Testimonials

As a kindergarten teacher, I can clearly see how better prepared the students from Hillside’s preK are compared to students from other preschools. Hillside’s preschool programs offer a balance of play and age-appropriate curriculum that encourages students to use their natural curiosity and imagination to develop confidence in their physical, social, and academic abilities, as well as to cultivate a love of learning. This whole-child approach gives Hillside’s preschool students the foundation needed to be successful in not just their kindergarten year, but for their entire life-long educational journey.

Mr. M (Kindergarten teacher at Hillside since 2011)

We love the teachers, small class size, style of teaching, kids, we just love Hillside Academy!

Christine Soule

We knew of Hillside Academy through their community involvement. When it came time for us to pick a school Hillside was the right fit. We toured many schools in and around the valley and Hillside was the most welcoming. At 4, our child felt it too! The small class sizes give students time to learn at their pace and strive for growth rather than waiting for others to learn. Kids have a chance to build a community with kids of many ages which builds the confidence in the younger kids. Parent involvement is welcomed.

Alison T., parent of Current Student

Hillside Academy has been a wonderful place for our family. The teachers are attentive and truly invested in helping each child succeed. Ms. Susan in particular has been a significant influence on our daughter. There's a strong sense of belonging and community, and it's clear that the school values both academic growth and personal development. Since starting here, our daughter has become more confident and independent in her learning. We're so thankful to be part of a school that helps children thrive.

Patrick M., parent of Current Student

I have had two children attend Hillside and both have different personalities and learning styles. Hillside Academy goes up to 8th grade which is a great option for parents who like the idea of continuity for their children. This also affords the opportunity for the school to really know your child and help tailor their learning in core subjects. There are ample and various opportunities to be involved in the school as well.

Nancy W., parent

Our son joined Hillside Academy in 6th grade after a disappointing experience in public elementary school. Hillside has been a wonderful experience for us. His academically confidence has skyrocketed and it is such a relief to us to see him finally blossoming and enjoying school. He gets the stimulation that he was craving and can’t stop to talk about all his projects that he is working on. We really appreciate the care of all the teachers and the staff there. We couldn’t be happier to have selected Hillside as our Middle School option.

Parent of a Current Middle School Student

Hillside Academy is truly a hidden gem. It’s the kind of place where kids don’t just go to school - they’re known, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. In a world where education can often feel rushed and impersonal, Hillside offers something refreshingly different: a warm, welcoming environment where learning feels personal. With small class sizes and caring, experienced teachers, Hillside makes it easy for students to thrive.

Shalane F., parent of Current Student

My youngest daughter started at Hillside this year.  The experience has been fantastic.  From the in-depth instruction and expectation around design and modeling that mimic real world product teams.  To the multitude of choices around project themes to illustrate what one has learned.  We are proud to be a part of this school.

Parent of 2022 Student 

Hillside is a small school with a focus on project-based learning while educating and forming young minds into good citizens of their community. Because of it's size the youngest kids have the opportunity to interact with middle school students throughout the year. This builds community and helps them to look to the big kids for guidance. The split class structure gives the kids partners in learning and pushes them to grow. Teachers at Hillside are caring and communicative with parents while also focused on the curriculum and growing well-rounded the kids. There is support from administration and staff to support teachers and kids when more attention is needed. Administration responds quickly to concerns and takes the time to hear out a parent if there is a concern. We're glad we're part of the Hillside community and look forward to continued growth and more community as the community involvement continues to expand.

Parent of Current Student

My children have attended Hillside for 3 years. I am very impressed with the education they are receiving and the wonderful community citizens they are becoming. Hillside incorporates excellent education with Christian values in a smaller class size setting. The best school in the Snoqualmie Valley!

Parent

I would highly recommend Hillside Academy to anyone! The love, care and exceptional education is above and beyond. The small class sizes and individualized lessons have been so effective that my children who were testing “below average” on Washington State Assessment tests are now in the “highly competent” range. I have children in elementary to middle school, so our family has been able to see the high educational standards at ever age. The middle school teachers Mrs. Susan, Ms. Stephanie and the elementary school teachers Mrs. Suzanne and Mrs. Debra are incredibly patient, loving and make sure that all children use kindness with one another. The anti-bullying policy at Hillside Academy positively affected my kids. They feel so safe that they’re able to better learn and make friends. Please consider your child going to this incredible school if a positive and superior education is important to your family.

Adair Szasz Hawkins

Hillside is just a gem of a school - best kept secret in Snoqualmie Valley. We have two children at Hillside after spending their kindergarten year at Stillwater Elementary. Stillwater was a fine experience but there is a much more enriching and supportive environment at Hillside and my children are surrounded by other bright, good character kids. My wife and I love it and so do our children.

Parent

Mr. M is an amazing teacher. My son loves him so much. School has given him strong foundation in learning and growth in formative years. I can't expect more from school. Staff is very welcoming and smiling while picking dropping kids and always available to answer questions. STEAM activities are unbelievable good.

Parent of Current Student

Thank you so much for an amazing kindergarten and preschool experience. She truly looked forward to each day and loved going to school at Hillside. We originally went into this year thinking it would be a bridge to public school, but we had no idea we would fall in love with the school! The individualized attention she receives here is far superior to other schools. The great care you all take for the students is noticed and appreciated.

Parent of Alumni Student

I have a preschooler and middle schooler attending Hillside and I couldn't be happier with the growth in my children. They are happy and learning beyond my expectations. The staff and teachers are amazing!

Parent

We were discouraged from our experience at our local public school. Although it was a good school, my daughter’s learning style didn’t fit into the bell curve of how the classes were taught. What broke my heart was the fact she knew it as a second greater and started to shut down.

It took another year untill I found Hillside. The promotion for groups, interaction and project based learning did not disappoint. The incredible skills of project planning, critical thinking and presentation giving are invaluable for her future.

Because of the size of the school, they were able to live to the ethos of individualized education. Her confidence grew. Her skill development shot through the roof and now she is ready to tackle high school.

She built life friendships in her little band of middle schoolers.  We were thrilled to replace the typical girl drama with enriched relationships and character development. The teachers and staff move and invest in these kids.

We are forever fans of Hillside Academy!

Parent of Alumni Student

Hillside means family. Hillside is a community of people who love and support me. Who have grown with me and helped me grow. From my time at Hillside, I have so many memories and relationships that mean a lot to me. Hillside has taught me so much and I’m grateful for my time there.

Sedona, Alumni Student

I’m very thankful for the environment at Hillside Elementary. The attention the teachers give to each child is wonderful, and the sense of community is strong. I’ve noticed my daughter growing more confident and taking more initiative in her learning. I appreciate the school’s commitment to encouraging self-motivation, and I’m grateful for the positive changes in my daughter.

Parent of Current Student

My daughter has gone to Hillside Academy for 4 years, 4th-8th grades. Her testing levels have improved year after year. Each grade has met her where she is at and given her the opportunity to go beyond grade level learning. The staff is incredible. Sending her to Hillside Academy was the best decision we have made for her education!

Parent of Hillside Alumna Student

My experience at Hillside prepared me for high school. The STEAM curriculum can be catered to students with all learning styles. Within the project based learning, I learned to advocate for myself and have confidence. One of the things that has helped me the most is public speaking. I am able to present projects and ideas confidently because of the teaching Hillside provided. Throughout the 10 years I attended Hillside my favorite part was always the family feel of the classes. By the second day of school each year everyone in the class was like one big family. I felt welcomed and appreciated in my contribution to each and every class.    

Neela,  2021 Hillside Alumna

I’m the grandmother of three students from preschool to middle school and I am very impressed with the academics, the culture of family and inclusion and the love and support of the teachers. I am speaking as a retired teacher and I’m not easy to impress!

Grandparent

Both my kids went to Hillside Academy. My daughter from preschool - 8th grade and my son preschool - 2nd grade. My daughter is now graduating from public Highschool with honors and is going to University with a scholarship and has been accepted into a prestigious scholar's program within the University. I have no doubt that the preparation and care she received from Hillside Academy was the difference that helped her thrive in high school and beyond. Her middle school years were during the pandemic and Hillside didn't skip a beat with learning. Even though they were remote, they were able to accommodate all the students and have successful full days online until they were ready to go back in person safely, which they did before the public schools were able to. I wish my son was able to continue at Hillside during the pandemic, but it just didn't happen that way. Some of his favorite childhood memories are from preschool and early elementary years at Hillside Academy. Highly recommend!

Layla, Hillside Alumna Parent

We love Hillside. The teachers are warm, caring, and truly dedicated to helping each child grow. Our child has learned so much and is excited to go every day. The environment is safe, fun, and nurturing- exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend!

Parent

Our child has been at Hillside for 2 years and it has been such a great school! The teachers are so great and they really work hard to integrate hands on learning into the curriculum! This is an amazing school!

Parent

Love our school. Incredible staff and learning environment. My daughter is thriving!

Lynne Ellis

Hillside Academy really cares about their students! The teachers and staff know every student academically and personally. The students get so much 1:1 time with their teachers. This school is amazing!

Parent

Perfect school for my children and has a Christian worldview. Class size is small/medium and my kids are doing great. Teachers are amazing! K-8 plus preschool makes planning for the future a lot easier, as switching schools isn't needed until High School.

Josh M., parent of Current Students

We have two kids attending Hillside Academy and we could not be happier! Our son was in public school for Kindergarten and had some challenges... total night and day difference when we moved to Hillside. The teachers, staff, and parents truly work together to create an atmosphere where the kids are comfortable, enjoy themselves, and can learn. My only request is that Hillside extend their grades through high school!

Parent

We have been so happy with Hillside preschool and elementary programs. Amazing teachers, involved parents, love the small class sizes and one on one attention every single child gets.

Megan Neumyer

We are lucky to have Hillside Academy in our town. It is a wonderful school! The teachers and staff are amazing. The children are happy there. We love this school!

Parent

Finding Hillside was life changing for our 7th grader & our family! Our son had lost interest in school but Hillside reawakened his curiosity and love for learning. He enjoyed going to school each day. The teachers truly care about every student and create a positive culture for all. He learned much more than academics and graduated a wiser, more well rounded person.

Parent of Hillside Alumnus Student

My youngest daughter started at Hillside this year.  The experience has been fantastic.  From the in-depth instruction and expectation around design and modeling that mimic real world product teams to the multitude of choices around projects themes to illustrate what one has learned.  We are proud to be a part of this school.

Parent of Current Student

I have 2 children attending Hillside Academy and am grateful for the attention given to each of my children's unique needs. For example, the teachers were able to identify that one of my children excels in math and he is tracking with the math class one grade above. My other child needed extra help in reading and writing and she receives specialized one-on-one instruction. She is now at or above grade level and is proudly mentoring the younger children in her class. This school is a hidden gem in our community and I am excited to see it grow as more families learn about it.

Parent