High School Program (Secondary II)

Every phase of Montessori is carefully designed to be consistent with the personality and characteristics of children at that stage of development. We help students find their own voice and learn how things work in the world. In addition to the academic work required by the State of Alabama, we want to instill a voluntary sense of passion for excellence in our students. Our aim is for Hillsboro students to graduate not only with high academic achievement, but to graduate with a set of values they live by, a tradition of service and a global understanding.

Students are able to help shape the direction of their inquiry and discussion in literature and history as well as by deciding upon projects and hands-on work in math and science. Students are guided in this work both by their own pacing and interests as well as by the gentle but consistent encouragement of their teachers. To aid each student’s individual development, weekly meetings are held with a teacher advisor to determine personal learning goals as well as unique needs and strengths.

To supplement the individualized learning, Hillsboro also allows students to engage in online classes, bringing the best the world has to offer in a global classroom. Additionally, we value students engaging in solo time so that each may develop an appreciation of quiet via self-reflection, a walk through the woods, or craft of the hand through activities such as knitting, origami, crocheting, sketching, and more.

Students at the Hillsboro School are expected and required to seek out hands-on opportunities to challenge their thinking and learning. Our secondary program uses a rotating curriculum where lessons are not based on lecture; rather, they are inquiry-based and interdisciplinary. We believe students should have a stake in their education and offer an integrated approach to learning, where subjects intersect and validate one another. Students encounter unique opportunities for abstract thinking and the space necessary to reach their own conclusions.

graduation requirements

To ensure the success of our students, the Hillsboro School meets or exceeds the expectations for the Alabama state requirements for high school graduation.

As such, the Hillsboro School offers all students a High School Diploma and allows the transcript to indicate the level of courses taken. We do calculate both a simple and weighted grade point average, which allows for honors-level courses to count toward a higher GPA.

For the High School Diploma, students are expected to complete 25 credits during their time in high school.

• 3 credits may be completed in middle school (only applicable for Spanish 1, English, Computer Applications, and Algebra/Geometry).
• 16 credits are in the required core areas of math, English, science, and social studies.
• 9 credits are earned through other required courses and electives.

Core Courses

While the Montessori approach focuses on moving on the speed of the child, we maintain rigorous standards on the level of work that must be completed to graduate from the Hillsboro School.

• In English, students are expected to successfully complete 4 years of composition and literature study.
• In mathematics, students must pass four years, including required courses of Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II.
• In science, all students are required to take Biology, at least one physical lab science, and two elective science courses.
• In social sciences, all students must take 4 years of history including at least one year in both World History and US History.

other requirements

While there are many electives available, there are other specific required elements for graduation.

• All students are required to actively engage in Life Skills, a curriculum spanning health, physical education, applied mathematics, career planning, and more.
• Students must take at least 2 sequential years of a foreign language. Spanish is available each year, as are other languages depending on demand.
• Students must complete one credit worth of fine arts. Courses such as art, music, drama, and computer literacy and applications are regular options.
• We offer a range of electives that align with student interests via passion projects, independent electives and internship opportunities.

Students taking honors-level classes seek the highest course offerings allowed in the Hillsboro School program. This may include not only campus-based honors options but also offerings such as blended courses, Early College courses, dual enrollment, or other options that best prepare students for college while also allowing them the support of the Hillsboro School.