Frequently Asked Questions 

Early Learning Academy is a private preschool that serves as the early years foundation for families who value both nurturing care and academic challenge. As an academically focused early years school, ELA combines purposeful play, academic readiness, and social-emotional development in a nurturing environment. The school serves as the official early years partner to Hilldale School, offering families a smooth, developmentally appropriate path from preschool through elementary.

ELA School uses the Saxon curriculum, which engages young learners in brain-boosting activities that build language, math, motor, and social skills, which lead to fostering a love for learning. Early Learning Academy is a nurturing, early childhood education center designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and foundational learning in children ages 2 to 5. The school emphasizes social-emotional growth, academic readiness, and brain-based learning through the Saxon “I Wonder, I Discover, I Explore” curriculum.

Yes! Teachers closely observe and assess each child's progress multiple times a year, tailoring instruction to meet developmental milestones and readiness for Primary grades.

Yes. Extended care runs before school (7:00–8:30am) and after school (until 6:00pm), offering fun activities, social play, and additional learning opportunities.

While the primary focus is fast-tracking English fluency, young learners also begin Mandarin with weekly lessons, enriching their communication skills and global awareness.

ELA School is a feeder school for Hilldale School. While they operate from different campuses, they are now formally connected as part of the International Schools Partnership - ISP. This collaboration ensures a smooth educational transition and shared commitment to high academic and emotional standards.

Graduation from ELA does not guarantee automatic admission to Hilldale School, but the programs are aligned. Students are well-prepared to meet Hilldale’s academic expectations, and most ELA families transition seamlessly into Hilldale’s Kindergarten.

ELA’s curriculum is designed to build the academic, emotional, and behavioral foundation needed for success in Hilldale’s accelerated Kindergarten program. Assessment data, teacher recommendations, and readiness evaluations are part of the transition process.

ELA welcomes children starting at age 2. Flexible scheduling options are available for toddlers and preschoolers, while Pre-K students typically attend a full 5-day program.

Click on the Admissions tab to start the application process. Campus tours and info sessions are available upon request.

Basic documentation includes your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and a completed enrollment form. Additional evaluations or observations may be scheduled depending on the age and program.

Yes. Extended care runs before school (7:00am-8:30am) and after school (until 6.00pm), offering fun activities, social play, and additional learning opportunities.

While the primary focus is fast-tracking English fluency, young learners also begin Mandarin with weekly lessons, enriching their communication skills and global awareness.

The Early Learning Academy is located at 398 F Street, Colma, CA 94014. Furthermore, you can contact the academy by phone at 650) 755-8440.

A day at ELA includes indoor/outdoor play, themed learning sessions, snack and rest time, music and movement, and engaging activities that support developmental milestones.

ELA stands out for its integration of accelerated learning in a playful environment, small teacher-student ratios, and its connection to a highly respected academic institution—Hilldale School.

Hilldale offers a year-ahead, accelerated curriculum that goes beyond California State Standards and Common Core benchmarks. Subjects include Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies and Geography, taught in creative and engaging ways that promote knowledge, mastery and critical thinking.

It means students are working at least one grade level ahead in most academic subjects. Teachers use scaffolded instruction and enrichment opportunities to ensure advanced learners are challenged while feeling supported.

Hilldale uses a personalized approach that supports each child’s unique strengths. Differentiated instruction, small class sizes and frequent progress monitoring allow students to learn at their own pace and thrive across all areas of development.

Student growth is tracked through standards-based grading, teacher observations, and skill-specific assessments. The focus is on concept mastery and growth, not just traditional letter grades. For deeper insight into how student progress is measured and supported, click here to know.

Giftedness refers to students whose brains process information differently—often with strengths in one or more cognitive areas. It does not mean learning is always easy. Gifted learners may face social, emotional, or processing challenges that require thoughtful support and understanding.

Twice-exceptional students are both gifted and have a learning difference. They may need acceleration in some areas and support in others. Hilldale is committed to recognizing and nurturing both aspects, providing the tools and environment for each child to succeed.

No. While Hilldale specializes in gifted and 2e learners, the school welcomes all students who are ready for academic challenge and can benefit from an accelerated, supportive program.

Hilldale is best suited for students who are eager for academic challenge and ready to engage in an accelerated curriculum—typically working one year ahead of grade-level standards. Admission is based on readiness over age, meaning students must demonstrate not only academic ability but also social-emotional maturity for their grade.

The application process includes a comprehensive assessment, which may involve parent input, teacher recommendations, and a classroom visit to ensure each student will thrive in Hilldale’s learning environment. Fluency in English is essential, and for non-native speakers, 6–12 months of English immersion is recommended prior to entry.

To explore fit more deeply, we encourage families to review our admissions requirements and readiness criteria.

Hilldale does not rely solely on age for Kindergarten admission. Instead, readiness is assessed based on a child’s social, emotional, and academic development to ensure a strong fit for the program.

Yes. The Kindergarten program is accelerated, academically rich, and designed to prepare students for Hilldale’s rigorous curriculum starting in Grade 1. Emphasis is placed on early literacy, math, language, and social-emotional development.

Students begin Spanish in Kindergarten and continue through the Elementary grades. Latin is introduced in Fourth Grade, and Greek word roots are studied in Middle School to build vocabulary and strengthen English language mastery.

No. While not immersive, Hilldale provides regular, meaningful instruction in world languages, supporting communication skills, grammar, and cultural awareness.

Yes. Students must be fluent in English to fully participate in Hilldale’s curriculum. However, many students are bilingual, and the school values cultural and linguistic diversity. Children with strong comprehension but developing fluency in speaking may still qualify for Kindergarten.

Yes. Hilldale offers a variety of enrichment classes such as art, music, technology, and PE, along with after-school workshops including cooking, chess and Legoz. Students are also encouraged to pursue independent projects and leadership roles. To learn more about what’s available beyond the classroom, visit our Clubs, Sports & Opportunities page.

Yes. Hilldale provides Extended Care before school from 7:30am, and after school until 6:00pm. It includes structured activities, outdoor play, homework help, and enrichment options (some available for an additional fee).

School runs during regular day hours with optional before and after-care included. Exact classroom hours vary slightly by grade level.

Hilldale graduates are well-prepared for advanced coursework, often placing into honors and AP-level classes in High School. Through a balance of academic rigor and character development, students leave with the confidence, skills, and independence to thrive.

Yes. Students take on leadership roles in class projects, school events, and community activities. The school also connects to global learning through its collaboration with the International Schools Partnership - ISP.

Safeguarding is a top priority. The school fosters a safe, respectful, and caring environment. Every staff member shares the responsibility of keeping students physically and emotionally protected while empowering them to grow and take healthy academic risks. Click on Safeguarding to explore how we create this supportive culture, including training, supervision, and family involvement.

Students are guided to develop integrity, empathy, self-awareness, and responsibility. Daily routines and a supportive culture help learners build strong values and meaningful peer relationships.

Uniforms promote focus, equality, and a sense of belonging. With multiple comfortable options available, students can express themselves while maintaining a respectful and distraction-free learning environment.

Families may choose to pack lunch or order from School Foodies, a nutritious lunch service provider. Hilldale is a nut-free facility and encourages healthy eating habits.

Hilldale looks for students who are ready for academic challenges. Admissions may include a readiness assessment, academic records, and tools for younger students.

Yes. Hilldale is accredited through the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), ensuring quality, standards, and continuous improvement.

Absolutely. Hilldale welcomes students regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or physical ability. The school values inclusivity and a diverse community of learners.

Visit to explore more or schedule a personalized tour with our admissions team.