Hillside School in Allendale houses students in grades preschool through third. Our student population is 390 with a staff of 60. The average class size is under 22 students. Our educational philosophy is to promote an environment where all students can learn and achieve in a school that focuses on high standards for academics, talents, and behaviors. The principal's and staff's focus is on the development of the whole child, including emotional and social growth, as well as academic progress. Classroom activities are conducive to social interactions and cooperative learning. The goal for our students at Hillside is to become self-confident learners and independent thinkers with the ability to collaborate effectively with others.

Our primary school curriculum is intended to encourage and harvest a zest for learning. The academic program emphasizes all disciplines of learning. Children acquire the skills necessary to become successful, active readers and to develop lifelong reading and writing habits. The language arts curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of skills and strategies through a readers and writers workshop approach. Our math curriculum is distinguished by its opportunities for open-ended, hands-on exploration and ongoing practice. Social studies and science are taught through class discussions, hands-on experiential activities, literature, and writing experiences. Technology education is infused in everyday learning and all teachers incorporate 21st-century skills into their curriculum.  All classrooms are equipped with Promethean Board technology to promote high levels of interaction and rich access to multimedia resources.

Each grade level has weekly art, music, STEM, physical education, and media times. Spanish instruction is provided in grades 1, 2, and 3. ESL (English as a Second Language) classes help students who are linguistically and culturally diverse to communicate and achieve academically. A full array of basic skills instruction and special education services are offered within the district. All students have access to Chromebook devices and iPads. 

The Allendale PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization), the Allendale Foundation for Education Excellence (AFEE), and the Brookside/Hillside Music and Arts Association (BHMAA) are an integral part of our school community. Through these organizations, our student’s educational experiences are enhanced and enriched.

Our school motto is, A learning community where kindness counts. As citizens of Hillside School, we promise to each other to be respectful, courteous and helpful. Our school logo is the Hillside Honeybee. The logo was chosen to foster student cooperation and interdependence, similar to traits found in a honeybee colony.