Life at Hillwood

With its small number of students, Hillwood Academic Day School's atmosphere produces a family like feel. Because of the size of the school and its pupils, teachers are able to direct more attention toward each student, children feel more encouraged to learn and don't feel held back. Everything about this school, the teachers, the classrooms, even the backyard, feels comfortable with its intimate essence.

When I was four and a half, newly enrolled in Hillwood, I was so excited to be learning how to read. Though "See Spot Run" doesn't seem like much, it was a big deal for me, a kid who was tired of knowing only the alphabet song and how to count to 100 in pre-school. Here, I felt the supportive and familiar character of the school from the beginning. Now in the eighth grade, working on algebra and excerpts from The Odyssey, I still feel inspired by the great teachers here.

It's also very nice to be in a place where you know everyone's name and where everyone knows yours. Being in such a small group makes me feel not so inclined to just follow the crowd. I think that such a relaxed environment can bring out a person's individuality because you don't feel the peer pressure as much as you would in a class of 30.

Classes that are offered include: math, English, science, history, art, Spanish, and chorus. In addition, we also have a period on Friday morning where the uppergraders work on the school's blog, The Hillwood Herald, directed by parent volunteer Ms. Moorhead. The academics, are taught by the teacher of the class, art, by parent volunteer , Ms. Anna H., Spanish, by Senorita Lidia, and chorus, by Ms. Schmitt. Our K-1st grade teacher is Ms. Dawson, our 2nd-4th grade teacher is Ms. Tom, and our 5th-8th grade teacher is Mrs. Woods. In the kindergarten and first grade classroom, beginner's books like Fun with Dick and Jane and those by Dr. Seuss line bookshelves. Starting from the second grade, students work on their multiplication and division. In the uppergrades, we work on pre-algebra and algebra as well as Shakespearean writing and Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

(Is this long enough? Should I add more?)
by Brigette W.