What is a microschool?

A microschool is a school that is intentionally small.

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

Hilltop Academy is designed for families who believe education should inspire, not just instruct. We welcome students who thrive in environments that honor individuality, nurture wellness, and value joy in learning.

- Families seeking a full-time, personalized school experience

- Homeschooling families looking for a part-time program that enhances their child’s learning journey

Does Hilltop Academy offer a hybrid learning experience?

Yes, for families who are interested in part-time enrollment in combination with homeschooling. Families who select this option will work with the school to share learning goals and needs and together create an experience and schedule that will work best for their learner and family. 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.

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

- Personalizes learning for each student — celebrating their unique needs, interests, and strengths

- Nurtures the whole child — spirit, mind, and body

- Prepares every learner for college and opens doors to trades, entrepreneurship, service, or the workforce

- Models compassion through service, both locally and globally, and builds a culture of kindness

- Values connection — with families, our community, local organizations, and higher education partners

- Teaches real-life skills like financial and health literacy, along with durable skills like leadership and critical thinking

- Makes learning joyful and authentic through play, nature, inquiry, and hands-on exploration

- Honors student voice and choice in how they learn and show their growth

- Invites families to be part of their child’s learning journey and our school community

- Encourages students to get outdoors, stay curious, and simply be kids

- Offers a small independent school experience that’s inclusive and 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, 2026-2027, 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.

Where will the school be located?

We can’t wait to share our official school location in the coming weeks — stay tuned! For now, know that Hilltop Academy will be located in Northern Connecticut, right near the Western Massachusetts border.

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. 

Are learners leveled by traditional grade levels according to their age?

No, grade levels at Hilltop Academy are rather fluid, where "grade levels" are used primarily for enrollment numbers. The aim is for learners to accelerate or decelerate according to their readiness and needs.

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. Our priority is for learners to be immersed in real world experiences that naturally fold in "academic" competencies like mathematics, reading, and writing, rather than teaching those concepts and skills in isolation with little meaning or connection.

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.

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

We prioritize being outdoors for the health of it, in all weather conditions, barring any health or safety reasons. 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.

What does a typical day look like at Hilltop Academy?

A typical day at Hilltop Academy includes morning arrival activities, community meetings; individual, independent, or small group learning, outdoor learning/activities, and end of the day reflection.

What are the school hours?

Our school hours are from 8:30 AM to 2:30 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 our learning 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.

What does mealtime look like?

At Hilltop Academy, mealtime is a sacred time of the day, where we all pause and eat family-style. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, really be present, practice mindfulness and gratitude with one another. Everyone participates in cleaning up.

When will you open enrollment?

Enrollment will open in December for the 2026-2027 school year. Standard enrollment is on a rolling basis until our year 1 capacity is reached.

Is acceptance guaranteed for siblings?

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 learner's application, interview, supporting documents, and remaining spots we have available. This ensures that the learner, family, and school are a good fit for each other.

What is the admission process? What about tuition, financial assistance, and payment plans?

Visit our Admissions page to learn more.