It’s perhaps easy to wonder why Hill Academy isn’t more widely known, though perhaps for those involved in high school sports in Canada and the US, it is. Which, frankly, is appropriate. It’s a high school program based in the values, dedication, and energy associated with sport, with the daily schedule organized in order to allow students to excel in both academics and athletics. The lessons overlap, and students compete in math contests as successfully as they do sporting events. The ideal student is one looking to grow in both areas, and to do it alongside peers of a like mind, approach, and ability. The school’s success is evident in the careers—again, both academic and athletic—of its alumni, who operate at the top of their fields not only on Ontario, but throughout North America.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"The Hill Academy is Canada's premier independent school for students in JK- Grade 12/Post Graduate. The 134-acre Caledon campus offers outdoor education, bright classrooms & elite training facilities. The Hill provides a transformational experience and exceptional academic/athletic programs that focus on individual attention, character growth, leadership development & physical literacy. With small class sizes & dedicated staff, our Graduates are prepared for the demands & rigor of post secondary education."
Full Day Kindergarten in quaint log cabin with 1 teacher to maximum 8 student ratio
Number One Lacrosse Program in the Country
100% Graduation Rate
Small Class Sizes with Dedicated, Passionate Teachers
Expansive campus allowing for extensive Outdoor Education opportunities
Boarding, Homestay and Day Student options
Transportation available
Leadership and Character Development Focus
Competitive and Pre-Competitive Golf and Tennis Programs
Hockey Development and AAA Hockey Program
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Our forest campus, offers day/boarding/homestay students a serene environment to excel academically with our small class sizes, dedicated, caring staff & bright classrooms. Daily...(more)
"Our forest campus, offers day/boarding/homestay students a serene environment to excel academically with our small class sizes, dedicated, caring staff & bright classrooms. Daily character development & outdoor education benefits students physically, emotionally, and socially as they set the foundation for lifelong wellness & good health. Access to physical education backed by Sports Science, ensures athletes can reach their post secondary aspirations of playing a sport at the next level."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Every student is an individual at The Hill and we teach and nurture each to reach their own Highest level of achievement (the H in HILL). We place a strong emphasis on...(more)
"Every student is an individual at The Hill and we teach and nurture each to reach their own Highest level of achievement (the H in HILL). We place a strong emphasis on personalized learning, which necessitates some degree of flexibility and individualized approaches in teaching methods. This fosters greater engagement and customized educational experiences for students and allows them to thrive in an environment that values their unique strengths and learning styles. It encourages creativity and critical thinking, preparing them for a rapidly evolving world where adaptability is key."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"A student with a desire to succeed who is comfortable being held accountable to what they are capable of achieving is a great fit for The Hill. Families looking for smart...(more)
"A student with a desire to succeed who is comfortable being held accountable to what they are capable of achieving is a great fit for The Hill. Families looking for smart schedules, robust academics, and opportunities to engage in physical fitness."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Families who do not see value in pairing academics with physical activities should not consider The Hill Academy."
"Families who do not see value in pairing academics with physical activities should not consider The Hill Academy."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"While students are engaged in an outstanding academic program, they are working at a level of athletic training normally available only at the College/University level. The Hill...(more)
"While students are engaged in an outstanding academic program, they are working at a level of athletic training normally available only at the College/University level. The Hill provides the foundation for academic, athletic, & personal development enabling each individual to maximize their full potential to succeed at the next level. Athletic & academic scheduling is completely integrated to ensure that each student-athlete is achieving excellence academically & athletically all under one roof"
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"The relationships formed between our teachers/coaches & students is something we pride our school on. It is these bonds and family connections truly make The Hill Academy a FAMILY...(more)
"The relationships formed between our teachers/coaches & students is something we pride our school on. It is these bonds and family connections truly make The Hill Academy a FAMILY and make a difference in the lives, and experience that our students have during their time at The Hill."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Teachers, Coaches & Staff at The Hill truly care about every Hill student & family. With intimate class sizes & direct one-on-one communication, meaningful relationships are...(more)
"Teachers, Coaches & Staff at The Hill truly care about every Hill student & family. With intimate class sizes & direct one-on-one communication, meaningful relationships are formed that last a lifetime. It is these relationships that help students excel academically & athletically through daily accountability, social-emotional development, leadership opportunities, and high expectations for every member of The Hill Community."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — Our Son Matt, recalls his experience at The Hill Academy as a moulding experience but in a spectacular way. There are a variety of factors that contributed to his positive experience at The Hill Academy. Things like a strong sense of community and belonging, a supportive learning environment, a focus on individual learning, and athletic programs that were tailored to his interests and needs. The Hill Academy and the Merrill Family have high standards and expectations for all students and always encourage them to reach their full potential. Matt appreciates The Hill's emphasis on the relationship between physical fitness and mental fitness. It seems to be the philosophy of the school that the two go hand in hand and which I agree with. The school has done a good job of marrying these two aspects of education.
Gr. 7 (current),Gr. 9 (current) — Both our sons have had a terrific experience since starting at The Hill Academy. The opportunity for them to be in a program that combines their academic courses and their lacrosse training into their daily school day schedule has been motivating and exciting for them. The student-athletes are held accountable equally with academics and their sports training by their teachers and coaches. The prioritizing of both academics and their lacrosse training motivates our sons to meet their academic deadlines, and give it their all in workout sessions, and team practices. We also see the physical activity in their daily schedule meets their energy levels which helps them better focus in the classroom. For any young person who's willing to put in the hard work, this is the school for them!
Gr. 8 (current) — My daughter just completed grade 8 and said it was "The best year of her life". Being part of a school where the student-athletes and staff support each other, encourage each other, and challenge each other to be the best they can be at The Hill Academy was beyond our wildest expectations. Well done over well said is a phrase you hear often at The Hill, and that holds true both in the classroom and on the field/in the rink. Students are held accountable to do the best they can and create plans to meet both academic and athletic goals. Student-athletes at The Hill come together because they have a dream. They set goals, create development plans to achieve them, and then through the unwavering support of coaches, teachers, teammates, and other students push through challenges and adversity, to be the best they can be. They learn that it is the process that is as important as the end result.
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