Age 2 - 14
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At Hilldale School, the magic happens both inside and outside the classroom.
Our curriculum is extended with enrichment opportunities allowing students to develop essential life skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Through a variety of clubs, sports, and national competitions, students become confident, curious individuals. Whether they're leading a Community Council event, competing in House Games, or participating in our Extended Care Program, Hilldale students thrive in an environment that nurtures their growth and fosters a strong sense of community.
Our students enjoy unparalleled global learning experiences through International School Partnership's programmes. They connect with peers worldwide, engage in international exchanges, and participate in unique initiatives like ISP Model United Nations and ISP Filmmakers. Find out which ones are running this term!Â
5 to 18 years
14 to 18 years
8 to 18 years
12 to 18 years
11 to 18 years
13 to 18 years
ISP Artists
Programme highlights
ISP Artists encourages the artistic exploration of ISP students by providing them with guided activities to inspire their creative expression. Their work is then curated and shared in virtual spaces and schools through exhibitions.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: Know different artistic movements and their role in enabling individual and collective expression
Skills: Be able to use and apply a range of different artistic techniques and mediums for self-expression
Understanding: Develop an understanding of one's own feelings, thoughts and perspectives and represent them through artistic projects
Confidence: Grow confidence in expressing feelings creatively and in the ability to display outputs to an audience in a meaningful way
In collaboration with:
Life competencies
In this brand new programme you will have the opportunity to watch your child grow their creative confidence as they dive into an enriching art framework exclusively designed by the ILOS team for students and teachers of ISP Artists. This framework will allow students to explore their creativity as they familiarise themselves with different techniques, mediums and themes. Additionally, students will participate in two live-streamed sessions facilitated by experts in the field who will support the students in developing their creative confidence.
ISP Chess Masters
ISP Chess Masters grows students’ skills and teamwork by connecting them with other ISP students to play fast chess in online and in-person tournaments in local, regional and global contexts.
Knowledge: Know how to decode an issue and the strategies that can be used for structured problem-solving
Skills: Be able to apply logical reasoning and mental flexibility to make effective decisions
Understanding: Develop an understanding of gameplay by recursively growing spatial reasoning and strategy making abilities
Confidence: Grow confidence in decision-making skills to make effective choices to engage in gameplay
I love chess and having the opportunity to get better at it through tournaments is simply amazing. You can share ideas about moves and your style of playing at the same time as playing, you can play with people you don't know and all of that with no material needed, just a computer.
Student, Fontenebro International School, Spain
ISP Cultural Exchange
ISP Cultural Exchange encourages reciprocal exchange across regions where ISP schools are located. The aim is to offer students the opportunity to experience a culture different from their own through a homestay and attending another ISP school for a month.
Knowledge: Know about a range of cultures, traditions and history
Skills: Develop language and communication skills, cultural competence, autonomy and self-confidence
Understanding: Develop understanding of individuals, communities and global issues using social awareness and empathy
Confidence: Grow confidence from being immersed in new cultures and learning in new settings
Our daughter had a great time, learned a new culture, more independence and she met a great host family and many new friends.
Parent, Lady Elizabeth School Spain
ISP Scientists
ISP Scientists provides a unique opportunity for students to become citizen scientists and contribute to real-world STEM research projects like mapping the journey of missing plastic waste or tracking their habits to measure their environmental impact.
Knowledge: Know more about the impact of different industries in the environment
Skills: Be able to apply enquiry-based learning to carry out scientific research
Understanding: Develop an understanding of individual habits as well as the collective environmental impact
Confidence: Grow confidence in the impact that actions have in creating sustainable change in the environment
I would recommend this programme to my friends or another student because this program helped me improve a lot in different areas. (...), I also learned some extremely valuable knowledge about plastic and how we are harming the planet. Not only that, this program can help save the world and it is an experience worthy of undergoing.
Student, Tenby Schools - Setia Eco Gardens, Malaysia
ISP Filmmakers
ISP Filmmakers is a multi-disciplinary project in which students learn the importance of collaboration in achieving the common goal of producing a film, its trailer and poster. It provides insights into career pathways in film and media.
Knowledge: Know about a range of different technical aspects required to plan and execute media projects
Skills: Be able to collaborate effectively in creative teams with diverse roles and talents
Understanding: Develop an understanding of the different steps of collaborative creative projects
Confidence: Grow confidence in creative abilities and appropriately share the know-how with the team
This programme really improves your understanding of filmmaking, planning, scenes shots and will really help you on your application later on for university. It also teaches you to work together on camera shots and editing that for sure will be needed in the future.
Student, The Aquila School United Arab Emirates
ISP Virtual Exchange
ISP Virtual Exchange encourages classrooms to do a reciprocal virtual exchange of interactive activities with other ISP schools around the globe. This a great opportunity to become familiar with different cultures and build international friendships.
Understanding: Develop an understanding of individuals, communities and global issues using social awareness and empathy
Confidence: Grow confidence from being immersed in a new culture and learning in new settings
When I finished with my first meeting I immediately understood how learning about other cultures is very important to help us understand our own.
Student, MILE Bilingual School, Italy
ISP Model United Nations
ISP MUN supports students as they learn about diplomacy, international relations, research techniques, public speaking and debating which leads to them becoming delegates in Model United Nations Committee both online and in person.
Knowledge: Know about international relations, diplomacy, geography, history and current political affairs
Skills: Be able to use and apply research, writing and public speaking skills
Understanding: Develop an understanding of conflict resolution and effective tools to engage in multicultural contexts
Confidence: Grow confidence in debating with students in international contexts
Model United Nations has helped me to gain so much new knowledge regarding world issues. My public speaking skills have improved tremendously and I have become more confident.
Student, Asia Pacific Schools, Malaysia
AMC 8 Math Challenge
Basketball
Chess Club
Community Council
Fundraising and event planning
Cooking Club
DnD Club
Ecology
Football
Geography Bee
Gardening
House Points
Gain points
Lacrosse
Mandarin Language Classes
Math Club
Naturebridge programming
Photography
Robotics Club
Russian Language Classes
Sew Krafty Kids Club
Science Fairs
Scripps Spelling Bee
The Student Leaders
Weekly recognitions
The Mosaic Project
Washington DC and Williamsburg
Web Of Life Field School
Handwriting Competition
Confident problem-solvers from our Middle School take on the nationally recognized AMC 8 competition, where logic meets creativity. With recent high-scoring participants, students grow as analytical thinkers, deepening their mathematical understanding while rising to national standards.
Elevate your game with basketball, a sport that combines speed, skill, and teamwork. Dribble, pass, and shoot your way to success, while building strong bonds with your teammates.
All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced players. Learn the fundamentals, challenge yourself in competitive matches, and build critical thinking skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Our Middle School students dive into leadership through the Community Council. They organize fundraisers and plan exciting events like the end-of-the-year carnival and the Middle School Dance. This hands-on experience not only fosters teamwork and school spirit but also empowers students to take initiative, make decisions, and see their ideas come to life, creating a vibrant and engaging school community.
Chef It Up 2 Go brings the excitement of cooking right into the classroom. Through engaging, hands-on lessons, students learn food safety, preparation, and nutrition while making delicious recipes. It’s a fun and interactive way to build culinary skills, spark creativity, and enjoy the joy of cooking with friends.
Dungeons and Dragons Club
Students develop creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking as they create characters, solve challenges, and navigate imaginative worlds. It’s a fun and immersive way to strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and connect with peers through collaborative storytelling.
Students dive into the study of ecosystems, conservation, and environmental science through interactive activities and projects. This club helps them develop a deeper understanding of the natural world while fostering a strong sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility.
Dive into the dynamic world of football, where strategy, strength, and teamwork are key. Tackle challenges head-on and work together to achieve victory on the field.
With curiosity as their compass, students from Third to Eighth grade dive into global knowledge through our National Geographic-style Geography Bee. They strengthen research skills, sharpen memory, and grow into informed, globally minded learners.
Students connect with nature by learning about plant care, sustainability, and ecology while growing their own garden. This hands-on experience fosters a love for the environment, encourages responsibility, and cultivates a sense of environmental stewardship.
Our Middle School students earn Hilldale House points by showcasing leadership around campus and excelling in House Games. This system motivates students to take initiative, demonstrate responsibility, and actively contribute to their house's success. Through various activities and competitions, students develop essential leadership skills and foster a strong sense of community and teamwork. From spirited competitions such as trivia and athletics to the fan-favorite MarioKart Tournament, students gain confidence and practice collaborative leadership in a fun, supportive environment. Teachers and administrators also award House Points for actions that reflect Hilldale’s core values, such as participating in Spirit Days or completing campus responsibilities with pride.
Embrace the fast-paced excitement of lacrosse, where agility, teamwork, and strategy come together. Push your limits and experience the thrill of scoring goals and defending your team.
Students gain valuable language skills through personalized instruction in small groups, improving their ability to communicate in Mandarin. The classes foster cultural understanding, boost confidence in language use, and provide a strong foundation for further language learning.
Descartes Learning Club helps students enhance their mathematical skills through engaging games, puzzles, and problem-solving activities. With small class sizes and expert instructors, students build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and develop a genuine love for mathematics in a fun and supportive environment.
Trips for Sixth Grade may include a week at Naturebridge aligning with their Science curriculum or a week in Ashland, Oregon immersing in the world of the Shakespeare Festival.
Students explore the art of photography, learning techniques, composition, and editing skills. This club offers a creative outlet for artistic expression, allowing students to capture the world from new perspectives while developing a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling.
Students gain valuable experience in technology and engineering while building and programming robots, exploring electronics and physics, and collaborating on creative projects. It’s a fun, hands-on way to strengthen problem-solving skills, boost confidence, and inspire innovation.
Students enhance their Russian language skills, whether starting from scratch or refining grammar and writing abilities. With instruction from a native speaker, the classes offer a personalized and engaging experience that fosters language development and cultural understanding.
A haven for creativity, this club teaches students the basics of sewing such as threading needles and sewing on buttons, all while working on fun, hands-on DIY projects. It’s the perfect mix of imagination, skill-building, and fun.
Science Fairs & Junior Innovators Challenge
Curious minds showcase their discoveries at our School Science Fair and the San Mateo County STEM Fair. Science Fair is required for all grades, beginning with a whole-class project in the Primary Grades, evolving into small group projects in Third Grade, and culminating in individual projects from Fourth through Eighth Grade. Guided by inquiry and innovation, standout projects have advanced to state-level recognition and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, empowering students to explore real-world science.
From First to Eighth grade, students step into the spotlight to compete in this exciting all-school spelling challenge. Advancing through each round, they build confidence, resilience, and language mastery - all while celebrating the power of words with their peers.
Student leaders shine at weekly assemblies, showcasing their growth in the Hilldale Habits of Respect, Leadership, and Independent, Lifelong Learning. These habits are the foundation of our community, encouraging students to respect others, lead by example, and embrace lifelong learning. Our assemblies celebrate these values, creating an energetic and supportive environment where students are recognized for their achievements and inspired to continue growing.
Fifth Graders visit the MOSAIC project for 5 days blending with students from a variety of schools and socio-economic backgrounds to learn about our interconnectivity.
Seventh and Eighth Graders often travel together, alternating between a camping or hiking excursion and a tour of Washington D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg.
WOLF
Fourth Graders spend 3 days at the Web of Life Field School for immersion into nature and social-emotional learning.
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Competition
From early writers in Kindergarten to skilled communicators in Eighth grade, students take pride in self-expression through handwriting. Their commitment to excellence has earned recognition in this prestigious national contest, highlighting both care and craftsmanship.
Students enter the Middle School House Program at the end of Fifth Grade, joining one of three houses - Respect, Leadership, or Independent Lifelong Learning - based on their strengths. The program increases collaboration and spirit, empowers leadership, and builds confidence through shared goals, competitions, and recognition.
Designed for students of all ages, our Extended Care Program operates daily before school from 7:30 to 8:25 am and after school until 6:00 pm. Mornings start with outdoor play and time to catch up with friends. In the afternoon, students enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, language classes, and workshops. With Homework Club, supervised playground time, and healthy snacks, every moment supports learning, creativity, and connection in a safe, nurturing environment.
Experience the magic at Hilldale School. Join our extended care program, clubs, and sports today.
