Hill School of Fort Worth

Our 7th grader struggled mightily before we found Hill School. He has cognitive processing issues and executive processing issues (organization, prioritization, etc). He came to Hill after being bullied by classmates and marginalized by coaches and the occasional teacher. He started calling himself "stupid." About a month after starting at Hill, he said something rather perceptive. When we commented on it, he said: "Well, when you go to a smart school, you get smarter." The teachers and coaches -- many of whom have taught at the elite private schools in town -- are at Hill because they love working with kids who have learning differences. Our son's teachers seem to "get" the way his mind works. They present material to him in ways that he understands. He loves each of his teachers and he is learning! The kids are supportive and respectful of each other. The athletic program -- headed up by the beloved retired head of Ft Worth athletics -- is very good. Again, the coaches "get" that the way my child's mind works, and have helped him excel. I only wish we had started at Hill years ago.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Hill for two years and I can tell you is that Hill has changed my son's life. By the time we pulled him from public school, his spirit was completely broken. He was being bullied daily and isolated by teachers because they didn't know how to deal with his disability (Asperger's). Since attending Hill School, my son has developed confidence, friendships and a healthy sense of self-worth. He does have learning differences (language comprehension and social skills deficits), but the teachers at Hill teach him effective strategies to solve problems--something public school could not do. The teachers also work with me through communication and parent conferences to develop a lesson plan that not only challenges my son, but focuses on his strengths and weaknesses so he can succeed with each task presented. I would recommend Hill to anyone who has a bright child that has some sort of learning difference. Hill will not only change your child's life for the better--it will change your family dynamic for the better, too!
--Submitted by a parent

Hill School of Fort Worth provided a positive and safe place for my children to learn in. The faculty is top notch and truly dedicated to helping each student individually; my kids came out of this school with confidence, a good work ethic and strong self awareness. What strikes me the most about The Hill School experience is how these students learn what areas they need extra help in while continuing to cultivate their strengths, they learn skills and strategies that many young adults take years of college and life "boot camp" to acquire. Be aware that learning different does not mean slow...these kids are sharp and capable people and Hill School of Fort Worth makes the most of them!
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Hill School for 3 years and it has been wonderful.. When he arrived he was withdrawn and had no confidence in his abilities. He thought he was stupid. Now, he is confident, does well at school, outgoing, participates in discussions and loves school. It was the best decision we could have made for him. Next year he plans to go back to public school, it will be hard, but he has been given the tools and skills to succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at the Hill School for 4 years. He is now a 9th grader and loves it. When we started at the school, he had zero self esteem and was really frustrated from the public school and from bad Parochial school experience. My child was definately "left behind". We have nothing but good things to say about the Education, Positive encouragement, Field Trip Team Building experiences. He is a different child and has turned into an advocate for himself. He has learned to stand up for what is important to him for his education. He and I are very impressed with the Sports Program as well. The coaches are very engaged in working with the kids, whatever the sports level is. If he was in public school, he would have been left on the sidelines, only to watch. He loves going to school and also loves the technology program that is in High School. The Hill School of Fort Worth is a great place for kids with learning differences. My son does not feel different and has been given so many opportunities!
--Submitted by a parent

Hill School is a terrific place if you have a child with learning differences that isn t progressing well in the traditional public school or the achievement driven private school. Our son graduated from Hill School and the difference between his public school years and his private school years were like night and day. The teacher involvement, small class sizes, and emphasis placed on a success plan for each student gave him the confidence and ability to succeed in ways he never had before. He is a well adjusted, adaptive young adult pursuing new challenges with confidence thanks to Hill School.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Hill for 3 years now. His social change has really taken to leadership within the school. He has been on student council for 2 years. He has been active in sports and band. If he had been in public school he would have continued to chastized for having ADHD. He has great friends at the school. This year they have divided the children up based on their educational needs and learning disability . Classes are small and he has a chance to learn. The school is very hands on too with field trips that explore the subject they are learning. They have PE everyday to help with their energy level too. Highly recommend Hill and we will stay their until he graduates.
--Submitted by Tracy Pizzi, a parent

My son has attended for years and has done well. He has progressed over the years and has always surprised me what he had accomplished. They certainly has pushed him. He has occasionally has had teachers over the years that I have not liked but what school hasn't. Overall I have been pleased. They have gotten to know my child and his quirks and work with him. He has confidence in himself as a result of his academic success. There are some kids that do have some behavioral issues and my son has had to deal with this but I see that as a skill that is great for him to learn. It public school he would have other problems that I care for him not to be exposed to. I would say that Hill school has improved over the years with their discipline and teaching personal responsibility.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Hill School for several years and has fallen further and further behind because the curriculum is watered down. The report card showed A's and B's however, he is reading 3 grade levels behind where he should be.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has attended Hill School for the past 4 years. We have been very pleased with his academic as well as social growth. The teachers are more than helpful and open to students seeking help. Hill offers a variety of sports and are very competative in their district. Our son will graduate next year and has SAT scores to admit him to several state universities.
--Submitted by a parent