HILLTOP LIFE
The overarching drivers of Hilltop Life are our culture (how we do business at Hilltop Academy) and our climate (how it feels when you are at Hilltop Academy). Both are equally important and they are interconnected, one impacting the other. Through constant reflection and attention given to each, we strive to ensure that Hilltop Academy is a place where everyone feels valued, welcomed, included, connected, and supported. We aspire to create experiences that offer something for everyone who is a part of our community. Below, you will find information on many of the facets that contribute to our Hilltop Life. If you don't find what you are looking for, let us know and we are happy to answer any questions you have.
Wellness
Wellness is the balance of the spirit, mind, and body and is the bedrock of Hilltop Academy. When students are well, learning is effortless. In all that we plan and do at Hilltop Academy, we answer the essential question: Will this support balance of the spirit, mind, and body? What does that look like? We adhere to health, wellness, and safety practices, routines, and procedures. We offer life education courses that provide developmentally appropriate knowledge and skills aimed at helping our students build life long habits for sound physical, mental, and spiritual health. In our quest to help our students develop agency, Our Hilltop Life Organization's Health & Wellness and Fitness Departments take a lead role in campus-wide wellness initiatives and campaigns.
Hilltop Life Organization
This is our model of student government. It is through this organization that our students have the opportunity to exercise their voice, be involved, and shape the student experience at Hilltop Academy. Through the various departments, there is absolutely something for everyone! This organization plays a big role in our club and activity offerings, school events, and really anything and everything related to life on our campus.
We want each student to have the opportunity to participate in the Hilltop Life Organization and its club and activity offerings. We don't want anyone to miss out because of after school challenges with transportation, child care, and/or other commitments and responsibilities. To meet this goal, we designate a period in the middle of the school day for students to participate that ensures equity and access for all of our students.
You can learn more about Hilltop Life Organization by going to its page found under the tab for Hilltop Life.
Acts of Service
Community service is one of our values and as such is part of the programming at Hilltop Academy. Our hope is to inspire civic action into the adult years. We provide age-appropriate educational experiences exposing students to a variety of service agencies, opportunities, and events. We aim to help students identify their passion, impart compassion, and learn the importance of community and civic responsibility.
We plan, manage, and host events that encourage involvement and demonstrate our commitment to giving back to our communities. These events are planned and built into the school calendar and are ever-evolving with the voices of our students, families, staff, faculty, and community being used to shape our plans. Some examples of community service we participate in include local cleanups, participation in run/walks, food drives, blood drives, tutoring, mentoring, and volunteering at various organizations such as hospitals, senior centers, animal shelters, and food pantries.
Mentoring
Mentoring is another integral part of our school programming for students and faculty alike. We believe that it supports the health and well-being of our school community, affording every member the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life and at the same time be the recipient of support and care. If you want to learn more about our Mentoring Program, go to the Mentoring page found under the Hilltop Life tab in the menu bar at the top of this page.
Clubs & Athletics
Hilltop Academy offers a variety of traditional and nontraditional clubs and athletic programs with the goal of creating as many opportunities for student involvement as possible. Offerings are based on student interest with our Hilltop Life Organization's Activities and Athletics Departments playing a significant role by gathering student voice and choice to make the determination of what's offered.
Our athletic and club priority is a focus on building character, confidence, camaraderie, and lifelong skills rather than building collegiate level athletes.
As our school grows, our capacity to broaden offerings will grow too.
Student Advisory
Student advisory is a program built into our routine program schedule in which all members of our school community participate. We value the meaningful relationships built between our students, faculty, and staff and demonstrate that by holding dedicated time for our students to connect with them. Most students will loop with their advisory leader all the way through graduation, providing a consistent, dependable, trusting adult for the duration of their journey at Hilltop Academy.
Hilltop Traditions
We love our traditions! Our goal is to create traditions for our school community to connect, build memories, and have experiences to look forward to in the upcoming years. Our traditions range from overnight stays, to winter carnival, talent showcases, and class nights. Our Hilltop Life Organization's Events Department plays an enormous role in planning these events, which is one of the many ways that students get to exercise their voice in shaping the lived experience at Hilltop Academy.
Extended Day & School Programs
With learner enrollment interest, we hope to provide before and after school and summer programming for families who would otherwise be challenged with finding care for their child during those times. Students who enroll in one of these programs will be provided with enrichment experiences related to arts, outdoor/indoor adventure, and recreation. In addition, extended learning, tutoring, and support will be offered to assist with filling learning gaps and help prevent learning loss. One of our goals is for the program to evolve into one that is co-led and facilitated by our upper school students interested in related pathways, providing an authentic learning and work experience. The before and after school program will be available once enrollment for lower school begins. Summer programming is slated to be offered for the Summer of 2025. More details will be provided as we get closer.
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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