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From Third to Fifth grade, students build independence and critical thinking. Through inquiry-based learning and hands-on projects, our students explore, grow, and lay groundwork for future success.
Students benefit from a curriculum set a year ahead of grade-level expectations, featuring clear goals, hands-on and student-led learning, small classes, and flexible pacing based on readiness.
Learners develop skills in conflict resolution and self-regulation to engage appropriately in any situation and experience more joy in their relationships.
Students dive into Spanish, exploring and celebrating cultures as the entire school comes together for Mexican Market Day. Mandarin and Russian are also offered in extended care for even broader multilingual opportunities.
Students develop leadership skills through extracurricular activities, enhancing decision-making and teamwork, while learning to guide peers and shape their group’s success. They rise to the challenge by participating in national competitions, such as the Geography Bee and County STEM Fair, where some showcase their science projects.
Learners access international opportunities through our ISP partnership and participate in local school trips, exploring museums, immersing in nature, and working on special projects, all while developing cultural appreciation and collaboration skills.
Students discover their passions and build life skills and friendships through engaging before and after school activities, including creative workshops, homework time, playground fun, and language learning from 7:30 to 8:25am and after school until 6.00pm.
Our admissions process is simple and personalized, with our team guiding you every step of the way to ensure the best fit for your child.
Our curriculum focuses on clear goals for each grade, making learning intentional and meaningful. With a hands-on approach and opportunities for student choice, students explore new ideas, make connections, and take ownership of their growth.
Love of reading and critical thinking
Students light up with curiosity and discover the power of words. Literacy is about more than just reading: it’s about thinking, analyzing, and communicating ideas. Students read exciting novels, discuss their ideas in groups, and write creatively. Through interactive activities and book clubs, students develop their vocabulary, phonics, comprehension, and spelling skills. It’s all about fostering a love for reading while building the ability to analyze and think deeply about texts.
Expressing ideas through words
Students develop their writing skills by combining technical and creative approaches. They write stories, plays, and analytical responses and reflections to texts using strategies from Write Now, Right Now, helping them dig deeper into their ideas. Along the way, they learn to use literary tools like figurative language, irony, and foreshadowing. Students also practice writing different types of texts, like research papers and essays. With every new project, they build confidence, creativity, and communication skills, learning how to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Problem-solving and reasoning skills
Students grow as logical thinkers and build a deep understanding of calculation. Math is all about understanding concepts and solving problems. Using the Singapore Math mastery progression, students start with hands-on tools to grasp key concepts, then move on to real-life applications. From arithmetic to algebra, everyone learns at their own pace. Lessons are interactive, making math fun and engaging. By the end, students are not only confident in solving problems but also in explaining their thinking clearly, building strong reasoning skills.
Exploring through hands-on experiments
Children love exploring their surroundings and asking questions about the world around them. With the FOSS Science curriculum, they have the perfect opportunity to dive into these curiosities. In Third Grade, they study Earth Science, habitats, and energy; Fourth Grade covers Earth & Sun, mixtures and solutions, and living systems; and Fifth Grade explores water, weather, and natural disasters. Through inquiry and projects, students ask questions, discover how the world works, and think like real scientists. It's an exciting way to spark curiosity and build scientific thinking. Students explore Science hands-on through group or individual projects for the annual Science Fair.
Learning about the world around us
History is an adventure into our past!Through thrilling field trips and interactive simulations, students dive into the stories of different cultures and historical events. They connect the past to the present, exploring how the world has shaped who we are today. In Third Grade students dive into California history and Fourth Grade covers ancient world history leading into Fifth Grade's coverage of modern world history. With each new discovery, they learn what it means to be responsible, informed citizens, ready to make a difference in the world.
Build emotional and social skills
Students learn to navigate their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and build strong relationships. Ethics lessons are about empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. Students gain the tools to thrive in all areas of life. Using Soul Shoppe and the Social Thinking curriculum, they grow into kind, respectful individuals who understand themselves and others. It's about developing emotional intelligence and building a strong foundation for success, both in and out of school.
Exploring the world's cultures and histories
Students love discovering new stories from around the world. Students fall into an exciting journey exploring different cultures and regions. Through interactive lessons, they learn about geography, traditions, and history, making the world come alive. They’ll explore Canada, Scandinavia, and the Vikings in Third Grade, travel through the Eastern Mediterranean in Fourth Grade, and discover the vibrant cultures of Central and South America in Fifth Grade.These hands-on adventures highlights our global connections, helping students see the bigger picture and understand the world in a whole new way.
Deepening world language skills
Spanish classes help students build confidence in speaking and understanding the language. They learn new vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills using Symtalk workbooks. With fun games and activities, students explore Spanish-speaking cultures while enhancing their speaking, reading, and writing abilities. It's a hands-on approach to becoming bilingual!
Self-expression and creativity
Students dive into the world of lines, colors, textures, and forms, all while expressing their creativity in art class. They experiment with various materials, bringing their ideas to life through hands-on projects. Along the way, they explore art history, learning about famous artists and different cultural traditions. Fun activities and discussions help students build their skills, express themselves, and develop a lifelong love for art. It’s all about sparking imagination and enjoying the creative journey.
Step into our rhythm
Students dive into a world of sound and rhythm with music classes that are designed to explore different instruments, starting with percussion and moving to wind instruments. Through fun games and creative activities, children express themselves while learning music theory. Students experiment with new sounds and build their musical skills step by step. As they progress, they can try the alto and tenor recorder and even join the Recorder Ensemble! It’s all about creativity, teamwork, and having fun while making music.
Exploring the digital world
Students start by learning computer basics and digital citizenship, gradually building essential skills for the digital world. As they move through the grades, they dive into exciting projects, from coding to working with spreadsheets. By the time they reach Fourth and Fifth Grade, students tackle new challenges and explore key figures in technology. Through coding and digital citizenship, they not only learn the tools of today but also become creators of tomorrow's digital world.
Moving, playing, growing
Having fun and staying active go hand in hand! In Physical Education (PE), students develop foundational movement skills while enjoying activities like running, jumping, and obstacle courses, improving coordination, balance, and motor control. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. Through team games and activities, students learn teamwork, communication and social skills. They also explore health and wellness, discovering the importance of staying active, while building strength, flexibility and endurance through various sports.
Each day at Hilldale School is filled with learning opportunities for growth and exploration. While schedules differ across age groups, here's a glimpse of what takes place between lessons in our Elementary Grades.
Start your day with the extended care program, offering opportunities for students to explore, engage, and play before school.
The day begins with a warm welcome, morning routines, and connection time with classmates and teachers.
Students participate in an extended block of Language Arts where they develop reading comprehension, fluency, and composition skills through engaging activities.
A mid-morning snack and outdoor recess keep students energized, refreshed, and ready to learn through movement, play, and social time.
Math centers give children the opportunity to spend small group time with the teacher as well as extend learning through games and technology.
Time to eat, relax, and enjoy free play with friends, an important social period in the day.
Learning resumes with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and discovery in Science.
The afternoon continues with instruction by specialists in art, music, Spanish, physical education, or technology. Students explore subjects in depth and hands-on.
A quick recharge to refresh minds before diving into the next adventure.
Social Studies brings a chance to connect with history and cultures around the world.
Students organize their materials, record their homework, and prepare to head home feeling confident and accomplished.
At Hilldale School, students cultivate independence as they grow into confident learners and thoughtful peers. Through our Elementary Grades core pillars, they strengthen academics, develop self-regulation, explore new languages and cultures, and broaden their perspectives. These experiences foster their growth and empower them to become leaders of their own learning.
Enjoy accelerated learning the builds confidence, enhances skills, and deepens understanding.
Develop essential life skills to understand yourself, appreciate others, and thrive both academically and personally.
Students grow confidently in English and Spanish, while continuing to develop their home language.
Through global skill-building programs and local school trips, students cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Elementary Grades students are supported every step of the way, with teachers meeting them where they are. Through small groups, tailored feedback, and regular check-ins, students are seen and challenged to grow. Focused assessments track progress, celebrate achievements, and guide next steps, helping students develop a love for learning.
Students take ownership of their learning, choosing how to demonstrate their understanding through creative projects or presentations. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, building resilience and confidence. With Standards-Based Grading, parents can easily see their child’s progress and where additional support may be needed.
Students explore friendship skills and conflict resolution through carefully crafted curriculum, using tools from "Soul Shoppe "and "Peace First." They explore the "Zones of Regulation" and the "Social Thinking" curriculum which provide them with the strategies to engage appropriately with any situation. Students learn about what helps them to self-regulate so as to experience more joy in their relationships.
Elementary Grades students strengthen their Spanish skills, building confidence and multilingual foundations through the "Symtalk" program.
They practice dialogues, present cultural insights, and translate stories.
Moreover, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in culture as the entire school celebrates Mexican Market Day, enjoying food, dance, and, of course, the piñata.
As students broaden their linguistic horizons, our Extended Care Program offers Mandarin and Russian, allowing for continued cultural exploration. Finally, starting in Fourth and Fifth grade, our students journey into the past, learning Latin to explore language structure and culture.
Students gain global opportunities through our ISP partnership, as they connect with peers worldwide and explore diverse cultures and histories.
Starting in Third grade, students have the opportunity to explore history through local school trips, such as visiting Old Sacramento to pan for gold, experience a working printing press, and tour the railroad museum. Fourth graders immerse themselves in nature and social-emotional learning during a three-day stay at the Web of Life Field School. Fifth graders join the MOSAIC project for five days, collaborating with students from diverse backgrounds to better understand our shared connections.
Students' unique learning needs are supported from the start. Begin a transformative journey with us, apply any time of the year.
Watch bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional children thrive with confidence in Hilldale’s accelerated Elementary curriculum.
