Hill Learning Center offers a half-day program to students in grades 1-12 that is designed to provide highly differentiated instruction to students who have specific learning differences or attention deficit disorders. On average, 175 students from 70 different public, independent, and home schools, spend a portion of their day at Hill. This dual enrollment affords students the opportunity to receive necessary remediation in a smaller school setting, and apply the skills learned at Hill in other educational settings.
Hill strives to assist each individual in realizing his or her potential by developing strengths, remediating weaknesses, and experiencing success.
With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1, the relationship between the teacher and student encourages participation and a willingness to attempt difficult skills. The positive, success-oriented nature of the program facilitates learning, as well as improvement of self-concept and motivation.
There is an explicit focus on building age-appropriate executive function skills, and a peer advisory program strengthens peer relationships and the platform for practicing self-advocacy skills.
An experienced school counseling team spends time with each student and provides emotional, behavioral, and social support.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NC School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 1-12
- Enrollment: 166 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,990
- Average class size: 4 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hill Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
LD, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc...
Year Founded
1977
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
166 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
93%
Average Class Size
4 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,990
Tuition Notes
2024-25 Tuition: $9,150 – 24,990
Summer Program Cost
$3,225
% on Financial Aid
36%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,000
Admissions Director
Tori Gredvig
Admissions Associate
Holly McKenna
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Animation, Basketball, Board Games, Creative Writing, Disc Golf, Robotics, Sewing, Student Council, Yearbook
Animation, Basketball, Board Games, Creative Writing, Disc Golf, Robotics, Sewing, Student Council, Yearbook
School Notes
- Founded in 1977, Hill Learning Center's mission is to transform students with learning differences into confident, independent learners. Named in honor of our founder George Watts Hill, Hill Learning Center began as a program of Durham Academy, becoming an independent nonprofit in 1998. We pursue our mission through a range of K-12 student and educator programs, providing equitable and differentiated, research-based practices for supporting students with learning differences and/or attention challenges.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hill Learning Center cost?
Hill Learning Center's tuition is approximately $24,990 for private students and $3,225 for summer students.
What schools are Hill Learning Center often compared to?
Hill Learning Center is often viewed alongside schools like Hope Creek Academy by visitors of our site.
Does Hill Learning Center offer a summer program?
Yes, Hill Learning Center offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Hill Learning Center's ranking?
Hill Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Hill Learning Center?
The application deadline for Hill Learning Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Hill Learning Center located?
Hill Learning Center is located in the North Garrett Road neighborhood of Durham, NC. There are 4 other private schools located in North Garrett Road.
School Reviews
5 8/23/2024
How grateful we are for the brilliance and magic of the Hill Learning Center! Our son, who is now 12 and entering 7th grade, attended Hill Center from 3rd through 6th grade. He has excelled and learned so much that he is now able to go back to his base school full-time for 7th grade. I cannot say enough superlatives about the quality of the education at Hill Center or the amazing skills of the teachers. While we didn't realize it at first and had all the normal trepidation about our son attending two schools (Hill and his base school), my husband and I quickly learned that Hill Center was a gift from the educational universe. It was an excellent decision to send our son to Hill Center, and I highly recommend it for those with learning differences. Our son obviously still has dyslexia, but he now has the skill set and ability not to let it interfere with his education or his confidence.
5 8/3/2024
We are so, so grateful for Hill. My son has been enrolled in after-school tutoring at Hill, and most recently, completed their summer program. I can already see so many gains! He is now electing to read graphic novels, on his own, for enjoyment -- and without me reading alongside with him. He is choosing to write funny notes and make signs around the house -- something I have not seen him do before! He has found friends at Hill, too. Hill is helping him get past the hurdles of learning, and gain confidence. The facility is beautiful, and the communication to families is very organized. We're grateful.
5 5/22/2022
I cannot say enough positive things about the Hill Center. The teachers are incredible, highly knowledgeable, and responsive. The admins are the same, many former teachers themselves. It`s a well-run school with a clear focus on the students. My child is finally learning how to learn thanks to Hill and is close to being caught up to grade level after being behind for years.
5 7/2/2020
I cannot say enough about Hill Center's effectiveness for remediating my child's learning difference, dyslexia. The faculty is incredibly professional, personable, warm and caring. A community is fostered here even though it's a half-day program and children don't attend like a full day school. The children become friends across ages and grade levels on the playground. They add special touches like Halloween celebrations to give it a school feel. Everywhere we'd go in the building, all teachers knew my child and would say "hello." It is truly a place where children are known and loved. Some teachers are warmer and more nurturing than others but overall there is a nurturing approach to the class work. My child entered Hill at a 1st grade reading level and in one school year achieved a beginning fourth grade reading level. Talk about closing the gap! This child's confidence has soared.
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