The Hillsboro School is a private, non-profit, and non-religiously affiliated school in Helena, Alabama.

As we work toward accreditation, Hillsboro’s faculty brings more than thirty-five years of Montessori classroom experience supported by advanced degrees and Montessori and International Baccalaureate training. This blend of experience and expertise shapes an educational approach that honors the Montessori method while integrating current research and hands-on, inquiry-driven learning.

The school’s campus rests on thirty beautiful acres, giving students the freedom to learn indoors and out. Multi-age classrooms, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a culture of independence allow students to progress based on readiness rather than age, gaining confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills along the way. Outdoor lessons, daily hikes, gardening, and animal care are woven into school life, enriching academic learning with meaningful, place-based experiences.

As the only Montessori school in the Birmingham area serving infant through high school, Hillsboro offers families a unique, continuous educational path grounded in exploration and growth. Here, students learn how to learn; they develop persistence, leadership, and a lifelong sense of curiosity that extends far beyond the classroom.

OUR MISSION

As a member school of the American Montessori Society, the International Montessori Council, and the Alabama Independent School Association, our mission is to provide our students individualized attention to ignite their curiosity, foster compassion, and inspire creativity.

WHY CHOOSE HILLSBORO?

1. Full Montessori-through-High School Continuity
   Hillsboro serves kids from infant age all the way through high school. That means families get a consistent, developmentally aligned education journey under one roof.
2. Experienced Faculty and Personalized Attention
   The staff collectively bring decades of Montessori experience, plus Montessori and International Baccalaureate training, ensuring high-quality instruction rooted in child-centered pedagogy. Combine that with intentionally low student–teacher ratios, and you get real individualized attention.
3. Hands-On, Holistic Curriculum
   Hillsboro goes beyond textbook learning. Our programs, especially in middle and high school, focus on inquiry-based, interdisciplinary studies, real-world experiences, and opportunities for students to engage with their communities, the environment, and personal interests.
4. Beautiful Campus in a Convenient Location
   The school sits on a 8-acre campus near Helena, Alabama, giving students access to abundant nature, outdoor learning opportunities, and space to explore. Plus, the location is easy to reach: only about ten minutes from I-459, making commuting more convenient for families.

OUR SYMBOL

The beauty of our Montessori philosophy is the development of the whole child and how we nurture their mind, heart, and intrinsic motivation to contribute creatively to society. Our crest symbolizes these values. In the top right corner are three columns that represent how we support our students to be:

• Curious
• Compassionate
• Creative

In the top left, the “H” symbolizes our commitment to being a second Home as Dr. Maria Montessori envisioned a community that shares some of the depth and meaningfulness of family life. Additionally, the city of Helena was initially named Hillsboro.

Lastly, honeybees on their own are simple insects. In a hive of thousands, they are a superorganism. Honeybees are highly organized, masters of communication, and thrive without damaging their environment or harming other organisms. The honeybee is a master of stewardship that models a purposeful life. Montessori students are Cosmic/Global Citizens, individuals tasked with caring and building a better world.

Quick facts

History

• Founded in 2017
• 501(c)(3) Non Profit
• Governed by Board of Trustees: Connie Edwards (Chairperson), Wendy Poczatek, Ron Eddings, Meghan Edwards, Nicole Schultz

Location

• 8-acre campus in Helena
• 10 minutes from I-459, between exits 6 and 10, providing easy access to nearby residents and commuters

Academics

• Infant – High School
• Regular/Honors courses available in every academic area
• Written periodic evaluations from preschool – middle school
• Grades used in high school and for those middle school students earning high school credit
• Parent/teacher conferences twice a year (student-led conferences for Secondary 1 & 2)

College Prep/Admissions

• Individualized college counseling
• Dual-enrollment opportunities with Jefferson State, University of Alabama, and University of Alabama in Birmingham
• Career/college and standardized test preparation course

Technology

• Technology is used intentionally and at developmentally appropriate times to support learning, rather than as a primary mode of instruction. Consistent with Montessori principles, students engage first with hands-on materials, real-world experiences, and direct human interaction before using digital tools as extensions of their work.
• All middle and high school students necessitate daily in-school access to a tablet or laptop.
• The Hillsboro School abides by State of Alabama law prohibiting the use of student cell phones. This policy supports sustained concentration and aligns with the Montessori guiding principle that focus is essential for deep learning.

Parent Involvement

• Parents contribute voluntarily throughout the school year
• Drive to field trips and outings
• Participate in Montessori Continuing Education (commonly referred to as ‘Parent Education’)
• Support special event days such as Earth Day, Field Day, etc.
• All parents working with students complete a background check

Fine Arts

• Students receive a variety of fine arts options
• Courses include woodworking, music, photography, dance, and graphic arts such as drawing, painting and sculpture

Alumni

• Our graduates have gone on to attend widely respected higher learning institutions including: The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, The University of Alabama, Portland State, The University of Alabama at Huntsville, Berry College

New to Montessori?

Find more about it from the American Montessori Society.

Interested in teaching at Hillsboro?

We are always looking for talented, passionate educators to join our team. Interested candidates can send their resumes to bdoe@thehillsboroschool.org.