Specialist Experiences

• The art curriculum emphasizes each child’s unique set of strengths and talents to help him or her improve achievement in all areas of education. Hillside’s integrative approach to learning uses art to enhance academic studies and create the best learning experience for each student. In addition, art class is an excellent area for students to practice their executive skills.
• Classes incorporate topics from each grade’s core studies so students learn to connect art and other subjects. Through painting or sculpture, for example, students may illustrate the main themes of a book they have read in Language Arts, or create artwork that replicates the ancient civilizations they’ve studied in Social Studies.
• Students have weekly art classes, and they may also attend Extra Art instead of recess on Friday to work on new projects or help with collaborative school-wide projects.

• Research supports our goal to help children understand the importance of exercise as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Good sportsmanship, collaboration, and having fun are achieved through fine and gross motor games and activities.

• Our guidance counselors help students understand their learning needs, address behavior changes and skill deficits, and develop self-confidence through weekly guidance classes. Close collaboration between teachers and guidance counselors ensures that counselors address a student’s issues in a timely and individual manner. We also provide individual sessions tailored to our student’s needs if we believe additional support would be beneficial.
• Weekly group guidance classes focus on:
  • developing self-advocacy skills
  • understanding learning styles
  • strengthening peer relationships and social skills
  • Problem-solving
• Small Group Work– addresses issues that appear among several students simultaneously and are developed on an as-needed basis. If, for example, a group of students exhibits a similar behavior pattern—typically a social or self-regulation issue–they will attend small group sessions so they learn to navigate their challenges. Typically, small groups will meet weekly and run 4-8 weeks.
• On-going family communication is integral to a student’s success. Counselors regularly post relevant information and articles for helping students on the Parent Portal and work with parents to address their children’s specific needs.

STEAM education, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, offers numerous benefits for students with learning difficulties. 

Middle School electives provide students with opportunities to explore interests, discover strengths, and develop skills beyond the core academic classroom. Through experiences in STEAM, theatre, mixed media art, health, executive functioning, and career exploration, students engage in meaningful learning that encourages creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and personal growth.

Electives are designed to balance hands-on exploration with opportunities for students to build confidence, take positive risks, and develop greater independence. Whether designing and creating, performing, exploring personal wellness, strengthening organizational skills, or considering future pathways, students are encouraged to discover new interests and better understand themselves as learners.

These experiences complement Hillside’s academic program by supporting the development of well-rounded, confident students who are prepared to approach new opportunities with curiosity and purpose.