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Middle School at Hilldale empowers students through personal discovery, fostered independence, and elevated responsibility. From Sixth through Eighth grade, students develop key skills in self-regulation, goal-setting, and leadership. Through hands-on learning, electives, and service projects, they take charge of their educational journey while becoming multilingual - learning Spanish, Mandarin, and Russian - and exploring a variety of cultures along the way.
Students continue their learning journey, benefitting from a curriculum that focus on key themes each year with diverse electives.
Learners develop self-reflection, neurodiversity awareness, and community service skills, graduating with a strong sense of civic responsibility and empathy for others.
Students master Spanish while exploring Latin American culture, with Mandarin and Russian offered in the extended care program for even broader multilingual opportunities.
Students navigate their high school application journey with personalized mentoring, feedback, and support to ensure they feel confident and prepared.
Students become true leaders through Community Council leadership opportunities and by representing the school in prestigious competitions, such as the Scripps Spelling Bee, AMC 8, and local and state STEM Fairs.
Learners gain international opportunities through our International Schools Partnership ISP relationship, exploring diverse cultures and history. Through extended local trips, students build independence while connecting learning to nature, history, and literature.
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 8:25 am and after school until 6:00 pm.
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 emphasizes different themes each year, allowing students to focus on key concepts. By selecting diverse electives, they enhance their academic journey, gaining the life skills and knowledge needed for future challenges.
Cultivating critical thinkers and global citizens
Student dive into the study of history, geography, grammar, vocabulary, literature, government, and civil rights. Through inquiry-based and project-based learning, students develop analytical skills, understand diverse perspectives, and gain a comprehensive view of the world. This approach encourages them to think critically about societal structures and their roles as global citizens.
Problem-solvers for the future
Children engage with a curriculum that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking. Utilizing resources like Open Middle Problems, the Art of Problem Solving, and Singapore Dimensions Math, students tackle complex challenges, enhancing their mathematical reasoning. The curriculum integrates Algebra, Geometry, Data Science, and Statistics, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future academic pursuits and real-world applications. Nearly all middle schoolers elect to compete in the American Mathematics Competition each year, with stunning results.
Inspiring inquiry and hands-on exploration
Pupils experience a hands-on, project-based Science curriculum aligned with NGSS standards. Students explore Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Planetary Science through experiments and research, developing a deep understanding of scientific principles. The curriculum emphasizes the Scientific Method, encouraging students to pose questions, conduct experiments, and present their findings, fostering a spirit of inquiry and discovery. All students create individual projects for the annual Science Fair with several Middle School students progressing to the San Mateo County STEM Fair and the California Science & Engineering Fair each year.
Discover our world
Students enhance their global perspective by exploring regions such as Europe, Modern Asia, and the Middle East. They delve into cultures, governments, education systems, and religions, gaining valuable insight into how these societies function. Through inquiry-based learning and creative projects, students deepen their understanding of global connections. In each grade, they conduct in-depth studies of a specific country, culminating in a play production that shares their findings with the school community.
Creativity through exploration and expression
Students further delve into the world of art through hands-on projects that foster creativity, imagination, and independent thinking. They experiment with various mediums while exploring the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. By replicating masterworks and creating original pieces, students develop their artistic voice, learning about composition, color theory, perspective, history, and genre. The curriculum challenges students to think critically, plan, and execute their ideas, while building skills that prepare them for further artistic exploration.
Immersing in language and culture
Children embark on a journey through Latin American culture while learning the Spanish language. They begin with fundamental grammar and vocabulary, progressing to more complex topics such as verb conjugations and tenses. The curriculum emphasizes both language acquisition and cultural understanding through fun, interactive lessons that include research, presentations, and discussions. Students develop the ability to speak, write, and understand Spanish, gaining valuable skills for both academic and real-world communication. Advanced students can continue their studies in high school, building on their foundation of language and culture.
Explore musical expression
Students explore the world of music by learning to play the ukulele and creating original compositions. The curriculum encourages pupils to not only develop musical skills but also express their creativity. Students collaborate with peers to create music, produce podcasts, and conduct research while also gaining an appreciation for different musical genres. The program fosters teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, providing students with the foundation for future musical exploration.
Explore coding and digital design
Pupils delve into coding and digital design through hands-on projects and technology-driven learning. Students are introduced to programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, as well as logical thinking and problem-solving techniques. The curriculum also includes HTML and CSS, where students create digital portfolios, and emphasizes Digital Citizenship and responsible technology use. Students develop the skills needed for the digital age, preparing them for future opportunities in coding, design, and beyond. By creating their own projects and collaborating with peers to produce the yearbook, students become confident and creative users of technology.
Health and teamwork
Students engage in physical activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits. They participate in a variety of sports and fitness drills, learning the value of exercise, nutrition, and injury prevention. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of both individual and team-based activities, fostering communication, cooperation, and leadership skills. Students set and track fitness goals while participating in activities that help them develop strength, endurance, and coordination.
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 Middle School.
Start your day with the extended care program, offering opportunities for students to play and socialize before school.
The day begins with Homeroom - an opportunity to get organized, complete grade level jobs, and participate in self-awareness training.
The first lesson may include art, music, Spanish, physical education, or technology. Students explore subjects in depth and hands-on.
Settle in to an extended block of Humanities – covering writing, literature, and United States History.
Time to eat, relax, and enjoy free play with friends—an important social period in the day.
Direct access to science equipment to discover the "why" ignites learners as they gain knowledge of the world around them.
Using advanced curriculum, students enthusiastically engage in high school math concepts in depth.
Students choose from elective offerings to deep dive into passion projects and topics of interest.
Enjoy the extended care program, filled with exciting activities and new opportunities for students to explore, engage, and have fun.
At Hilldale School, students take ownership of their learning journey. Through our Middle School core learning pillars, they build academic excellence, essential life skills, multilingual fluency, and global awareness, becoming leaders ready for future success.
Embrace critical and analytical skills, excel academically and personalize your learning journey for success.
Develop self-reflection, a sense of community, and leadership skills to excel in academics, careers, and life.
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.
Receive tailored mentoring and guidance throughout the high school application process.
Students lead their own learning journey by choosing how to demonstrate understanding through creative projects, presentations, essays, tests, or group work. This student-led approach builds independence, confidence, and deep engagement.
Growth is at the core of every experience. Teachers support each student with personalized feedback and regular check-ins, offering the right balance of challenge and care to help them move forward.
Both formal and informal assessments celebrate progress and guide next steps. Standards-Based Grading provides clear insight into each student’s mastery, helping families track achievements and identify where support is needed. Grades are always accessible, and report cards are issued twice a year to provide comprehensive updates.
When learning is student-led and tailored to the individual, meaningful growth follows.
As students prepare to engage with the larger world they are provided multiple opportunities for self-reflection, learning about neurodiversity, and serving their community. With the tools collected throughout their years at Hilldale, students will graduate with a full understanding of their civic responsibility and a deep empathy for others.
By the time our students reach Middle School, they master Spanish, embarking on a journey through Latin American culture, traditions, and languages. This immersive experience enhances their communication skills and cultural understanding, preparing them for a globally connected world. From a field trip to a local taqueria to planning and executing our Mexican Market Day, Middle School Spanish students find real-world opportunities to practice their language skills. Many advance to higher-level Spanish in high school, reaching success in their multilingual future.
Additionally, our Extended Care Program offers the exciting opportunity to dive into Mandarin and Russian, broadening their linguistic and cultural horizons even further.
Through our ISP partnership, students gain global opportunities as they connect with peers worldwide and explore diverse cultures and histories.
Locally, our students take the lead in exploring new environments through extended Outdoor Education trips. Whether hiking through national parks or diving into literature and history, these journeys spark curiosity, build independence, and deepen connections to their learning. Sixth Graders might spend a week at NatureBridge or exploring Shakespeare in Ashland, while Seventh and Eighth Graders alternate between outdoor adventures and immersive visits to Washington D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg.
Students take charge of their high school application journey with strong guidance and support every step of the way. Starting in Seventh Grade, families receive an in-depth presentation with tools to kick off the search for the right fit. Students engage in a Mock Interview, conduct research on a school of their choice, and prepare for their application with an essay and interview responses. Teachers and parent volunteers provide immediate feedback, helping students refine their skills. In Technology Class, students create their Digital Portfolio, coding and showcasing their achievements for future applications. To ensure students feel supported throughout the process, a dedicated mentor works closely with them during a special period in the fall, offering personalized assistance and encouragement.
Eighth Grade students are set up for success. They gain acceptance to their top schools and earn honors, advanced placement, and academic scholarships. It’s a testament to their growth, dedication, and the opportunities they’ve had to prepare and thrive at Hilldale.
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At Hilldale we learn by preparing and failing. Both are part of growing into who we are.
Seventh Grade Student
Something I’ll always remember is the saying: “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” At Hilldale, we’re given the space to both prepare and fail because both are essential parts of learning and growing. Those opportunities have helped shape who I am.
Watch bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional children thrive in Hilldale’s accelerated program.
Begin a transformative journey with us; apply any time of the year.
Open up to infinite future opportunities at Hilldale's Middle School thanks to the guidance of our dedicated teachers and mentors.
