<p>I see on the master list of acceptances that several posters were admitted to The Hill. Congrats! Even though it is virtually ignored here :D it is a wonderful place and I often wonder why students who apply only to acronym schools - and then are denied everywhere - don't give these "hidden gems" more attention if they truly want a rigorous and traditional BS experience.</p>
<p>Anyway, my point is, I have a child at The Hill and I would be happy to answer (or try to answer) any questions there may be, now that March 10 is past.</p>
<p>My son has been accepted to The Hill and is quite excited. Described as rigorous would you also consider it a nurturing learning environment ?
Can students easily seek extra help if needed?<br>
Are the students friendly toward each other fostering a collaborative learning environment rather than a competitive one?
Finally, are the facilities modernized ( library, class rooms) how are the dorms?
Sorry for the lengthy questions!
Thanks!</p>
<p>I do think the Hill has a nurturing environment too. In fact, that is one reason we chose it, my D does much better in a small environment where she can get to know her teachers. She is a bit introverted, so seeing teachers regularly at chapel, seated lunch, etc goes a long way in making you more comfortable with them. She is a day student, but I imagine if you board you get to know some faculty even better.</p>
<p>Extra help is readily available. There is a math lab 2 days a week, and all of her teachers have regular review sessions, and extra ones before exams. I have found them pretty open to helping at other times too. According to D, it feels like a big family, she does not see big competition in academics or social things. She acknowledges that there are different “groups” but everyone is friendly to everyone else. She is only in 9th grade, so I don’t know if competition heats up as kids start vying for college spots.</p>
<p>The classrooms seem a nice mix of traditional and modern. English has a harkness table for lots of discussion, and many classes still have traditional blackboards, but all students have laptops and much work/lectures etc are all online. </p>
<p>There is a relatively new beautiful arts center and many athletic fields have just been redone. The dorms, from what I hear range from brand new to updated older buildings. I don’t hear any complaints about aging facilities. The dining hall is very traditional, but has a wide variety of food and a vegetarian option is always available for example.</p>
<p>@surfcity: thank you kindly for your extensive and very helpful response. Yes, we will be attending a revisit session and are looking forward in meeting students, faculty and other parents. My son is happy to read your description of The Hill as nurturing and caring ! It really sounds like The Hill abides by being a " family boarding school". Anything else that you can pass along would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again surfcity!</p>
<p>Pakman - not stupid at all, you wouldn’t believe the “logistical” questions I asked the week before school started for my D.</p>
<p>Classes start around 8:30 or so I think. Last year Hill studied the effect of early mornings on teens and decided to start the day later. Last class ends at 3:30 on most days . . .at 3 on Fridays and around lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays.</p>
<p>Students usually have one or more free periods a day to study or get extra help. Some of those frees may have a small job (shelving books, setting dining room) assigned to them. And there are school meetings and/or chapel a few days a week too.</p>
<p>This is very helpful - thank you. Our daughter is considering Kent and The Hill on the east coast and will join their revisit days next week. Both schools seem to have the mix of athletics and academics that she is looking for although Kent’s location and campus are quite spectacular (but also remote!).</p>
<p>Well, the town certainly isn’t as picturesque as many. The campus itself is very nice. But there aren’t many stores, etc to walk to. However, every weekend there are buses to the King of PRussia mall, the largest mall on the east coast, plus an outlet mall, Target, etc. Philadelphia is less than an hour away, so it’s very conveniently located for travel purposes.</p>