Hilldale School

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

My son attended a different private school in the Bat Area last two years. That school, a French school was perfect for my daughter, but my son was falling behind. He is now doing quite well at Hilldale. I am concerned about its future and the limited breadth of the curriculum, but for now he is happy and learning and I am pretty satisfied
--Submitted by a parent