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Hillside School

United States, Marlborough

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $19,950 - 83,000
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 165
Type Co-educational, Boys School (boarding)
Opened 1901
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin, Spanish, English
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Hillside School sits on a 150‑acre Marlborough campus offering Kindergarten through ninth grade with a Lower School (K–3) and (4th–6th) and an Upper School (7th–9th). The school teaches in English and follows the International Baccalaureate framework as an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme. The campus blends modern facilities with a long history; founded in 1901 in Greenwich, Massachusetts by sisters Charlotte and Mary Drinkwater and relocated to Marlborough in 1927. The school provides 6 dormitories for boarding students and day options, a brand-new Lower School building, and facilities including an Academic & Health Center, a Student Center, Tracy Gym & Auditorium, and Drinkwater Hall housing Messman-Saran Library, with a Pool and Pool House nearby and outdoor Soccer/Lacrosse Field and Doran Field. The Innovation Center (iLab) supports robotics, 3D printing and laser cutting; the Wick Tutorial Center offers small-group tutorials. Hillside emphasizes community service, leadership, and language study.

404 Robin Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, United States

The Essentials

Hillside School has 165 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location
404 Robin Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 01752, United States. Marlborough is a town in Massachusetts. The Hillside campus sits on over 150 acres and is about a 45-minute drive from Boston.

Stages
Lower School (K-3): COED Day School; Middle School (4-9): All-Boys Boarding & Day School

Type
Lower School: COED Day School; Middle School: All-Boys Boarding & Day School

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body includes students from more than twelve countries; ESL program available; JumpStart program for first- and second-year international students.

Additional learning support
Tutorial Program; ESL

School day structure
Morning drop-off 7:50–8:20 a.m. at the ATL; Classes begin 8:30 a.m. Afternoon pick-up 5:00–5:30 p.m. on weekdays at the ATL (some away-game returns may be later); Lower School pick-up at 3:00 p.m. if not in after-school programming; Sundays: boarding students return between 3:45–4:15 p.m.

Bus service
Hillside owns and operates a Hillside School bus service (not outsourced).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered five or seven days a week; boarders live on campus in houses with house parents who are administrators, teachers, and coaches; student leaders called prefects and proctors assist with acclimation and house life.

Uniform Requirement
The dress code includes school dress with dress pants, dress shirt, tie, belt, dress shoes, and socks; for formal occasions, a blue blazer, khaki pants, solid dress shirt, belt, dress shoes, and socks; every boarding student must own a blazer or sports jacket; weekend dress is casual.

Food Options
Hillside provides three meals a day to boarding students and lunch to day students; outside food is not allowed in the dining room; boarding students may have food in the house but it must be stored in the food closet and eaten in the common room; nutrition education is provided and there are guidelines restricting certain snacks and allergens.

House System
Pupils are grouped into houses within the boarding program; house parents live on campus and supervise, with Prefects and Proctors assisting; life in the houses emphasizes responsibility and community.

Governance and Ownership
Hillside is governed by a Board of Trustees. Ed Chase serves as Head of School. Hillside describes itself as an independent, private boarding and day school for boys in grades four through nine.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hillside School ranges from USD 19,950 to USD 83,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Lower School (K–3) application fee: USD 50 (non‑refundable).
- Middle School (Grades 4–9) application fee: USD 50 for domestic applicants (non‑refundable); USD 100 for international applicants (non‑refundable). Payment may be made online by credit or debit card or by check.

Tuition fees — annual and per‑term (school year organized in Fall, Winter and Spring terms)

Note: Hillside organizes the academic year in Fall, Winter and Spring terms. The figures below show the published annual tuition and a per‑term amount calculated by dividing the annual tuition by three (Fall/Winter/Spring). The per‑term amounts shown are the result of that division.

- Middle School (Grades 4–9) — annual tuition and per‑term (three terms):
- Day Student: USD 42,000 — Per term: USD 14,000.00.
- Day International Student: USD 46,620 — Per term: USD 15,540.00.
- 5‑Day Boarder: USD 59,900 — Per term: USD 19,966.67.
- 5‑Day International Boarder: USD 68,880 — Per term: USD 22,960.00.
- 7‑Day Boarder: USD 71,500 — Per term: USD 23,833.33.
- 7‑Day International Boarder: USD 83,000 — Per term: USD 27,666.67.

- Lower School (K–3) — annual tuition and per‑term (three terms):
- Kindergarten: USD 19,950 — Per term: USD 6,650.00.
- Grade 1: USD 22,950 — Per term: USD 7,650.00.
- Grade 2: USD 25,950 — Per term: USD 8,650.00.
- Grade 3: USD 28,950 — Per term: USD 9,650.00.

Other recurring or optional fees

- Tutorials (annual fees by program):
- Executive Function Tutorial: USD 5,210.
- Foundations of Language Tutorial: USD 9,000.
- Math Tutorial: USD 3,105.
- Social Skills Tutorial: USD 3,105.
- English as a Second Language (ESL): USD 8,000.
- Advanced Transitional English: USD 6,000.

- Boarding‑related fees:
- Laundry fee (boarding): USD 1,500 (mandatory for 7‑Day boarders; optional for 5‑Day boarders).

- Allowance fee: Hillside charges an allowance fee used for the Shades of Blue system, weekend allowance and various student activities; this fee is part of the school's fee structure for boarding/day students. (Amount is listed in student/enrollment materials).

- School store and uniform purchases: Uniforms, outerwear, and other school‑store items are purchased separately through the school store; prices vary by item.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- A non‑refundable enrollment deposit is required at the time of enrollment. The remaining tuition balance is due according to each student's enrollment contract. Families may select an installment plan through the school's SMART Tuition payment program.
- SMART Tuition payment options documented for Hillside include multi‑month installment plans (examples shown by school: 10 payments, June–March) and multiple due date choices. SMART Tuition charges a school administrative fee (example form lists an administrative fee) and imposes penalties for late or failed payments as described in the SMART/Tuition authorization materials.

Tuition Refund / withdrawal / refund insurance

- Tuition Refund Plan (TRP): Hillside offers a Tuition Refund Plan for families. The TRP provides reimbursement of a portion of unused yearly tuition in the event of withdrawal, medical withdrawal, or dismissal; reimbursement levels vary by category of withdrawal (examples in TRP materials include reimbursement levels such as 60% for certain medical withdrawals and 50% for non‑medical withdrawals or dismissal). Premium cost and enrollment details for TRP are described in enrollment materials and the TRP policy documents.
- Non‑refundable items: application fees and the enrollment deposit are non‑refundable.

Fee payment methods and administrative charges

- Application fee payment: online by credit or debit card, or by check payable to Hillside School mailed to the Admissions Office (Hillside School, 404 Robin Hill Street, Marlborough, MA 01752).
- Tuition and other account payments: accepted through the SMART Tuition program via web/telephone/mail, by automatic bank debit (ACH) or by credit card where permitted. SMART Tuition enrollment and authorization forms show credit card options (American Express, Discover, MasterCard) and bank debit options; the SMART Tuition form indicates convenience fees apply to credit‑card payments (example: 2.65% convenience fee) and that Visa may not be accepted through SMART Tuition in some forms. SMART Tuition also specifies late fees (example: USD 50) and a fee for failed electronic transactions (example: USD 25).

Other notes on charges and billing

- Any annual or recurring fees not listed above (for example: special activity fees, instrument rental for band, equipment fees for certain sports, travel, or optional program fees) are charged separately and billed as stated in enrollment or program materials. Hillside's published fee line items that include fixed amounts are the tuition categories, the tutorials listed above, and boarding laundry fees.

Summary of key numeric items (annual)

- Application fee (domestic): USD 50; (international): USD 100.
- Middle School annual tuition (Grades 4–9 — sample): Day USD 42,000; 5‑Day Boarding USD 59,900; 7‑Day Boarding USD 71,500; international variants shown above.
- Lower School (K–3) annual tuition (sample): Kindergarten USD 19,950; Grade 1 USD 22,950; Grade 2 USD 25,950; Grade 3 USD 28,950.
- Selected additional charges: Tutorials (USD 3,105–USD 9,000 depending on program); laundry fee USD 1,500 (boarding).

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Hillside School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP).

Curriculum
The curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate framework, and Hillside is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The curriculum is organized into divisions: Lower School (K–3) and (4th–6th), and Upper School (7th–9th). View-by-subject content includes English, History, Mathematics, Science, World Language, Visual Arts, Music, Reading & Language Arts, Media, Tutorials, Leadership, and ESL. Language of instruction is English.

Student Teacher Ratio
7:1
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides on-site counselors who address social, emotional, and developmental concerns. Social Skills Tutorials offer small-group support to develop social interactions. Counselors collaborate with faculty and parents to provide social-emotional and behavioral support across the classroom, dorm, and athletic contexts. Wellness and prevention resources are available to students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Academic and social support are provided through Hillside's Tutorial Program, which includes Executive Function, Math, Foundations of Language, and Social Skills tutorials. Tutorial classes are small (two to four students) and tailored to each student's strengths and challenges, with learning specialists collaborating with classroom teachers to integrate core skills. This program reflects Hillside's commitment to meeting diverse learners' needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Hillside runs an English as a Second Language (ESL) program that offers four levels of intensive English study: Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced. The program is led by the Director of International Student Programs and is designed to integrate English language learners into mainstream classes.

Mental Wellbeing
On-site counselors provide support for social, emotional, and developmental needs and coordinate with outside psychiatrists, psychologists, and other clinicians to ensure continuity of care. Counselors work with faculty and parents to address students' mental wellbeing in the classroom, on the field, and in the dorm. Social Skills Tutorials and Wellness resources further support student well-being.

Safeguarding
The Health Center (Lebovitz Health Center) houses two registered nurses and two counselors, supports 24-hour triage, and coordinates with area hospitals for emergencies; all Hillside faculty are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified. On-site counselors address health- and mental-health needs and coordinate with external providers as needed. Policies include Medical Registration, Medication, Medical Leave, Immunization, Health Insurance, Food Closet, and Concussion Guidelines, with a SNAP Health Portal for forms.
Parent Experience

History
For over 100 years, Hillside School has taught the core values of compassion, determination, honesty, and respect. It was founded in 1901 by sisters Charlotte and Mary Drinkwater in Greenwich, Massachusetts, and moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts in 1927. The school has offered boarding and day programs for students in kindergarten through nine in a structured, inclusive environment. The campus spans 150 acres and includes an Innovation Lab, six dormitories, housing for faculty and staff, and a brand new Lower School building. In October 2015, Hillside appointed its 10th headmaster, Ed Chase.

Community
The student body represents more than 12 countries, reflecting Hillside's international community. Hillside hosts community events such as DAR Day and other campus activities that involve families. Parents engage through events, campus visits, and supporting Hillside athletic teams. Parent volunteers contribute to teacher appreciation, the annual Spring Fling, and other bonding opportunities, with involvement coordinated by Emily Kent at ekent@hillsideschool.net.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent involvement is organized through a Hillside parent community that supports students, staff, and programs. Parents engage with Hillside through events, campus visits, and cheering on athletic teams. Volunteer opportunities include teacher appreciation, the annual Spring Fling, and various parent-bonding activities. Student advisors provide bi-weekly updates on academics and conduct to families through the Shades of Blue system. Involvement can be arranged by contacting Emily Kent at ekent@hillsideschool.net.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus includes an Academic & Health Center and a Student Center. Tracy Gym & Auditorium is on campus. Drinkwater Hall houses Messman-Saran Library. The campus features a Pool and Pool House. Outdoor spaces include a Soccer/Lacrosse Field and Doran Field.

Sports Facilities
The indoor athletic facility is Tracy Gym & Auditorium. Outdoor facilities include a Soccer/Lacrosse Field and Doran Field. There is a swimming pool with a Pool House.

Academic Facilities
The campus has an Academic & Health Center. Messman-Saran Library is housed in Drinkwater Hall. The Innovation Center at Hillside (iLab) supports robotics, 3D printing, and laser-cutting. The Wick Tutorial Center provides small-group tutorials in Executive Function, Math, Foundations of Language, and Social Skills. Hillside is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme, with technology integrated in classrooms through iPads and laptops.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts are offered through Studio Arts, Art Lab, and Performing Arts, including music projects, instrument exploration, drama, and the Spring Drama Production. Athletics offers a wide range of sports across seasons, with all students required to participate in one athletic, arts or Eco‑Team offering each term. The Innovation Center (iLab) provides facilities for coding, robotics, 3D printing, and collaborative projects. Community Service is a school-wide activity with a termly Community Service Day and ongoing opportunities. Student Leadership opportunities are available across Hillside's programs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Hillside is an IB World School offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP). The school emphasizes 21st-century skill-building, creative expression, and problem solving to engage students. The Innovation Center at Hillside (iLab) supports project-based learning with robotics, 3D printing, drones, coding, and laser cutting. The lower school iLab is a designated space for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

Arts & Creative
Studio Arts: Each student completes one term of art per year and can sign up for the Art Lab, exploring painting and pottery. Performing Arts: All students study music for a trimester and may pursue instruments, private lessons, pep-band, drama, and choir. The Spring Drama Production gives students opportunities to act, sing, and participate in stage production.

Cultural & Language
The Hillside student body represents more than 12 countries. Foreign languages offered include French, Mandarin, and Spanish. Students come from eight foreign countries.

Social & Hobbies
Intramural options and drama are offered as non-competitive alternatives alongside interscholastic sports. Performing arts opportunities include instrument study, pep-band, drama, and choir. The iLab fosters collaboration and creative expression through team projects and hands-on activities.

Community & Service
Community service is a long-standing part of Hillside. A school-wide Community Service Day is held once per term, with ongoing service opportunities throughout the year. In ninth grade, seniors select particular causes monthly as part of their stewardship.

Leadership & Professional
There are many opportunities for student leadership across athletics, farm, chapel, technology, and more. The leadership program helps students become strong, respectful, and effective leaders on campus and beyond. Student leaders exemplify the five core values and assist with events like Registration Day and Spring Fling, lead lunch programs, and support in the library and chapel. Students may apply for leadership positions (prefect, proctor, or assistant proctor) and are selected through an application review and interviews.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The athletics program reinforces Hillside's core values of respect, honesty, determination, compassion, and fun. Athletics promote group cooperation, socialization, self-confidence, school spirit, and physical, mental, and emotional health. All students are required to participate in at least one interscholastic sport each year, with non-competitive options such as intramural, drama, and Eco Team. Boarding students balance academics, athletics, and community responsibilities.
Languages

Language Provision
The school offers English as a Second Language (ESL) with four levels: Beginner, Lower Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced. The ESL program is directed by Michael Brown, Director of International Student Programs. Beginner curriculum develops simple oral and listening skills and basic writing about greetings, people and places, jobs, days of the week, seasons, lifestyles, travel, places of interest, food, the future, etc. Lower Intermediate focuses on interpreting general meaning in conversations and improving fluency; Upper Intermediate covers inferences and more complex grammar; Advanced strengthens writing and reading and introduces complex grammar and literature such as Sherlock Holmes and Dracula.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquire. The first step toward admission consideration is to fill out an online inquiry form and provide basic information. The inquiry information pre-populates the application form. 2. Access the Parent Portal. After completing the inquiry, your email address will be activated to access the Parent Portal. Create a password and log in to complete the Application Checklist online. 3. Apply (Domestic). To apply to Hillside School domestically, complete all required items through the Parent Portal: Application for Admission and the nonrefundable application fee; a current transcript for the current and previous school year; Math and English teacher recommendations; a graded writing sample; a parent statement describing your son's strengths and areas of challenge along with your goals for your son; standardized testing is optional; interviews and campus tours are conducted by the admissions office; the Domestic application fee is $50. 4. Apply (International). For international applicants, the process mirrors the domestic steps with additional language and boarding considerations: Hillside offers a 5‑day or 7‑day boarding program to maximize immersion in English, and a day student option is available for non‑English-speaking students. International applicants submit the same materials (Application Form, transcript for the past two years, Math and English recommendations, a graded writing sample, a parent statement, and interviews/campus tours). International applicants whose primary language is not English should submit TOEFL Junior results; the international application fee is $100. Interviews and campus tours can occur on campus or via Zoom, with on‑campus visits preferred. Interviews and campus tours are regularly conducted by the admission office. All applicants submit materials through the Parent Portal. Application fees are $50 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants.

Scholarships
Financial aid is need‑based and administered by the Office of Admission & Financial Aid, with about 30% of Hillside students receiving aid. The process requires completing the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) via the School & Student Services (SSS) system, using code 3908. The SSS process should be completed no later than February 1, and families should file their taxes early. A Family Guide to Financial Aid is available to assist families through the process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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