Hillside School

Our daughter is at hillside and loves it. The teachers are attentive to each child's needs and individual progress. I have been pleasantly surprised by the level and variety of material that they teach, and the challenges they provide for the children. The interface with parents is wonderful. School system's food service has also been impressive of late with their focus on nutrition and quality/variety of meals. School system's transportation could use some improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

This school used to be the best in Niskayuna for elementary schools. Since our current principle was hired in 2004 the dynamics of Hillside's community has changed drastically. Most of the best teachers who had years of experience with love, compassion and understanding, from having their own grown families, are gone except for two or three. All new, young, inexperienced teachers that are in their 20's, who do not have school aged children of their own, are replacements. Now that they do not have tenure they are venerable to being fired or forced to resign over almost anything causing a stressful atmosphere for children, parents and other staff in the building. If you have children with disabilities please beware and do your homework if you choose this school. I am sad to write a review as this one for a school that was so wonderful for the first few years of my16 year old son, My younger son who has been professionally diagnosed with a reading and writing disorder has not been as fortunate. I will fight for him to get the services he needs. Once the principle and the new teachers have school aged children of their own, they may understand how to better understand children.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, students faculty, staff, administration. Family support and involvement is outstanding. Wonderful place for kids.