Notable Alumni
- David E. Blackmer – audio electronics inventor
- Austin Chick – film director, screenwriter, and producer
- Nancy Huston – novelist
- Penelope Jenks – sculptor
- Julianna Margulies – actress
- Judson Mills – actor
- John Fitzallen Moore – physicist and innovator
- Meredith Hall – author
Notable Events
The first Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Summer Conference was held at the school in 1975.
Campus
The school is located at 222 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton, New Hampshire. The campus spans approximately 300 acres. The school's mascot is the Dragon, and its colors are green and white.
