Hill High School

Hill High School provides a college preparatory education for students with average to above average intelligence who learn differently. Students pursue a standard high school curriculum that is fully accredited by the same organization as most public schools and universities: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All teachers receive specialized training in All Kinds of Minds - Schools Attuned within one year of employment, and most have a variety of other specialized training, as well.

Hill School provides a strong foundation for students planning on pursuing a university education. A rigorous curriculum encourages students to stretch to their maximum capability, while providing continuous support to ensure that concepts and ideas are presented in a variety of ways before moving to the next level. Students attend two instructional periods of English and Literature each day with a focus on reading in earlier grades and Critical Writing in the senior year. A reading fluency program is offered in 9th and 10th grade to those students who need remedial instruction, and Algebra II is taught over two years to ensure that all concepts are mastered. With over 100 students enrolled in grades 9-12, Hill High School provides a complete campus-based school environment for students, while maintaining small class sizes to allow for attention to the learning needs of each student.

The majority of Hill students achieve acceptable ACT and SAT scores to attend the appropriate college of their choice. Score ranges vary widely, as would be expected with the variety of learning differences served, but several students each year score in the top percentiles, with 2009 marking the first year a Hill student was recognized as a National Merit commended scholar. Hill School is an authorized testing site for taking ACT and SAT tests with modifications, and the College/Career Counselor will assist students with test applications.

Athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular service and leadership activities are an essential part of a well-rounded education. Hill School supports students' development of their affinities and talents with wide-ranging opportunities which are explored in more detail under Fine Arts and Athletics sections of the website. Hill School athletic teams have won several regional and state titles, and Fine Arts students in both drama and visual arts have received high ratings in regional competitions. Students are encouraged to participate in both Athletics and Fine Arts, and events are scheduled to avoid conflicts whenever possible.

In addition to Athletic and Fine Arts events, annual activities include a Homecoming Dance, Junior/Senior Prom, "Game Nights" at the school, and a variety of field trips locally and across the state for specific groups. Student-led groups include the Student Council, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Thespian Society, and National Honor Society.

Accreditation/Affiliations

National Association of Independent Schools
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Texas Christian Athletic Fellowship
Recognized Exemplary School - All Kinds of Minds Institute
Texas Independent School Consortium
National Association of College Admissions Counseling
Texas Association of College Admissions Counseling

Professional Staff

32 full time Teachers
9 part time Teachers
37% with advanced degrees
100% with specialized training
Average class size 9 students
Student/Teacher ratio 7:1

Calendar

36 weeks, two semesters
Six 50 minute periods, 5 times per week
Two 75 minute class periods, 2-3 times per week

Grades

(Grades are unweighted, unless otherwise indicated)
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = Below 70
Academic rank in class is not included on transcript, but top 10% of graduating class is noted by Valedictorian & Salutatorian designations

Graduation

Generally, one credit is earned for each yearlong course and .5 credit is given for each semester course. Twenty-four credits earn the Recommended Diploma and the Distinguished Diploma is obtained by 24 credits and advanced measures, such as an original research project, acceptable grades in college academic courses, and/or acceptable scores on National Testing exams. An Approved Diploma is occasionally offered for 22 credits. Seventy hours of community service are also required for graduation.

Recommended Diploma Requirements (Course Offerings)

English: 4 credits

Reading: 2 credits

Critical Writing: 1 credit

Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Math Models, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus): 3 credits

Science (Biology, IPC, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, A & P): 3 credits

Social Studies (World History, World Geography, American History): 3 credits

Government: .5 credit

Economics: .5 credit

Foreign Language (Spanish, ASL): 2 credit

Communication Applications: .5 credit

Health: .5 credit

Technology (Desktop Publishing, Computer Applications, Media): 1 credit

PE (Athletics, Fitness): 1.5 credits

Fine Arts (Art, Band, Theater): 1 credit

Electives (Psychology, Yearbook, Media, Digital Photography): 5 credits

College Placement

Past graduates have been accepted to Abilene Christian University, Arizona State University, Baylor University, Beacon College, Boston University, Chicago Institute of Art, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Hardin Simmons University, Landmark College, Lincoln Technical Institute, Lon Morris College, McMurry University, Midwestern State University, Mount Ida College, Muskingham College, Northwood University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma State University, Sam Houston State University, Southern Methodist University, St. Edwards University, Schreiner University, Stephen F. Austin University, Tarleton State University, Tarrant County Community College, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas A&M College Station, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, Texas Wesleyan University, University of Alabama, University of Houston, University of Indianapolis, University of North Texas, University of the Ozarks, and Worchester Polytechnic University.