Hillside - Welcome

HISTORY AND CAMPUS

Eight Acres of Cedar and Fir Forest

A parent-founded school, Hillside has been guiding students for over thirty-five years. Our setting is a natural jewel. We are located on eight acres of cedar and fir forest on Cougar Mountain. Many trees tower well over one hundred feet.

Wild deer inhabit the forest. Hillside property is contiguous with more than fifty acres of permanent green belt which link us to the Cougar Mountain Wildlands Park, and provide a rich resource for ecological studies. The Hillside staff was careful to ensure minimum impact on this beautiful forest in its design of buildings and play areas. Our buildings features classrooms which have a cabin-like feel, a science room and a spacious theater barn.

Sharing Our Gifts With One Another

Edith Sherrard, the founder and director of Hillside, was compelled to start her own school after observing the education of her own sons. Edith realized that the spirit of competition dominates the world of education. Children indoctrinated with this need come to believe their personal value depends on their place on this academic ladder. Envy and competition undermine relationships. It was Edith's desire to create an educational environment centered on recognizing, appreciating, and sharing our gifts with one another. This is the true basis for education: it teaches us what it means to be human. Two of her sons are teachers at the school, dedicated to fulfilling this vision.