The world today has changed. Education, being a part of the very fabric of our lives and society, has/is facing particular challenges. Clinging to what is normal is a natural reaction to loss, chaos and change. We have been feeling all that. These are trying times. While the science and the politics of it all are absolutely important things to look at - there is more! Continue reading →

There is so much to learn and navigate in a quarantine and as we begin to find a new normal, we may discover that boredom has set in. Creating a playful growth environment within your home is challenging. So today we offer some tips for utilizing your environment. While we can't recreate Hilltop at home, we can use similar principles to inspire play and learning. Continue reading →

There is so much discussion in the world today about education - about the right way to do it, about how long a school day should be...play based, project based, multiple intelligences, free-range, unschooling, Montesorri, Waldorf, self directed…When we add financial and childcare needs, the question of where to educate becomes even more complex. Continue reading →

Sometimes "MAYBE" is the best we can do. Science is not necessarily proof - science is about discovery and the best we can do is form a hypothesis based on the evidence available at the time. Continue reading →

Hilltop is a place where we can all grow.  Where everyone involved can create, co-create and play. Are you a creative, passionate, lifelong learner?  Are you seeking a supportive community to grow and learn alongside of? We are currently seeking … Continue reading →

Sometimes I think it would be easier if I believed that parenting and teaching was just about passing on knowledge and wisdom – handing off what I know to the tiny little beings in my care.   But then I … Continue reading →

“In Reggio Emilia early learning environments, the use of space encourages encounters, communication, and relationships.” (Gandini, 2004) The Blossoms are beginning to really explore all their environment has to offer! With new materials and opportunities comes new responsibilities and possibilities. … Continue reading →

Our classes are designed for the children to move along a continuum and gain a stair step of skills that lead to sophisticated problem solving as it applies to both social emotional situations and learning. We take into consideration that each child develops differently and therefor the progression from one class to another is somewhat fluid, however by going through the full program the children have the opportunity to fully explore each step of freedom and discovery. Continue reading →

If I had to choose just one idea or value to emphasize and pass on – to impart to the people big and small in my world – it would be CONNECTION. It is the critical ingredient to all of … Continue reading →