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 traditional 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. 

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 admission 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

...focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion through enrollment, hiring, and programming practices

...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, into its programming, which are critical for success and happiness in life after graduation

...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 5th 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 beginning with kindergarten and 1st grade, and then expanding by one grade level each year.  For more detailed information, visit our Strategic Plan page.

How many students will the school have at capacity?

Hilltop Academy will be at capacity with 600 students in kindergarten through grade 12, averaging approximately 46 students per grade. More information can be found on our Strategic Plan page.

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. A facility and property will be leased while a permanent building and site are located and/or construction completed. 

Will Hilltop Academy be accredited?

New schools are only able to apply for accreditation after 3 years of operation. Our application will be submitted during the 2028-2029 school year. We anticipate full accreditation when our first group of 8th graders are in 10th grade, well in advance of any college applications.

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

Hilltop Academy's academic program is designed for every student to graduate with 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- interdisciplinary-,project-, play-, adventure-, inquiry-, experiential-based, student centered, and holistic (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf/Steiner). Our philosophy is to draw the best from the best. 

Do you offer extracurricular activities?

Yes, we do. To learn more about them, visit the Clubs & Athletics 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 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; however, Before and After School Extended Day will not begin until we phase in our lower school program. Summer School/ Camp will be offered in the summer of 2025. 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, instructional programming, Hilltop Life period, dining period, followed by instructional programming, end of the day activities, 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!! The school year calendar will soon be able to be accessed 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.

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 will be open as soon as facilities are confirmed, aiming for January 2025. We anticipate a full school year 2025-2026 school year.  Any student interested in the early decision application, must complete all parts of the admissions process (application, interviews, required documents, and deposit) by December 01, 2024. Standard enrollment must be completed by January 31, 2025, with rolling applications for admissions thereafter. For more detailed information, visit our Admissions & Tuition page.

What's the benefit of completing an early decision application?

As seats are limited for the 2025-2026 school year, Early Decision guarantees a reserved seat for the 2025-2026 school year.

Is acceptance guaranteed for siblings of students who are accepted?

Hilltop Academy does not guarantee acceptance of siblings of accepted students. While consideration may be given, it is not the means through which selection is made.  Student acceptance is based on a holistic review of each student's application, interview, supporting documents, and open spots available.

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, student interview, parent/caregiver interview, enrollment in our tuition management system, and deposit made. Letters of determination are issued after student/ caregiver interviews. 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, reflecting our desire 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.  

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? 

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