Hillbrook School

Our children have just completed another wonderful school year at Hillbrook. We are consistently impressed with the level of learning - and most importantly - the deep knowledge and understanding of each child's needs and personality. There is a true sense of partnership with the administration and teachers in educating your child and it goes well beyond the excellent academics, encompassing the Social/Emotional needs as well as Service Learning, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Hillbrook provides a great sense of community for the whole family.
—Submitted by a parent

After having our child attend for three years we decided to pull out. Consistent negative issues included administration that was not proactive at best, and made excuses for the lack of correcting known issues at worst. Teachers were good, however students within the same grade would be learning something completely different depending upon which teacher they might get. Overall the "well rounded" part, which included art, was a positive. But it couldn't possibly outweigh the negatives of a weak academic program. And they clearly indicate "shared iPads" and "shared macbooks" in lower grades, but none of the children in these grades recall sharing these devices for anything. Public schools in the Los Gatos area are first rate, and $24k less.
—Submitted by a parent

I visited Hillbrook School last year and I am planning on a repeat visit this year. The campus is beautiful. The setting is serene and safe. The school setting is well thought out with class levels bundled together so that same age kids are grouped together. The school is set up so that the students walk themselves all over the beautiful grounds, fostering independence. The buildings are glorious; truly this is the most beautiful elementary school I have ever seen. However, I observed a real problem with some members of the teaching staff. One of the lower grade teachers was outwardly hostile to her students and this teacher was well aware that our group of potential parents was in her classroom. This was the most offensive behavior that I have ever seen by a teacher. I am offended for the parents that are paying $24,000 a year to have their children treated this way. Other teachers seemed lackluster. A few, especially the music teacher, were very good. I am planning a return visit to see if the teaching has improved. Hillbrook has a beautiful school that provides so many extras but until they improve their teaching they will never be worth the $24,000 that they charge.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids went there for several years. Wonderful, broad base program (sports, arts, etc); unfortunately, the academics implementation is inconsistent. It depends on the grade level and the teacher your child has, often, they are unable to differentiate and meet the needs for different type of abilities. The school is working on improving the academics / curriculum so it could be a better school in a few years. Socially it's a small school and finding friends with similar interests might also be an issue, especially if your child is not a jock. They do have good acceptance rate into local Catholic high schools.

Hillbrook has been the perfect fit for our family. Our child has not only been well prepared academically, but more importantly has been taught important life skills such as the importance of giving back, being a leader, public speaking, critical thinking and being given many opportunities to discover several passions outside of the core curriculum. The strength of this school is the faculty who are passionate about their teaching and who always go the extra mile to support the kids and they are supported by a strong administration who are constantly seeking innovative ways to deliver the very broad curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

When we decided to move to California in 2007 and researched which school would be the best fit for our family, there seemed to be only one choice, Hillbrook. We were drawn to the Hillbrook s mission to foster childrens natural curiousity and teach them to be critical thinkers. During our tour of the school, the administration and faculty that we met along with the beautiful setting made us realize that a Hillbrook education was a gift we should try to give our children. Two and a half years later, I consider us extremely fortunate to have found such a warm, intellectually stimulating environment for our children. They receive individualized attention and are recognized for their unique talents and skills. They absolutely love going to school every day - seriously! It is amazing to see.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent with kids at Hillbrook and we love it! Our children are thriving here! I can't say enough about how much the teachers care and how they work with the kids individually. The academics are top notch, and I also really like the service learning projects that they do in each grade. I feel like my kids are getting the best education possible and learning to be good citizens and caring people, too. My children love school and love learning and I thank Hillbrook for that.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been a Hillbrook parent for several years and have found the school to be exceptional. I believe it is easily the finest school in the South Bay for several reasons: classes are small, students are challenged individually, and children become poised, confident and communicative in addition to being prepared for high school. If you place high value on love of learning in addition to knowledge, Hillbrook is for you. If you want traditional rote or an academic grind, the fit might not be quite right.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillbrook fosters a supportive community creating a unique environment where children are academically challenged while having fun! Students bulid meaningful, lasting friendships across all grade levels. The older children act as natural mentors for the younger students. On campus you'll see rockets being launched with thought provoking questions by students. Students are engaged and take responsibility for their learning at Hillbrook. Teachers and the administration understand your child and how to help your child learn in a way that's meaningful to them. We've been at the school for three years going on our fourth. We've been very happy with the school. Hillbrook not only prepares children academically but also socially and emotionally. Hillbrook students have a very high level of emotional intelligence where they are confident, learn how to resolve issues, and well spoken.
—Submitted by a parent

As you walk on the campus of Hillbrook School you are greeted with the sounds of children laughing, and learning, nature, music and conversation. It is a stimulating environment. Our family has been at the school for eight years. Hillbrook is a school where children matters. Administrators and teachers care and really know and understand each child . The curriculum is rich and integrated. It stretches each child's academic growth with imagination and creativity. Our three children are thriving and look forward to going to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

I shockingly agree with the reviewer below. When I called HB and told them that I would like some info about enrolling my sons in 1st and 3rd, the first thing they asked was "what's wrong with their current school situation." Might as well have asked me "what's wrong with your kids?!" I told them that we were considering moving to Los Gatos, and then they said "Check out our website. If you are still interested, call back to take one of our monthly tours." Wow, nice marketing. Needless to say we were not impressed, so we didn't puruse HB further.

Have been disappointed in HB. We are considering the school for our child and the administration acts as if they don't have time for prospective parents/students (won't return calls) and would rather you 'visit the website instead' (direct quote).
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year at Hillbrook and I am very impressed. She is performing academically at a higher level, and is demonstrating a new sense of confidence. This is a great school if you have an inquisitive child, who doesn't always follow the crowd. There is room and respect for children who want to smell the flowers once in a while.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is entering 1st grade at HB this year and he really likes it there. He was very shy entering the school and he has really blossomed. I would recommend the school to anyone. The campus is wonderful and the faculty are very nice and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at HB for 4 years. She absolutely loves school. HB is a fabulous environment to self-expression, critical thinking, making inferences and analyzing the world. The teachers are beyond involved! Calling home to tell kids that they had a great day or noticed something special. The whole child is addressed and all subjects are equally weighted. Love that my daughter has PE, Music, Art, Science and Language by specialists 3 plus days per week. Only drawback is lack of diversity. But that goes with being in Los Gatos.
—Submitted by a parent

My older son was well prepared by Hillbrook to attend an all boy's private high school. The beauty was that he enjoyed every minute and learned while doing. Whether it is hands-on science, the fabulous PE program, art classes that inspire a non-artist, history which comes alive . . . the school has been a perfect match for our two children. The teaching staff is top-shelf - inspirational, educational and truly create a fabulous learning environment. For my active learners, a school with desks all lined up in a row would have restricted their learning. It's been a great community for our the entire family - not just the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My children went here for four years. We found the academics to be weak. They don't let you see your child's standardized test scores until the fall when you have already reenrolled for another year. We had several long term substitutes while we were there.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful opportunity for a student to grow and develop in a supportive environment. Not only are there strong academic programs, but the arts and physical education are also included in the curriculum.Caring supportive teachers and administrators complete the school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I actually attended this school for elementary school long ago. Since then I have been involved in it's fundraising programs. Their motto tells it all: Do your best! Begining in 1st grade, each student is exposed to foreign languages, art, music, theater, and more. The campus is beautiful, the class size is small, and the level of the teaching staff is excellent.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a wonderful school for my two kids. The setting in Los Gatos is picture perfect. The school environment is one where kids feel safe, secure and are instructed with very well qualified teachers. Kids have music, art, computers, science, woodshop, pottery, and foreign languages. Class sizes are small with 18 kids or less per class. Difficulty of instruction is tailored to your childs ability and they will be challenged. Parent involvement is encouraged and is widely visible. Parents are also able to communicate with teachers via email with almost immediate responses. Overall, a very good choice in private education. The only drawback is that it only goes through eigth grade.
—Submitted by a parent