Hilldale School

The best way I can prepare my kid for a successful life is by providing a great foundation, and that is where Hilldale School comes into play. Not only do they provide an accelerated curriculum, but it is delivered with the utmost care. My child has attended Hilldale School for 6 years and I could not be prouder of the results. Hilldale has created a well rounded individual with a sense of community. I have 2 kids 7 years apart, and based on how well they prepared my older child to become a leader and a thinker, I revel at the opportunity to enroll my younger kid in this wonderful environment. Small classes with individualized attention. They've fostered the love for reading to each and every child in the school. My oldest child reads for fun, outside of school two or more books a week now. Drama, Music, Art, Spanish are offered as part of the curricula. Homework isn well planned to allow for work/life balance. After school activities like, cooking, lego, chess, soccer, swimming, dance, photography... Fields trips that are fun but have education on the forefront. Parents are very involved with the school and have built an incredible community.
—Submitted by a parent

I found this school for my Pre-K daughter through greatschools.com. She is quiet by nature and has spent only one year in this country before admission. Her English skill was not sufficient that was why I chose Hilldale which seemed very caring and has small class organization. As a result, my daughter overcame the language barrier, forged friendships and now ready to learn. Pre-K director/ teacher Ms. Clotile is amazing. We have complete confidence in her.
—Submitted by a parent

The Hilldale School in Daly City is definitely a hidden gem. Its small size keeps the students and their families very close knit. Our family has been part of the Hilldale Community for seven years, and it just seems to get better as each year passes. The quality of education is amazing, as is the quality of teachers who dedicate their time and effort. The principal of Hilldale and the staff manage to keep the students academically challenged, indiviulaized if necessary, and yet allow their creativity to show through in many different ways. The Hilldale Community thrives from the diversity of its students and celebrates the uniqueness of their culture whenever possible. This school offers the strong, solid academic foundation parents are looking for, as well the warmth and care children require to achieve their potential.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be put off by the modest appearance of this school. The Principal and owner set the tone by providing a sound educational philosophy and an expectation of high standards, both intellectually and personally. If you want a demanding and intellectually challenging curriculum concentrating on the basics, without time consuming and wasteful frills this is the right place. Hilldale truly has the feeling of a large family and everyone knows everyone else. I have never seen an unruly child there or a word spoken in anger. Our daughter was accepted by the finest high schools in the Bay Area including Lowell, Lick Wilmerding, Woodside Priory, Crystal Springs Uplands and Convent of the Sacred Heart.
—Submitted by a parent

I selected to send my child to Hilldale because I felt he would be challenged to reach his full learning potential. He is a bright child and would be bored in a regular public school setting. This is his third year at Hilldale and I have not been disappointed in his progress.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Academically solid curriculum. Richness of Music, Art, and Spanish. Extended year allows better coverage of topics. Very enthusiastic and well-prepared teachers make learning exciting. Culturally diverse, co-ed, non-sectarian. Warm community of families. Great price tag includes extended hours,
—Submitted by a parent

This is a really great school. Its a great place to learn, a small community, and the teachers care about each student. The only thing I have to say is that this statement is not true: "Graduates typically go to: Lowell High School; University High School and Lick-Wilmerding University." After speaking with the graduates of 2011, I found out that this year is the first year anyone will be attending University High School or Lick Wilmerding (one student to each school), and the school has had one previous student that has gone to Lowell High School. Other than that, the most students have gone to Mercy (SF or B) and there have been years where there were no eighth graders. In 2010, there were no graduates. In 2009, they had one graduate who is attending Mercy SF. None in 2008. In 2007, there were four graduates (who are attending International High School, Lowell, Westmoore, and the fourth one is unknown). The only graduate before that (since the new owners) went to Terra Nova. So students typically go to various schools--not the best.

Our decision to enter our son into kindergarten here forced as to truly look at what is important for child developement. If a brand new facility is the important goal then there are other choices. If structure based, intimate learning, where you as a Parent are involved, then look here. Many afterschool activities are included. Heated pool is now partially Solar heated. New projects are constantly being added. I like being involved where I can make a real difference and my kids see it also.
—Submitted by a parent

If education is a top priority for your family then this is the school for you. Hilldale is a small, warm environment for kids to learn. My son has been thriving there for 2 years now and we couldn't be more pleased with his progress. The staff is incredibly dedicated and smart which they share with the kids. And for working parents, I don't believe there is a better deal for the price of tuition. Tuition includes the amazing before and afterschool program which saves us a lot of money and makes our life easier. Definitely check this school out.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending the preschool program and we all love it! The before and after school programs are a big benefit for working parents and the academic curriculum is way above what you find in other schools. There is a lot of parent involvement which leads to a great school community.
—Submitted by a parent

When we went School Shopping, we stumbled upon Hilldale, it was had the teacher to pupil ratio was about 14 students per class. Anytime you have that the kids are getting a lot of individual attention they need to succeed . The challenging curriculum that the kids were mastering was a breath a fresh air compared to the public schools we visited, they are having the kids "rise to the challenge" by setting the bar high and working with children to reach the bar. We are very, very happy at the development of our First grader. I encourage you to go and visit, have your child spend a couple of hours in a class room and go visit a class and just watch the methods of teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Hilldale not only because of their excellent academic program, but also the philosophy such as world citizen awareness and social responsibility. If the children do well at Hilldale both academically and socially, he/she will grow up as responsible citizen. The school is culturally diverse, yet all the students get along with one another makes me feel like it s a small version of how the world should be. So what if the school building is old. We all are working together to improve our campus as a community and family.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Hilldale for over 4 years and when we look back over the years, we see a thriving, compassionate, competitive, well spoken little girl who won't be little forever. Hilldale's environment encourages parents, teachers, students and all staff alike to "rise to the challenge" and to lead by example as a responsible citizens. We are full time working parents and we were very lucky to find such a gem of a school with all of it's different workshops in one place. Come take a tour, you will love it!
—Submitted by a parent

Great student to teacher. Awesome teachers. Overall development of students (not just academics).
—Submitted by a parent

Hilldale has been our childs educational home for 3 years now and she is ghetting a great education. She loves the accelerated learning atmophere. Hilldale is affordable also. Several large extra curricular events that benefit the students take place each year. Just another of many reasons to send your child to Hilldale.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Hilldale and absolutely loved the school and still gets sentimental when he thinks about it. He was challenged and learned a great deal in a small and nurturing environment. I was very pleased with the education my son received and loved the benefit of the before and after school care as well as the extra curricular program. My son is now thriving in high school. My family and I will always have fond memories of Hilldale.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with great education, amazing teachers, and incredible atmosphere. Kids get a high-quality education in a warm and supportive environment. This is one of the best schools in the Bay Area.
—Submitted by a parent

Hildale was the first school in which I had my own classroom. It was the best place I could have started my career. I had a fantastic staff to support me through my first year and a terrific, tight-knit parent base who made me feel like a welcomed professional.
—Submitted by a teacher

The buildings are old, but they are safe, and every concern that comes up is addressed asap. Much more important than our outsides, are the cohesive and talented staff, new principal, and thriving spirit of the school! Moreover, all concerns can be addressed to our principal, who is working hands-on with students, teachers, and parents at all times; any financial concerns can be addressed through her or directly to our business office toll-free. Our tuition is lower than every private independent school in the Bay area. Best of all, our academics are outstanding, and physical improvements continue. We hope you ll make up your own mind and come see for yourself!

As a parent of an upper school student who has been at Hilldale for several years, I am the first to point out the school has had a somewhat difficult transition of ownership. However, that was years ago and the school has since come along marvelously with a dedicated staff and a well-developed and challenging academic curriculum that engages the entire student effectively. Hilldale will always be a small school and that can provide challenges. However, those challenges are met vigorously. The school also tries to be affordable and additionally will work with parents on a needs basis. Most importantly, though, the learning that takes place at Hilldale is phenomenal. But don't take my word: See it for yourself!
—Submitted by a parent