hillside academy

Look past the neighborhood. Only 15% of the students at Hillside come from the low income area. The rest of the student population is made of kids that are "tested" in. They have to score high on IQ tests and maintain a certain average to stay in Hillside. The staff there is phenomenal. There is an afterschool program that the children can participate in if they like and covers everything from writing their own movie script to investigating dinosaurs to cooking. Did I mention this is an elementary school?

The neighborhood kids can be a little less cultured than the GT (gifted and talented) kids, but they also pull themselves up just by being around their peers that are excited to learn.

Their TAKS scores are exceptional. But beyond standardized testing, Hillside creates an environment where it is exciting to learn.

PROS: public education
CONS: not every child can get in

Posted 08/02/05 | Report Abuse

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