Hilltop Academy

The Roslyn Hilltop Academy provides the high school student with a non-traditional, alternative environment which maximizes their personal strengths while focusing on their individual learning styles. Through the use of an innovative curriculum developed and implemented by a nurturing staff, the Hilltop Academy’s task is to instill in every student a passion for knowledge and create life-long learners. The Academy encourages responsible, independent thinking, recognizes diversity and respects the individual needs of students. 

What type of student would benefit from attending the Hilltop Academy?

Students who would benefit from attending Hilltop Academy are those capable of a high level of academic achievement, with average or better intelligence, an aptitude for high-level thinking skills, and who are Regents Diploma candidates and college-bound. However, some of these students may also display characteristics such as being highly disorganized, socially disenfranchised, having poor school and/or class attendance, emotional vulnerability, focusing only on subjects of personal interest, or even school refusal—factors that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.

Placement in the academy is determined through a rigorous screening process that carefully considers each student’s academic, social, and emotional background.
 

What support services are available?

The goal of the Hilltop Academy is to meet the academic, emotional and social needs of the students. A strong counseling component is an integral part of the Academy. As a result of being a small learning community, the Academy is able to provide personal guidance and support at a level not available in most secondary school settings.

What is the Academy’s academic program?

The Hilltop Academy offers students the traditional academic subjects — English, social studies, math, science, foreign language and electives — but employs non-traditional methods available in a small learning community. For example, block scheduling and differentiated instruction allows for interdisciplinary learning that may encompass wide-ranging areas of study.

The Roslyn faculty develop curriculum based on New York State’s learning standards but which are tailored to the individualized needs of the particular students enrolled in the program.

The hours of the Academy allow students to participate in after-school activities, clubs and athletics at Roslyn High School.

All Academy students work towards earning their Roslyn High School diploma and are bound for college or other post-secondary studies.

What is the level of parental involvement?

The success of the Academy depends on the home-school partnership. There are meetings and conversations among students, staff and parents throughout the school year.

What grades attend the Academy?

The Hilltop Academy is open to students in 8th through 12th grade. The enrollment of 8th graders helps guarantee success in high school for those students who may benefit from earlier intervention and the small learning community provided by the Academy. The grouping of eighth graders and other students is age- and academically appropriate.

How I can get more information?

Contact Dave Lazarus, Roslyn High School Principal, at 801-5100. 

Our mission is accomplished by:

Our mission is accomplished by providing a high teacher-to-student ratio in small classroom settings, motivating disenfranchised students who have difficulty succeeding in a traditional high school, and creating an environment that meets the individual social, emotional, and academic needs of students. We focus on developing strong collaboration among staff, students, and parents while using curriculum and instructional methods that are relevant to students, complement their life experiences, and build on their strengths. Additionally, we offer programs and support services that refine and enhance both academic and personal development.