Student Life
A childhood spent learning — and belonging.
Small class sizes don't just mean better academics. They mean students are known, included, and genuinely connected to the people around them.
Community, at a human scale
Hillwood's small size means students build genuine, lasting relationships — with classmates across grade levels and with the faculty who teach them for years, not semesters.
Cultural field trips, regularly
Students head out across San Francisco for plays, musical performances, and science excursions — proof that learning extends well beyond the classroom walls.
Nutrition that supports learning
Daily all-you-can-eat hot lunches are included in tuition. We believe nutritious, home-cooked-style meals support better behavior and academic performance — and build healthy habits early.
Hillwood gave me a strong foundation. The emphasis on instilling bedrock knowledge has served me well throughout life.
Where Graduates Go
Alumni who come back to mentor the next class
Hillwood graduates move on to competitive San Francisco high schools — and many return to campus to mentor upper-graders preparing for the same transition.
Tradition
Uniforms, and the community they build
Students wear forest green v-neck sweaters, navy slacks, and blackwatch plaid skirts — available through School Chic Uniforms — with free dress permitted on the first Friday of every month.
Beyond the Classroom
The small, human details that add up
Bow, the school dog
Every school needs a familiar face at pickup. Hillwood's is a friendly one — a fixture around campus that students look forward to seeing.
Play, without the pressure
There are no organized sports teams here — just dodgeball and basketball at recess, where the point is still just to have fun with your classmates.
Student voice, in print
The Hillwood Herald is a blog written entirely by fifth- through eighth-graders, tracking the school's happenings in their own words.
What's Next
Two ideas we're actively developing
Neither is live yet — they're not current Hillwood offerings — but both come directly from conversations with families about what would make daily life easier.
An Alumni, Tutor & Caregiver Network
A network connecting parents with Hillwood alumni, tutors, and professional caregivers for babysitting, tutoring, and student transport beyond 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM — for the evenings, homework help, and errands extended care doesn't cover.
Dinner Helper
A planned partnership with local San Francisco restaurants for discounted, fixed-menu family dinners a few nights a week. Order with two days' notice, and pick up alongside your child after 4:00 PM.
Beyond the School Year
Summer Camp keeps the same spirit going in June & July
$1,800 covers the full session and includes lunch, snacks, and extended care, field trips, and hands-on projects — 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, with extended care to 5:00 PM.