FAQ’s

For all Levels, Parents will need the RCHistory Syllabus and Family Daily Lesson Plan Volume 1.  Only one is necessary per family (covers all Levels). This will be purchased through the Hillside Program. To browse some of the books by level please see the links below.  Please contact us for a full listing of books.

Some of the books listed below you may already own and many are available through your local library. Family friends are also a good resource to check before purchasing.  You are not required to purchase new or purchase through the Hillside Program but please keep in mind that if you purchase the RCHistory books new through Hillside there is a discount available.  

Beginner

History, Literature – RCHistory Level Books

Science – Behold and See

St. Joseph First Communion Catechism (No. 0)

Grammar

History, Literature, Composition – RCHistory Grammar Level Books

Science – Behold and See 6

Logic

History, Literature, Composition – RCHistory Logic Level Books

Science – Novare General Biology

Rhetoric

History, Literature, Composition – RCHistory Logic Rhetoric Books

Science – Novare General Biology

Religious Studies – Book of Isaiah

 

 

 

Yes, there is an enrollment fee of $50 per family. To apply to the Hillside Program please fill out the online application. Once accepted you will be guided through the enrollment process.

The enrollment fee is a non-refundable deposit toward your tuition.  

Instruction is offered for ages 5 through 18 (K-12th grades)

Yes! However the group instruction does follow, espouse, practice the Catholic faith.  In class, Students are expected to learn the Catholic faith and participate in the liturgical life of the Church as much as they are able.

You may find our schedule and hours on our Schedule page.

Find out more on our classical Catholic education resources page.

At Hillside Program we instill a sense of order through our dress code. By enforcing a dress code for all who attend or assist at our program, we bear witness to the virtue of modesty, and promote a sense of unity. The use of a dress code is a wonderful part of our Catholic identity, prevents distractions, and helps ease competition during our time together. It serves to remind the children of the importance of their role, and creates a more professional environment to help facilitate learning.

Innocents Level: Dress should be neat and appropriate.

Beginner, and Grammar Level Boys: Solid neutral color slacks, white or light blue collared shirt, and full sock. Shirt sleeve length may vary based upon season.

Beginner, and Grammar Level Girls: Solid neutral color skirt or jumper, white, light blue, or pink collared shirt, and full sock. Shirt sleeve length may vary based upon season Skirt or jumper length must not be more than two fingers above the knee.

Rhetoric, and Logic Level Boys: Solid neutral color slacks, white or light blue collared shirt, tie, and full sock. Shirt sleeve length may vary based upon season.

Beginner, and Grammar Level Girls: Solid neutral color skirt, white, light blue, or pink collared shirt, and full sock. Shirt sleeve length may vary based upon season. Skirt must not be more than two fingers above the knee.

Shoes: Basic brown or black dress shoes. No sneakers, crocks, sandals, or distracting colors or patterns are permitted.

GYM Uniform: When using the gym, the children may change shoes.

All children: Hair length and style should be kept neat and appropriate. Personal hygiene is expected of all as it is an important part of a child’s rearing.

Parents, Volunteers and Mentors: As we strive to set solid examples for our children to follow, parents, volunteers, and mentors are asked to dress professionally.

Although we do understand each family has different academic needs and requirements to meet, especially at the Logic and Rhetoric Level, the Hillside Program works best as an integrated whole.  So that the topic in history is reflected in art, the topic in religious studies is reflected in literature, etc.  Because we are an in person program the aspect of a consistent community helps students form a comfortable relationship with each other and the mentor throughout the program year.  We envision Hillside  as being able to benefit a student who joins us at the Beginner Level and see her through the Rhetoric Level. 

 

Yes, the RCHistory “Connecting with History” syllabus has family lesson plans for the first 4 days of the week for all levels (Beginner through Rhetoric).   The Hillside group class day is the 5th day of the week where we review and prepare for the coming weeks home instruction. 

Yes, presentations are scheduled every 4th week (one presentation for each unit in RC History).  The family lesson plans and syllabus instruct the parent and student on the process to form the presentation from concept to telling in front if the students peers and mentor.  

Yes, the adoration chapel is located in the convent directly across from the entrance to the parish center.

Yes!  The science lab can fit about 16  students at a time and contains many of the tools necessary for exploration of our natural world.

Although going to Mass as a community binds us strongly in the faith, the 9AM Mass itself is not a requirement of the program.  Each family has its morning routine and sometimes getting a single child or multiple children out of the house on time is a challenge.  That is part of the reason we chose a 9:45AM class start time.  Although we ask each family to be in the common room by 9:30AM for morning prayers.

Typically, our Chaplin, Father Elias, says the 9AM morning Mass on Hillside group days.

Yes. We use RCHistory as a syllabus which places a great emphasis on big ideas in classical literature.  Examples of this years core and literature choices in Rhetoric. 

Lives from Plutarch, Boys’ and Girls’ Herodotus, Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey

There are a few dates which need to be observed.  1) June 1st  – we need to know who needs books at the discounted price.  2. July 1st – we’d like to know who is committed to a fall enrollment so that we can prepare mentors and resources. 

With the continuing postponement of openings and gatherings due to COVID-19 we will not consider July 1st as a hard enrollment date.  We will continue to monitor the situation and update you via email.  If you are not already signed-up for our informational emails please do so now.