A K-12 Independent, Innovative, and Transformative School Committed to Teaching the Whole Child

We forge pathways and connections that honor the hero in every child.

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE...

The whole child- spirit, mind, and body are nurtured.

Nature is our classroom as often as possible.

Students develop agency and exercise their voice and choice. 

Learners are prepared with knowledge and skills for a rapidly evolving world.

Every student has an individualized learning plan that meets their needs and supports their passions, talents, and interests.

Meaningful connections and relationships are made that extend beyond the school.

"All wisdom begins with a vision from the hilltop."

- Saint Thomas Aquainas

Why Choose Hilltop Academy?

Programmatically Speaking...

We work hard to ensure our learners wake up in the morning, jazzed up, telling their parent/caregiver, “I can’t wait to get to school! Let’s go! Hurry! I don’t want to be late!” Student voice and choice in what their school experience looks like is the rule at Hilltop Academy and not the exception; we value it at every level. Students are telling and showing us what they need. Isn't it time that we start listening?  

At Hilltop Academy, we are shifting the paradigm of how school is done to one that is natural for how young people learn and what motivates and inspires them. This includes building in time for play (for our big kids too), being outdoors, enjoying movement, encouraging creativity, exploring passions, expressing gifts, incorporating alternative post-secondary options, creating collaborative experiences, learning and progressing at an individualized pace, and using the village because it takes a village. We nurture the whole child in everything we do- not just part of the child.

One of the most fundamental needs we have as human beings is the opportunity to connect. Hilltop Academy provides experiences rooted in connection to our community,  including agencies, business, organizations, higher education institutions, and resources. We also connect our learners with nature, peers, families, and faculty/staff; opportunities for exploration and service; their talents and gifts; and most importantly their “self”. 

Geographically Speaking...

In Connecticut and Massachusetts, the closest independent schools with comparable unique school programming are approximately 1 hour south in New Haven, CT, and approximately 45-55 minutes northwest in Hadley, MA, and northeast in Northborough, MA.  Public school districts in our region have limited opportunities for innovative experiences and programming that attends holistically to each child, infuses nature at every turn, and supports trade, service, and/or entrepreneurial pathways in addition to pathways for college. 

Financially Speaking...

Private school options in the Greater Hartford and Springfield areas have tuition costs equivalent to that of college. We stand firm in our commitment to offering an affordable option with our significantly lower tuition rates and opportunities for financial assistance for those in need. Detailed information about our tuition and tuition assistance can be found by going to our Admissions page.

As we plan programming, practices, systems, and experiences at Hilltop Academy, we ensure a resounding "Yes!" to the following...

  • Does it nurture the spirit? Mind? Body?

  • Does it allow for connection? Build relationships?

  • Have student voice and choice been heard and reflected?

  • Does it honor the learners? Faculty? Staff? Families? Community?

  • Is it authentic? Meaningful? Relevant? Rigorous?

  • Does it meet the individual where he/she/they is/are at?

  • Is it fun? Engaging? Inspiring? Motivating?

    • For learners? For faculty? Staff?

  • Would I want this experience for my own child? For myself?

  • Will this help further students' development and mission toward reaching their goals, fulfilling their purpose, and contributing positively to society?

Nondiscriminatory Policy

It is our mission to guard and protect the diversity of our Hilltop Community- those we serve and lead and those who lead and serve.

Hilltop Academy Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. The officers, committee members, employees, and persons served by this corporation shall be selected entirely on a non-discriminatory basis with respect to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. It is the policy of Hilltop Academy Inc. not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, veteran status, political service or affiliation, color, religion, or national origin.

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Administrative Offices:

P.O. Box 24, West Suffield, CT 06093

Our Mission

Forging a powerful, innovative, and transformative model of education that emboldens and prepares students for life, college, service, trade, and/or career through natural and holistic, simplistic yet rigorous, relevant and engaging learning practices and through the strong ties we build with our families and communities.

Our Vision

Opening opportunities and access for students, families, educators, and communities to experience our model of education which honors the hero in every child on their chosen pathway to a life of purpose.

Hilltop Academy Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(C)3 organization. All proceeds and donations support our tuition assistance and school programming.

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