Higher Ground is a drama television series created by Michael Braverman and Matthew Hastings. The series follows a group of troubled and abused high school students at a therapeutic boarding school in the Pacific Northwest as they navigate adolescence in the aftermath of their home troubles. Higher Ground first premiered in the U.S on the Fox Family network on January 14, 2000. Although praised for its themes and performances (particularly Christensen’s) and well-rated, the series was cancelled after its first season due to the sale of its broadcast network the following year. The show was part of a production company that did not make it to the new network.
Located high in the mountains of the Northwestern United States and 25 miles from the nearest town, Mount Horizon High School is a harbor for at-risk teenagers from their troubled pasts. The series focuses on one group of teens, the "Cliffhangers", who, with the aid of school counselors and each other, navigate adolescence as they learn to overcome their fears and face their inner demons. Providing them with not only a standard high school education, but also a rigorous schedule of outdoor activities and the tools they need in the aftermath of their abuse, the students work towards gaining confidence to face their personal struggles. While navigating demanding physical challenges, friendships, and romantic entanglements, the students (and some teachers) find Mount Horizon's world much safer than their turbulent home lives have been.
The students tackle issues such as substance abuse, depression, neglect, sexual, physical and verbal abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, gang violence, learning disabilities, and suicide.
