Programs
We are Hilldale

With a structured, well-planned program, Hilldale School prides itself on an exciting and challenging educational environment that provides for the maximum individual development of each child. We aim to inspire each child to become a responsible, positive, self-disciplined individual who is a life-long learner and leader. Our comprehensive curriculum offers a structured and well-balanced program including challenging academics, classes in the arts and languages, opportunities for individualized exploratory research, after-school enrichment workshops, and field trips. Small classes ensure a high level of personal attention and guidance, accompanied by well-defined limits, an emphasis on behavioral standards, and a nurturing of emotional and social maturity.
- Character Education is presented through readings, discussions, and debates in order to strengthen basic good habits, reinforce mutual respect, and develop communication and conflict resolution skills. Students study The Seven Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey in our early Ethics classes. Additionally, we use the Peace First curriculum which teaches kids about Friendship, Communication, Sharing, Conflict Resolution, and Taking Action. Eventually, in Middle School, Ethics classes evolve into Community Council, a Service Learning and Student Council body. Additional Character Education celebration programs include the Virtue of the Month, the Student of the Week, the Leadership Ticket program, After School Class of the Month, and the Class of the Month.
- World Citizenship (Awareness) and Social Responsibility are encouraged through the study of other people and countries and through email and letter contacts with children throughout the world.
- Environmental Awareness and Stewardship are encouraged through study units and work projects as a way of affirming our connection with, and commitment to, the environment.
- Community Service is explicitly taught and students are required to take action outside of school beginning in Sixth Grade. Students learn the importance of sharing our talents and resources with others. All grades participate in two all-school community service events a year. All K through 8th Grade classes also conduct their own individualized community service project. Here they determine an area in the community that needs attention, develop an action plan, and take appropriate action to better the situation. In addition to the time spent on this project, students in Grades 6-8 are required to complete a specific number of additional hours of community service each year.
- Community Council, the middle school service learning class provides opportunities for students to learn many elements of community organization. Students find the leadership program that suits their interest. Whether they participate on the Friendship Team or the Fundraising Team, they are Skit Masters (who educate the younger students about the virtues of the month), Safety Monitors, Compost & Recycling Mentors, or part of the Communication Connection team, students learn what it takes to make a difference in the community.
- Teacher-Student Mentoring exists for all students in Sixth through Eighth Grades to provide additional academic, personal, and emotional support through the challenging middle school years. Each student is paired with his or her choice of faculty for special weekly meetings.
- New Student Mentoring provides each new middle school student with a returning student (usually in Seventh or Eighth Grade) to conduct a weekly check in on matters of social and academic support. We want all new students to know from the beginning how important they are to our Hilldale family.
- The Great Kindness Challenge is a national event which takes place in February. However, Hilldale was so inspired by this program that we have taken on weekly kindness challenges to inspire each other to be our best!

Get In Touch
Location: 79 Florence Street,
Daly City, CA 94014
Telephone: 844-358-1940
School Hours: M-F: 8:30am - 3:30PM