Curriculum
Middle School
The Middle School team consists of grades five through eight and focuses on preparing our students for the rigors of the Upper School. Each year, students take courses in each of the core content areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Additionally, students are required to participate in Physical Education (three times per week) and group counseling (two times per week) each year. Skill development courses are also part of the middle school curriculum and focus on exposing students to or improving the student’s skills in the following areas: computer skills, library skills, the visual arts, the performing arts, health, and technical education.
Ninth Grade Academy
The Ninth Grade Academy is a transition year specifically designed to support these students in academically preparing for the expectations of the upper school, while also building their social and leadership skills. In ninth grade, students will take Introduction to Literature, Freshman Seminar, Math, Biology I, Eastern World Cultures, Physical Education, Health and Art Foundations. On a monthly basis, students will work with our Transition Coordinator during Freshman Seminar to begin thinking about life after Hill Top and will also be invited and encouraged to attend college visits and/or meet with representatives. In addition, all students also participate in group counseling (“Group) and will have a designated ninth grade mentor.
Upper School
The Upper School team consists of grades ten through twelve and focuses on preparing our students for graduation, college and beyone. Students in grades 10 and 11 must take courses in each of the core content areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Additionally, students are required to participate in Physical Education (three times per week) and group counseling (two times per week) each year. Electives are also part of the upper school curriculum and include courses in the following areas: technology, visual arts, performing arts, history, mathematics and more. To qualify for graduation, Hill Top students must fulfill the following requirements:
English: 4 units
Science (Biology Required) 3-4 units**
Math: 3-4 units**
History: 3-4 units
Electives: 3 units
Seminar courses: 4 units***
Phys. Ed: 2.4 units(.6 units/year)
Senior Project: 0.5 units
* One unit equals any course that meets 5 days each week for the entire academic year.
** In Math & Science students must have 3 years of one and 4 years of the other.
*** Students transferring into grades 10 through 12 may not meet this requirement.
Grading System
A+ 98-100% (4.0) C+ 77-79% (2.33)
A 94-97% (4.0) C 74-76% (2.0)
A- 90-93% (3.67) C- 70-73% (1.67)
B+ 87-89% (3.33) D+ 67-69% (1.33)
B 84-86% (3.0) D 64-66% (1.0)
B- 80-83% (2.67) D- 60-63% (0.67)
I (Incomplete) Work not completed by a specified date will become an “N” (no credit).
N (No Credit) below 60%
(A student receiving an “N” for a final course grade will not receive credit for that course.)
Each marking period, students will receive grades in content and effort. A content grade will be based upon performance in the areas of Content, Mechanics, and Participation. An effort grade will be based upon performance in the areas of Punctuality, Preparation, and Attitude/Behavior.
The Middle School team consists of grades five through eight and focuses on preparing our students for the rigors of the Upper School. Each year, students take courses in each of the core content areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Additionally, students are required to participate in Physical Education (three times per week) and group counseling (two times per week) each year. Skill development courses are also part of the middle school curriculum and focus on exposing students to or improving the student’s skills in the following areas: computer skills, library skills, the visual arts, the performing arts, health, and technical education.Ninth Grade Academy
The Ninth Grade Academy is a transition year specifically designed to support these students in academically preparing for the expectations of the upper school, while also building their social and leadership skills. In ninth grade, students will take Introduction to Literature, Freshman Seminar, Math, Biology I, Eastern World Cultures, Physical Education, Health and Art Foundations. On a monthly basis, students will work with our Transition Coordinator during Freshman Seminar to begin thinking about life after Hill Top and will also be invited and encouraged to attend college visits and/or meet with representatives. In addition, all students also participate in group counseling (“Group) and will have a designated ninth grade mentor.
Upper School
The Upper School team consists of grades ten through twelve and focuses on preparing our students for graduation, college and beyone. Students in grades 10 and 11 must take courses in each of the core content areas (English, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Additionally, students are required to participate in Physical Education (three times per week) and group counseling (two times per week) each year. Electives are also part of the upper school curriculum and include courses in the following areas: technology, visual arts, performing arts, history, mathematics and more. To qualify for graduation, Hill Top students must fulfill the following requirements:
English: 4 units
Science (Biology Required) 3-4 units**
Math: 3-4 units**
History: 3-4 units
Electives: 3 units
Seminar courses: 4 units***
Phys. Ed: 2.4 units(.6 units/year)
Senior Project: 0.5 units
* One unit equals any course that meets 5 days each week for the entire academic year.
** In Math & Science students must have 3 years of one and 4 years of the other.
*** Students transferring into grades 10 through 12 may not meet this requirement.
Grading System
A+ 98-100% (4.0) C+ 77-79% (2.33)
A 94-97% (4.0) C 74-76% (2.0)
A- 90-93% (3.67) C- 70-73% (1.67)
B+ 87-89% (3.33) D+ 67-69% (1.33)
B 84-86% (3.0) D 64-66% (1.0)
B- 80-83% (2.67) D- 60-63% (0.67)
I (Incomplete) Work not completed by a specified date will become an “N” (no credit).
N (No Credit) below 60%
(A student receiving an “N” for a final course grade will not receive credit for that course.)
Each marking period, students will receive grades in content and effort. A content grade will be based upon performance in the areas of Content, Mechanics, and Participation. An effort grade will be based upon performance in the areas of Punctuality, Preparation, and Attitude/Behavior.