The School

We’re excited to launch a website for Hillsides Education Center. Learn more about the special education programs offered to students who have an emotional disturbance or a learning disability.

In 1982, Hillsides Education Center (HEC) was established to meet the needs of children who required a special educational environment in which to flourish. Some of Hillsides' residents are able to attend public school; however, the majority need individualized attention to address both emotional disturbances and learning disabilities. The Center also accepts students outside Hillsides who have similar emotional and educational needs.

Each classroom accommodates up to 12 students supervised by a special education teacher and three teaching assistants. Lessons parallel mainstream programs to help students prepare to return to public school. In addition to obtaining a solid academic background, students have access to psychological counseling as well as music, art, speech therapy and other specialized support through HEC or by referral.

Hillsides Education Center is committed to reflective teaching, fostering an ethic of caring about each child's uniqueness through individualized educational plans. Teachers at the Center focus on basic skills and academic content as they relate to the students' past experiences. Artistic problem solving is also encouraged in an effort to make the student's educational experience more meaningful. Teachers are continually finding new ways to adapt the curriculum to relate to a student's background, interests and needs.

Click here to view the Executive Summary School Accountability Report Card, 2005-2006