1.       CHOICE.   A child is assigned to a public school which serves the student’s residential address. The student generally can choose to attend another public school, including a magnet school, if desired. 
2.       INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION.  The Hillcrest High School student to teacher ratio is 22 to 1 and smaller in some classrooms. The middle school (Franklin) and elementary schools in our neighborhood have similar ratios.  Free tutoring is offered before, during, and after school.

3.       HIGHER ACADEMIC STANDARDS.  Academically rigorous programs are available in most public schools. Hillcrest High School offers 19 different Advanced Placement (AP) classes and has a great record of successful AP testing.  AP students can earn college credit hours based on these test results.  
 4.       COLLEGE BOUND.  Our public school students can choose a path leading to either college or an immediate career, with the assistance of school counselors. Students can earn college credits, while getting high school graduation credits, through dual credit programs with community colleges.  
 5.       BALANCED PROGRAMS.  Hillcrest High School offers a variety of sports for boys and girls, as well as band, cheerleading, theater, dance, Academic Decathlon, orchestra, Biomedical Research (in partnership with Southwestern Medical School), Mock Trial, and many more.  Our faculty supports students who want to be involved in multiple extra-curricular programs.
 6.       RELIGON.  Students in public schools have both freedom of and freedom from religion. A daily moment of silence is provided to allow students the opportunity to appreciate this freedom and the diversity of religious beliefs in our schools.  Some students belong to faith based youth groups outside of school. HHS serves as host to Young Life, a non-denominational Christian after school program.

7.       PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.  Hillcrest High School supports many parent organizations, including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Site Based Decision Making (SBDM), and booster clubs to encourage a positive learning environment.  We welcome the time and talents of all willing parents or community members to support the goals of these valuable organizations.

 8.       COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SENSE OF VALUES.  Many public schools require students to participate in community service, promoting respect for the community through active participation in its success. The goals of school organizations like the National Honor Society, and student programs of the Park Cities Rotary Club and other community groups, instill the high worth of service to others.

 9.       SAFETY.  Most public school faculty members know every involved parent. Schools have established and published rules and guidelines to emphasize discipline and self-control. Dedicated professional officers are trained to resolve any issues on campus quickly.

 10.   FUNDS ALLOCATION.  We often provide financial resources from fund-raising activities to special opportunities like field trips to enrich the academic curriculum. These give your child greater opportunities to learn. Funds are available to provide a two-day off-site team-building for each senior class student.
 11.   COMMUNITY.  Our student population represents the Dallas community. We are proud of our diversity, which provides the broad perspective for life-long friendships across racial and socio-economic lines.
 12.   COST.  No tuition!   Your taxes already fund your child’s public education.

by Lori Haspel, Hillcrest High School PTSA President

Come see for yourself - Open House Thursday February 9th at 6:30pm