The Hill School

The Hill School was founded in 1851 by the Rev. Matthew Meigs as the Family Boarding School for Boys and Young Men. The School opened on May 1, 1851, enrolling 25 boys for the first year. The Family Boarding School was the first of its kind in America. According to John Chancellor’s The History of The Hill, “He [Meigs] wanted to stress that he was not founding still another academy, but a type of school quite new and rare in America. There is a tendency to think that the boys’ boarding school as we know it existed as long as there have been private schools. It has not. Most of the 12 to 15 schools generally considered the “core” group were established in the last half of the nineteenth century…Of this whole group of schools, The Hill was the first to be founded as a family boarding school."

The Hill School became a coeducational institution when it welcomed its first female students in 1998. For more than 20 years, the School has prepared young men and women from across the country and around the world for college, careers, and life.

For more than 170 years, Hill students have gathered around Dining Room tables during seated meals, enjoying meals and building rapport with teachers and advisers, bonding with teammates, and forming life-long friendships. Although not a formal classroom setting, the Dining Room is a vital space for learning enduring life lessons.

Rooted in a strong legacy of liberal arts, our expansive curriculum provides students with opportunities to take their knowledge outside the classroom and apply it in their daily lives.

Courses in the Humanities, Classics, History, World Languages, English, Religious Studies, and the Arts provide an excellent liberal arts education rooted in foundational skills and knowledge: thinking critically, writing effectively, speaking forcefully, and solving problems analytically. With this experience, Hill students develop the importance of self-knowledge, individual responsibility, and a duty to others.

The Quadrivium Curriculum, Hill's unique STEM program, moves away from traditional course sequencing and creates new tracks and electives in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology that emphasize collaboration, interdisciplinary connections, real-world problem solving, and scientific design. Hill’s outstanding teachers are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure students are thriving in their academic pursuits. Teachers often offer extra help sessions in the Library, Writing Center, and their offices during the school day, as well as in the evening hours during study hall.

Hill offers in-depth studies in visual and performing arts which allows students to showcase their talents during art exhibitions, musical festivals, vocal concerts, Broadway-like productions, and dance recitals. Visual Arts
Our Arts department provides students the opportunity to express their talents through drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and fiber arts.

Music
Instrumental and vocal ensembles at Hill include Orchestra, Jazz Band, Chorus, Chamber Choir, Hilltones, and Hilltrebles.

Theatre
Theatre enthusiasts can take the main stage in a starring role or work behind the scenes as part of the Ellis Theatre Guild.

Dance
Dance is offered as a performance-based class during the academic day, in addition to weekend workshops.

With 31 varsity sports teams, athletics plays a vital role in every Hill student’s development. We are committed to providing an experience that develops character, emphasizes teamwork, and encourages healthy, lifelong habits.Fall
Cross Country, Football, Boys’ Golf, Soccer, Water Polo, Field Hockey, Girls’ Tennis

Winter
Basketball, Ice Hockey, Indoor Track and Field, Squash, Swimming and Diving, Wrestling

Spring
Baseball, Crew, Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track and Field, Softball, Boys’ Tennis

Hill students and faculty know how to balance being serious with having fun. During the evenings, students have required study hours, but there is also time for snacks and fun with friends and dorm parents, and sometimes special School events. On the weekends, activities are planned on and off campus. On-campus fun includes pep rallies, concerts, dances, dorm competitions, and student club meetings. Some students choose to head off campus with friends to see a movie, shop, travel, and so much more. There is definitely something for everyone!

The Hill School is located in the Borough of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Rich in history and culture, Pottstown offers students a variety of opportunities for dining, entertainment, shopping, and recreation.  The Hill also is convenient to major Pennsylvania cities (one hour from Philadelphia and approximately 30 minutes from the Lehigh Valley and Reading). New York City and Baltimore, Maryland are approximately two hours away by car or bus. The proximity of campus to these major U.S. cities provides our students with unlimited cultural possibilities for classroom learning experiences and weekend activities. Students enjoy trips to the Philadelphia Art Museum, Adventure Aquarium, major sporting events, Broadway shows, great restaurants, shopping malls, and more. Our location also allows students to engage in meaningful community service right here in our town.