Our Story
Celebrating the Difference Since 1973.
What started as a one-room tutoring service, Hill School has grown into Fort Worth’s only full-service, full-experience school for students with learning differences.
Nestled in a neighborhood between I-20 and TCU, the Hill School of Fort Worth is more than a school. It’s a community of passionate faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing our students who learn differently with the tools and support they need to succeed. It’s a safe place where students can experience new opportunities, find success in the classroom, and develop lifelong social skills.
History of Hill School
-
Humble Beginnings
1961
Hill School’s precursor established: a tutorial service with a single teacher and a single student.
1973
Hill School is incorporated as a for-profit private school, housed in a one room-facility on McCart Avenue in South Fort Worth.
1981
Continued enrollment growth prompts a move to a converted house on Lubbock Street. (pictured)
1983
Lucille Helton (pictured) hired as Executive Director. Five new teachers hired.
1985
Hill School of Fort Worth, Inc. receives non-profit designation.
-
Building a Brighter Future
1988
Launch of Phase I of the “Building a Brighter Future” Capital Campaign, a $2,000,000 fundraising drive to help relocate the school.
1990
Hill School purchases and renovates a shopping center on Odessa Avenue, home of the new campus.
1995
The Board of Trustees purchases additional land and kicks off the $1.7 million Phase II of the capital campaign to further expand the school.
-
Growth & Expansion
1998
A state-of-the-art Cafetorium (cafeteria and auditorium) is completed. Additional capital campaign money is set aside for expansion and further renovation of the middle school.
1999
Hill School adds a 9th grade class with the intent of adding a new high school grade every year.
2000
The Hill High School addition to campus is completed.
-
Growing Together
2001
Upon Lucille Helton’s retirement, Greg Owens follows as Executive Director.
2002
Hill School named a National Exemplary School by the All Kids of Minds Institute.
2003
First senior class graduates from the Hill High School.
2004
Hill High School reaches capacity enrollment after only five years of operation.
2008
Hill School named a National School of Distinction by All Kinds of Minds Institute.
-
Not Losing Momentum
2009
1:1 technology initiative began, issuing a computer to each Middle & Upper School student.
2011
Fort Worth Campus extends its programming to include 1st grade. Audrey Bode-Davis succeeds Greg Owens as Executive Director.
2013
Hill School celebrates 25 years of being accredited through AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Hill School of Fort Worth celebrates its 40th Anniversary by re-invigorating the Hill School Foundation, an endowment fund, with an $80,000 commitment from the school.
2015
In partnership with Texas Wesleyan University, dual-credit programming is added for upperclassmen.
-
Focused on the Future
2017
Hill School welcomes its first class for Kindergarten programming. Upon Audrey Boda-Davis’ retirement, Roxann Breyer is named Head of School.
2020
Hill School completes Take It Outside project, a new playground and outdoor learning space, after raising $500,000 in capital campaign.
2023
Hill School celebrates 50 years of serving students with learning differences by hosting a year’s worth of celebrations with the Hill community.