Who is your target market? What students/families might be interested in Hilltop Academy?

Hilltop Academy is a great fit for a wide spectrum of students and families, in particular, those who are looking for an educational experience that is different from what conventional schools offer,  those who are feeling disenfranchised and disconnected, and those who want more of what is good for the health, happiness, and well-being of their child. 

- Families looking for an alternative educational experience, full-time

- Homeschooling families interested in coupling an alternative school experience with homeschooling

Does Hilltop Academy offer a hybrid learning experience?

Yes, for families who are interested in part-time enrollment in combination with homeschooling, Hilltop Academy could be an excellent fit!

What does a "hybrid" experience mean? What would that look like?

A hybrid experience is a combination of part-time enrollment with Hilltop Academy and with another learning experience, such as homeschooling. Families who select this option will work with the school to share learning goals and needs and together create a schedule that will work best. For some families this may mean their child attends part of a day, while for others it may mean attending certain days of the week. Families who are interested in our hybrid offering, should complete our inquiry form indicating their interest in "hybrid learning".

Hilltop Academy is an excellent option for students and families looking for a program that... 

...is curated  for the individual student based not only on their learning needs, but also on their interests and aptitudes

...is concerned with and nurtures the whole child- spirit, mind, and body

...prepares all students for college AND also creates pathways of studies that support students who want to pursue a trade, service, entrepreneurship, or immediate workforce entry 

...models compassion through acts of service locally and globally and reflects it in our school's culture and climate

...prioritizes connections, relationships, and partnerships with families, the community, higher educational schools and colleges, local businesses, companies, and organizations

...infuses life skills such as financial and health literacy, and soft skills such as communication, collaboration, cooperation, compromise, which are critical for success and happiness in life

...uses more natural and authentic means for teaching- nature-,play-, inquiry-, exploration-, adventure-, project-based, with fun and joy being a goal in every experience 

...honors students and gives them voice

...integrates the whole family into their child's educational experience and the school community

...assesses mastery and growth in a variety of ways and gives students agency in demonstrating their progress

...intentionally creates opportunities for young people to get outdoors and be a kid

...offers a private school experience that is accessible

Is Hilltop Academy a religious school?

No, we do not have any religious affiliation, nor do we ascribe to any religious ideology. 

What grades will you serve?

Students in kindergarten through grade 12 will be served at Hilltop Academy's project completion. In our first operational year, 2024-2025, enrollment will be open for rising 3rd through 7th grade students. Each subsequent year one additional grade will be added until grade 12 is reached. This will be followed by the initiation of our lower school program for kindergarten through grade 2. It is important to note that grade levels at Hilltop Academy are rather fluid, where "grade levels" are used primarily for enrollment numbers. Students are not leveled by birth year, so they will accelerate or decelerate according to their readiness and needs.

How many students will the school have at capacity?

Our strategic plan includes a measured approach to growth and expansion, offering up to 30 spots in our first year and increasing by approximately 5 - 10 students each subsequent year. Hilltop Academy will be at capacity with approximately 105 students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Where will the school be located?

The school's location will be situated between Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts, along the I-91/Connecticut River corridor.

Will students who graduate have the requisites necessary for college admission?

Hilltop Academy's program is designed for every student to graduate having the necessary college requisites satisfied, whether or not a college pathway is chosen. 

Do you ascribe to a particular educational philosophy?

Hilltop Academy ascribes to an amalgamation of practices and approaches from several educational models and philosophies: self-directed, interdisciplinary-,project-, play-, adventure-, inquiry-, experiential-, and holistic- based. Our philosophy is to draw the best from the best and not limit ourselves. 

Do you offer athletics, clubs, and/or other activities?

As we are a smaller and newer school, offerings will be based on interests of our learners and the number of interested participants. Our offerings will expand as enrollment and interest grows. Just as our school is nontraditional, so are our clubs and athletics, with an aim to create something that engages everyone. To learn more about Clubs & Athletics, you can go the page found under Hilltop Life.

Do you go outside in all weather conditions? For how long?

Yes, we do go outside in all weather conditions, barring any health or safety reasons. We are outdoors as often and as long as is feasible for the intent and purpose of the outdoor experience.

Why is being outdoors a priority? What do you do outside?

We prioritize being outdoors for the health of it. Being outdoors serves a multitude of purposes, including being an excellent environment for learning, connecting content and knowledge, connecting with nature and one another, implementing sustainability practices,  connecting with food source, outdoor recreation, play, and much more. 

Do you offer before or after school care? Summer School/Camp programming? School break care?

Yes, yes, and yes. All 3 are planned details for our school programming. The start date for before school, after school, and school break care will be determined based on interest and need. Summer School/Camp will be offered in the summer of 2026. For more information about these opportunities, go to the Hilltop Life page and scroll down to the Extended Day & School Year Programs section.

What does a typical day look like at Hilltop Academy?

A typical day at Hilltop Academy includes morning arrival and breakfast activities, advisory or community meetings; individual, independent, or small group learning; Hilltop Life period, dining period, outdoor learning/activities, end of the day reflection, and then extracurricular activities and clubs. For more detailed information on our academic programming, Hilltop Life Period, and/or Advisory Program, visit our Academic Program and Hilltop Life pages.

What are the school hours?

Our school hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and scheduled school breaks. 

What is the school year calendar?

Coming soon!! You will soon be able to access the school year calendar by clicking HERE or by going to the Calendar Page.

Is there a dress code?

There is no required uniform; however, members of the Hilltop Academy community are expected to be dressed appropriately for weather conditions and for the occasion.  We are outdoors often and that should always be a guide for appropriate dress. In addition, all learners should have a spare change of clothes and shoes kept at the school because the work of learners can get messy.

Do you provide meals? What does mealtime look like?

Yes, meals are included in our cost of tuition. At Hilltop Academy, mealtime is honored as a sacred time of the day, where we all pause and eat family-style. Everyone contributes and participates in the whole experience of setting up, serving, and cleaning up. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, really be present, practice mindfulness and gratitude with one another.

What kind of food is served?

Food source and good nutrition matter to us. It is for that reason that as often as we can, we incorporate and prepare homegrown and homemade food. Our aim is to practice what we teach by providing opportunities for students to be involved in growing and preparing food. We serve food that is good fuel for growing bodies and is delicious.

When will you open enrollment?

Enrollment is currently open. For this year, our inaugural year, standard enrollment is on a rolling basis until our year 1 capacity is reached (30 spaces available). Admission will be offered in order of completion of all enrollment steps for those who have been offered a spot at Hilltop Academy. For more detailed information, visit our Admissions & Tuition page.

Is acceptance guaranteed for siblings of students who are accepted?

Hilltop Academy does not guarantee acceptance of siblings of accepted students, although we will do our very best to accommodate. Selection is made through the steps outlined in our admissions process, which is a holistic review of each students's application, interview, supporting documents, and remaining spots we have available. This ensures that the student, family, and school are a good fit for each other.

What is your enrollment process?

Our enrollment process begins with the completion of an initial inquiry form, followed by a scheduled informational meeting, submission of the student application with letters of recommendation, learner interview, parent/caregiver interview, enrollment in our tuition management system, and deposit made. Letters of determination are issued following learner and parent/caregiver interviews and review of the application, letters of recommendation, and supporting documents . For more information, visit our Admissions & Tuition page.

What if a family cannot afford the cost of tuition? Do you offer financial assistance?

Hilltop Academy strives to make our school experience accessible to families no matter their financial status. This reflects our aim to prioritize inclusivity and connectedness. Our intention is to make Hilltop Academy within reach for families of all backgrounds. Financial assistance is offered on a sliding scale based on financial need, and availability of tuition assistance funds. 

How is financial assistance determined?

In order to qualify for assistance, applicants are required to meet a set of eligibility requirements, including meeting established income eligibility guidelines, using our tuition management program. This program objectively determines each applicant family’s need for aid, honoring each family's right to privacy. To learn more detailed information, please complete the inquiry form and someone from the school will be in touch with you. 

What's the cost of tuition?

The cost of tuition for families not seeking financial assistance is $20,000.00 

Do you offer payment plans? When is tuition due? 

Yes, we offer payment plans, which determine tuition due dates. Exact and detailed information for you personally will be explained and discussed in full upon acceptance to Hilltop Academy. Complete an inquiry form if you would like more information about options for payment plans, payment types, deposit and tuition deadlines.