Hillwood Academic Day School

At Hillwood School, we are committed to the development of the wholeness of each student to foster the love and learning.
Our goal is to educate every child to be an academically successful student and a socially responsible citizen.
Hillwood School has always focused on the individual child and has helped them flourish academically and socially through small classroom sizes and tested academic curriculum.
The teachers at Hillwood work together to ensure continuity throughout the curriculum.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 31 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $1,800
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Hillwood Academic Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1949
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
31 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Hillwood Academic Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$1800.00 is our monthly tuition
Summer Program Cost
$1,800
Summer Program Cost Notes
$1800.00 is the tuition for a summer session. It includes field trips, daily arts and crafts, park trips, and library trips.
Admissions Director
Eric Grantz
Admissions Associate
Gayle Grantz

School Notes

  • Hillwood Academic Day School located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, offers a nurturing and family oriented educational environment for K-8 students.With a relaxed yet structured approach to learning, the school fosters both academic and personal growth.
  • One of Hillwood's stand out features is its inclusive tuition, which covers hot lunches and before and afterschool care. The curriculum includes art, music, and foreign language, enriching students beyond core subjects. For 8th graders, the school provides an Algebra program with an independent study component, allowing students to develop strong program-solving skills and academic independence. Students at Hillwood also benefit from ample outdoor time, with regular park visits and exciting field trips throughout the year. Additionally, the school offers a summer program, ensuring continuity in education and enrichment opportunities during the break. With its welcoming atmosphere, strong academic offerings, and emphasis on both learning and play, Hillwood Academic Day School is a fantastic choice for families seeking a well-balanced and supportive education for their children.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Tony Long, Graduate, Copy Chief at Wired News, 1973 -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hillwood Academic Day School cost?
Hillwood Academic Day School's tuition is approximately $1,800 for private students and $1,800 for summer students.
Who are famous alumni from Hillwood Academic Day School?
Hillwood Academic Day School famous alumni include: Tony Long, Graduate, Copy Chief at Wired News, 1973.
Does Hillwood Academic Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Hillwood Academic Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Hillwood Academic Day School's ranking?
Hillwood Academic Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Least expensive tuition and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Hillwood Academic Day School?
The application deadline for Hillwood Academic Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Hillwood Academic Day School located?
Hillwood Academic Day School is located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. There are 6 other private schools located in Pacific Heights.

School Reviews

5  
We LOVE Hillwood. Everything about it -- and that's saying something given that we drive there from the Peninsula. Our daughter transferred at the end of her second-grade year after shadowing for 2 days. Initially, we hadn't planned to pull her from her current private school and were weighing options for her 3rd grade year as her brother is attending a school in the city. She loved it so much that when Hillwood offered her the opportunity to start right away she begged us to let her do so. And here's the best part -- she chose to switch immediately because she felt challenged. She was getting bored in her other school and the great thing about Hillwood being so small is that every child is seen, heard, and valued. The intimate setting allows for every child to progress at their own pace academically -- and Mrs. Gayle Grantz who runs the school with her husband is THE best teacher ever. Firm, structured, loving, and kind. Our daughter's math proficiency has doubled in her short time at Hillwood as well as her reading abilities and passion for writing. She also loves soccer on Monday afternoons post-school that they offer as well as the friends she has made across the grades. 2-4 grades are in one class and they regularly interact with the lower school little ones as well as the upper school kids that have matriculated. As a professor, and as a parent, our most important goal for our kids is to build a foundation and a noy for learning. Hillwood is an exceptional place to do that within a family-like atmosphere. And the Grantz home on Scott street which houses the school is so cozy, you just feel at home there. Mrs. Grantz also makes -- in my 8 yo's words 'THE BEST SOUP & HOT LUNCHES EVER'. Mrs. Grantz does indeed cook hot lunches every day and again that is just part of the Hillwood magic. If you are on the fence and still searching, highly encourage you to shadow at Hillwood and give Gayle a call to see if it might be a fit for your family.
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 31 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $1,800
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Francisco, CA is $24,054 for elementary schools and $38,897 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in San Francisco, CA is 58% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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