Hilltop Country Day School

Hilltop Country Day School is a private, nonsectarian coeducational day school located in Sparta, in Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. The school serves students in preschool through eighth grade. The school is divided into an Early Childhood Division (Preschool and Pre Kindergarten), a Lower school (Kindergarten through 4th grade) and Upper School (5th through 8th grade). The teaching philosophy is centered on small class sizes that allow individual attention and a flexible curriculum that can be adapted to individual needs. The school is led by Head of School Ms Laura Mc Gee and by a Board of Trustees composed of members of the community.

Hilltop Country Day School is an accredited member of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Mission statement

"Hilltop Country Day School is committed to providing a family-oriented, nurturing, creative, highly educational environment in which children:

• Discover the excitement of learning;
• Develop good study habits;
• Grow in self-esteem and self-confidence;
• Develop sensitivity and respect for the rights and abilities of others; and
• Learn to accept responsibility and meet personal challenges."

Facilities

Since 1972, Hilltop Country Day School has been located in the center of Sparta between Lafayette Road and Sparta Avenue. In 2002, Hilltop completed a 18,500 sq ft (1,720 m²) addition that increased the physical size of the school to 35,000 sq ft (3,300 m²). The addition included several new classrooms and a modern art studio, science lab and library and provides a new home for the Upper School and Preschool programs.

Hilltop also has an open field available for Physical Education classes, recess and special events.

Student Body and Curriculum

Hilltop focuses on small classes and a dynamic curriculum as tools in educating students in a wide range of studies. All students attend classes in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science, as well as supplementary classes in Music, Art, Art History, Physical Education and Computer Technology. Hilltop also provides a strong program in Foreign Language, with students having the option of French or Spanish, beginning in Kindergarten. Preschool and Pre Kindergarten children have French.

Lower School

The Lower School program consists of students in Kindergarten through 4th grade and prides itself on a challenging curriculum that is designed to develop well-rounded individuals that are prepared for the Upper School.

Upper School

The Upper School consists of students in the 5th through 8th grade and uses a curriculum integrated with that of the Lower School. The Upper School curriculum distinguishes itself with an emphasis on critical thinking and independent analysis.

In recent years, graduates have attended competitive local high schools including Blair Academy, Newark Academy and the Peddie School, as well as local public high schools.

PEAKS Program

The PEAKS program pairs younger and older students together to participate together in activities designed to teach students respect for others, teamwork and to smooth the transition between the Lower and Upper Schools. The parings are as follows
Kindergarten-5th grade
1st grade-6th grade
2nd grade-7th grade
3rd grade-8th grade
4th graders have no PEAKS buddies, but become older members in the next year.

Other programs

Hilltop also serves the community with several ancillary programs.

AfterSchool

The AfterSchool program provides enrichment activities for students after classes conclude. Offerings include a supervised homework assistance program with faculty and various clubs and activities such as chess club, karate instruction, a robotics program and others. The Kids' Club Program provides day care before and after school hours to assist families.

Summer programs

Hilltop offers a general Summer Camp for children in Preschool through 3rd grade, as well as a number of specialty programs providing education for children in areas including digital photography, cheerleading and science. These take place in July and August and is generally limited to Hilltop students.

External links

• School website
• There oughta be a law ...Three Jersey boys rally against homework, Township Journal, September 4, 2008
• Data for Hilltop Country Day School, National Center for Education Statistics

Coordinates: 41°07′09″N 74°42′41″W / 41.11916°N 74.71151°W / 41.11916; -74.71151