Approved by Washington State Board of Education since 1969
Member of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools
Approved by the NCAA
6,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, gym / theater barn and office on 5 acres of forest on Cougar Mountain
Macs and DSL available for student use
Our Graduates
Our graduates are accepted into top tier colleges and universities such as Harvard, Swarthmore, University of Chicago, Oberlin, MIT, Stanford, Whitman, Reed, and Bowdoin to name a few. Most importantly, our students emerge from Hillside as confident, active participants and leaders wherever they study.
Our Strengths
Challenging academics that hone critical thinking skills
Small classes of 3 – 13 students in which all students participate fully
Focus on students’ individual gifts
Honors distinctions may be earned in all classes in secondary school
Rotating 3-week blocks provide truly in-depth studies for secondary students
Individual counseling on appropriate courses and detailed references enhance students’ college applications
Visual arts offered within the academic curriculum
Public speaking skills gained through weekly drama classes,annual drama productions, and high school History Feast
Promotion of unusual competence in science research skills, writing, foreign language and math, often noted by colleges receiving our students
Skill based clubs that enrich our academic program and may be counted as credit towards graduation
Participation in Running Start Program in 12th grade allows seniors to earn college credit
Strong bond of community supports students’ education and lasts a lifetime
Our Curriculum
Integrated, challenging core curriculum of science, math, English, history, foreign language study and art
Core curriculum is balanced by elective choices
Students are enrolled in math courses by level of achievement (not by grade level)
Our Staff
11 teaching staff –1 to 5 ratio teacher – student ratio
4 Washington State teaching certificates
2 Artists in Residence Specialists
6 Master’s Degrees
6 Teachers with over 6 years at Hillside Student Community
4 support staff (technical and administrative)
Our Students
Approximately 50 students in grades 5-12 on an annual basis
Mix of honors students; students interested in writing, math, science, drama, fine arts; home schooled students seeking a community; competitive fencers – all of whom are excited about learning
Students commit to avoid use of substances illegal for minors including tobacco and alcohol
Students work out conflicts with school-directed conflict resolution methods
80% of our students participate in Running Start at the community college level in their senior year
