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From Kindergarten to Second Grade, learning is interactive, fun, and meaningful. By nurturing curiosity, we help children develop a love for learning. Through our advanced curriculum and hands-on exploration, they build essential foundational skills that spark a passion for their academic journey and future learning.
Students benefit from a curriculum typically built one year ahead of grade level that blends Core Knowledge and The Art of Problem Solving, engaging with student-driven learning, small class sizes, and flexible pacing based on individual readiness.
Students develop social-emotional skills through guidance and lessons, learning empathy, goal-setting, and building strong, healthy relationships.
Primary learners start their multilingual journey with Spanish, exploring vocabulary and cultures. Mandarin and Russian are also offered in extended care program, to extend their exposure to new languages.
Students develop leadership skills through extracurricular activities, sports and clubs, rising to the challenge by participating in national competitions, such as geography bees and STEM fairs showcasing their science projects.
Learners access international opportunities through the International Schools Partnership – ISP and engage in local trips to farms and museums, connecting learning to community experiences.
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.
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.
Through our curriculum, which includes elements from Core Knowledge and The Art of Problem Solving, students build a strong academic foundation, helping them master essential skills through structured, meaningful content across various subjects.
Learning through language explorationStudents engage with diverse genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, through hands-on activities and group work. Kindergarten focuses on building phonics skills and phonemic awareness, while First Grade deepens comprehension and grammar. Second Graders integrate their reading and writing with more complex texts, including novels and biographies.
The curriculum emphasizes interactive learning, including creative projects, presentations, and collaborative activities, fostering both a love for literacy and a strong foundation in language arts that supports lifelong learning and self-expression.
Writing for expression and communicationStudents learns and enjoy in our writing program, where the Write Now, Right Now curriculum offers a clear and effective framework for success. Learners begin by exploring various writing forms, from expository to narrative, while honing skills like sentence structure and organization. Kindergarteners focus on forming clear sentences and neat handwriting, while older students craft stories and learn cursive.
Through engaging creative projects, including the Young Author Project, students refine their writing, express themselves and build a solid foundation for effective written communication.
Building a strong foundation in number senseStudents explore numbers through an experiential learning approach, starting with manipulatives in the concrete stage, moving to pictorial representation, and finally mastering abstract algorithms. This approach is all part of our focus on conceptual understanding before procedural fluency using Singapore Math.
Our approach includes hands-on activities, technology tools, and small group leveled learning. Each child’s needs are addressed through differentiated instruction, helping them develop strong math skills in an enjoyable, engaging environment that fosters curiosity, communication, and problem-solving.
Discovering the world through inquiryStudents experiment and explore their world through hands-on activities in Science. Our Kindergarteners in Daly City observe plants, animals and weather. First Graders explore the properties of matter and conduct experiments.
By Second Grade, students engage in deeper studies of life cycles and forces, conducting experiments and exploring these concepts through projects and field trips. Beginning in Kindergarten students participate in the all-school Science Fair which builds curiosity and critical thinking and develops a passion for science.
Exploring our world and its peopleStudents explore History, Geography, and culture by studying historical figures like Ruby Bridges and learning about diverse world cultures, fostering empathy and critical thinking through our curriculum.
Kindergarteners and First Graders study the foundational concepts of community, Economy, History, and Geography. Cultural traditions are celebrated with parties and parent presentations. Second Graders dive into U.S. geography, researching states and creating presentations. Through interactive lessons, students learn about the world, fostering an appreciation for diversity and responsible citizenship.
Growing with kindness and responsibilityFrom Kindergarten to Second Grade, children develop character and ethics through programs such as 7 Habits of Happy Kids and Soul Shoppe, while embracing Hilldale’s core habits. Kindergarten focuses on emotional intelligence and problem-solving through interactive activities, and First Grade emphasizes personal growth, kindness, and responsible citizenship.By Second Grade, students explore friendship and social navigation, developing empathy and making responsible decisions. Our ethics curriculum lays the foundation for good citizenship and personal growth through collaborative activities and thoughtful lessons. Hilldale introduces Social Thinking curriculum, created by Michelle Garcia-Winner, to learn about "Being a Social Detective." The Soul Shoppe Organization comes in to teach the students how to identify and respond to big feelings.
A journey around the worldLearners embark on a cultural journey in our program, exploring countries and regions around the world. Kindergarteners explore Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and continents and oceans, while First Graders learn about Africa’s cultures, geography and animals.
Second Graders study India, China, and Japan, learning through books, national holidays, and even field trips like visiting the Japanese Tea Garden. At year-end, each grade presents their findings during the school’s International Fair, promoting global citizenship and empathy.
Creativity meets problem-solvingChildren engage in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) projects in Makers class, using everyday materials to design and create innovative solutions, from rocket ships to parks, promoting critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Students learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and the creative process as they transform recycled items into functional, imaginative designs. This hands-on class encourages collaboration, fosters creativity, and builds essential problem-solving skills.
Learning a new language and cultureStudents start by learning basic vocabulary and phrases, such as greetings and family members, through songs, stories, and activities. First Graders expand their skills with simple sentence structures and translation exercises, while Second Graders gain cultural knowledge of festivals and customs from Spanish-speaking countries.
Through interactive lessons, students develop language proficiency, grammar, and writing skills and a deeper understanding of global cultures, helping them become global citizens.
Expressing creativity through visual artsChildren nurture creativity and self-expression as they explore fundamental elements including color, texture, and form while developing fine motor skills. They work with various mediums, including paint, pastels, and clay to bring their artistic visions to life.
Through guided projects and art history lessons, students learn about famous artists and cultural art movements. The program fosters a love for art and allows students to express themselves creatively while reinforcing connections across subjects.
Developing musicality and expressionStudents learn to the basics of music, including note values, rhythm, and singing. Kindergarteners start with basic music theory, and First Graders explore percussion instruments like the glockenspiel.
Second Graders have fun learning wind instruments including the flutophone. Through participatory music lessons, students develop rhythm, coordination, and a love for music, building a strong foundation for future musical exploration.
Digital literacy for the futureStudents begin learning computer literacy and digital citizenship through integrated lessons in literacy and math. By First Grade, students explore hardware and software, becoming familiar with tools like Google Suite.
In Second Grade, students create projects using word processing and presentation programs, developing essential technology skills for the future. Our curriculum equips students with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and creatively.
Learning through movementChildren foster fitness and teamwork through activities like running, jumping, and team games. They develop essential motor skills, balance and coordination while participating in fun exercises and games.
Our program promotes health and wellness, teaching students the importance of physical activity and healthy habits. With a focus on inclusivity and fun, students build strength, flexibility, and endurance while learning valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance.
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 Primary 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 engage in vibrant, focused literacy centers designed to support and inspire a love of reading.
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.
A short reset before jumping back into the afternoon’s learning adventures.
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.
Enjoy the extended care program, filled with exciting activities and new opportunities for students to explore, engage, and have fun.
At Hilldale School, students grow in confidence as they become independent learners and thoughtful peers. Through our Primary Grades core learning pillars, they build strong academic foundations, express themselves with empathy, and explore new languages in a multilingual environment. These early experiences support their growth and prepare them to engage with the world with curiosity and care.
Experience a tailored learning journey that nurtures growth and enhances knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Build social-emotional intelligence with patient practice to thrive in academics and personal lives.
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.
Primary grades learners build strong reading foundations with support tailored to their needs. Teachers track progress through regular assessments and adjust instruction to match each child’s pace. Students learn in levelled groups, gaining confidence as they grow.Mistakes are seen as part of the learning process, encouraging a growth mindset. With clear feedback and standards-based grading, students stay focused on real progress, gaining the tools they need for lasting success.
Our students build strong social-emotional skills through caring guidance and intentional lessons. They learn to understand their emotions, make thoughtful choices, and care for others. Through the "Seven Habits of Happy Kids," children develop empathy, set goals, and build healthy relationships. These tools help them grow with confidence and thrive in their community.
Primary grades students begin their multilingual journey in Kindergarten with Spanish, learning vocabulary through songs, games and creative activities. They build early skills in listening, speaking and writing while exploring the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.To support curiosity and global understanding, students can also explore Mandarin and Russian in our Extended Care Program. This provides additional opportunities to grow in both language skills and cultural awareness from an early age.
Primary Grade students experience hands-on learning through local field trips to museums, farms, and beaches, connecting classroom learning to the world around them. In Second Grade, students dive deeper into San Francisco history with visits to City Hall, Golden Gate Park and Chinatown.From Kindergarten onward, students participate in the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Competition. Beginning in First Grade, they take part in the Scripps Spelling Bee as they build confidence, communication skills and, a love of learning.
Hilldale school is awesome. It's a really good learning community.
First Grade Student
Hilldale School is awsome, it’s a vibrant, and with welcoming learning community. Everyone here wants you to succeed and grow, both academically and personally.
Students' unique learning needs are supported from the start. Begin a transformative journey with us, apply any time of the year.
Grow, create, and succeed at Hilldale School. Apply today and start a journey in our Primary Grades that empowers bright, gifted, and 2e children.
