You're invited to our Open House - Wednesday October 21 5:30-7:00pm - RSVP to info@hillcrestschool.ca
Welcome
where Every Day is a Special Day!
Hillcrest Progressive School offers a small, warm and nurturing learning environment nestled in the greenbelt of Hogg's Hollow in Toronto. We strive to enrich the lives of toddlers and preschoolers by providing them with experiences that spark their imaginations, promote their growing sense of independence and nurture their innate sense of wonder and curiosity.
Fostering learning, socialization and growth through education.
Our robust programs cover every element of early childhood education and play-based learning including literacy, pre-mathematics,
STEAM, social sciences, languages, the arts as well as gross motor and social skills. We believe that a strong sense of self-worth is the cornerstone of cognitive learning. Our educators cultivate and celebrate each child's unique creativity and strength by fostering confidence, inquisitiveness and interest in the world around them - all attributes that are critical to a child's development. Our students learn about various cultures that exist in the world around them, exploring values and practices in meaningful and joyful ways. They develop a deep understanding of Jewish culture and heritage through songs and education through holiday celebrations and traditions.
Our Mission
At Hillcrest Progressive School, our mission is to nurture a lifelong love of learning in every child. Through a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment, we foster curiosity, confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging, providing each child with the foundation they need to thrive as they grow and learn.
Our Values
At Hillcrest Progressive School, we recognize and celebrate the unique qualities, interests, strengths, and passions of every child. We believe children thrive when they feel valued, respected and supported. Through innovative, creative, and engaging learning experiences, we encourage curiosity, independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. We are committed to strong relationships, collaboration, and best educational practices that support every child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth while celebrating who they are and helping them discover who they can become.
What Makes Hillcrest So Special
What makes Hillcrest special is the sense of connection, belonging, and discovery that children experience every day. We offer a warm and nurturing environment where experienced educators truly get to know each child and create learning experiences around their individual interests, strengths, and passions. Jewish values, traditions, culture, and holidays are thoughtfully woven throughout our curriculum, creating a strong sense of identity and community. From Hebrew, music and movement, sports, robotics, STEAM, and drumming to our magical, tree-lined playground, children are given endless opportunities to explore, create, move, question, and wonder. We believe our greatest strength is our community—children, families, and educators building meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom and make Hillcrest feel like a place where everyone belongs.
Toddler Age 18 months
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
Our Toddler program runs 5 days a week. We offer morning and full-day options. Healthy & nutritious hot lunch and snacks are included, catered by Alphabet Kids Inc. Our warm and supportive toddler program fosters the development of age-appropriate skills in the pillars of independence, language development, self-expression, socialization and sensory exploration. Toddlers are able to express their creativity through music, art and drama. They are also energized through sports and other physical activities, much of it takes place in our expansive playground and our indoor gym space. We maintain a ratio of 1:5 in our toddler program which ensures that each child progresses at their own pace. Our experienced educators are responsive to the needs of every child and are committed to helping them become independent, confident and excited to learn. We focus on four key areas of
development including perception and sensory development, self-help skills, gross and fine motor skills, and social/emotional growth.
Preschool Age 3 by Dec 31st
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
Our educators introduce preschool children to the world around them and include both centre-based activities and reading circles that promote cognitive development. In a supportive environment, children learn language and math skills and enjoy sensory experiences. We give children the chance to explore, interact with others and think critically. We know that each child learns at their own pace and in their own way. A ratio of 1:8 allows our educators to provide attention and focus on children's individual needs. Our hands-on learning approach sets each child up for a successful entry into any Junior Kindergarten program.
Educators and children are active partners in the learning process, supporting, encouraging and documenting student learning.
Daily Life Experiences
Children are drawn to activities that give them independence and introduce them to new ideas. Our trained educators lead immersive activities indoors and outside on the playground to provide the children with a perfect setting to develop their social skills.
Language
Our educators cultivate a passion for words through the use of various materials which prepares them to express their thoughts both orally and in writing.
Children are introduced to basic concepts of mathematics such as: quantity, 1-1 correspondence, addition and subtraction. Students gain the basic knowledge of how numbers are used through the introduction of concrete materials.
Mathematics
Sensory
Sensory materials in and outside of the classroom provide students with hands-on experiences, sharpening their fine and gross motor skills. Sensory materials aid the children in discovering characteristics such as colour, weight, shape, texture, size, sound and smell. The sensory materials help children distinguish, categorize and relate to new information to what they already know.
Jewish learning is woven into everyday life at Hillcrest, where children celebrate Shabbat and explore chagim (Jewish holidays) through songs, blessings, stories, music, art, hands-on activities, and meaningful classroom experiences. We nurture a strong sense of Jewish identity by fostering kindness, compassion, respect, community, and belonging, while incorporating Hebrew language, Israeli culture, history, and traditions into our curriculum. Through these experiences, children develop a meaningful connection to their heritage and an appreciation for Israel and its place within our Jewish community. We are deeply committed to creating a warm and inclusive Jewish environment where children can experience, understand, and celebrate their heritage, building a strong foundation that will grow with them throughout their lives.
Bringing Jewish Heritage to life
Summer at Hillcrest is a time for adventure, friendship, exploration, and endless outdoor fun! Our beautiful, expansive grounds become the heart of our 8-week summer program, giving children plenty of time each day to run, play, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Children look forward to swimming in our on-site pools, exciting theme days, creative activities, sports, games, and special experiences that make each week feel like a new adventure. Our educators create a fun and engaging summer experience where children can be active, try new things, build friendships, and make lasting memories. With our incredible outdoor space, salt-water pools, and thoughtfully planned programming; summer at Hillcrest for children ages 18 months to 3.8 years is truly an experience unlike any other.
The children make a splash during daily swimming programs in our beautiful heated salt-water pools and water play areas. We hire only experienced and qualified NLS-certified swim staff who understand the needs of young children. We ensure that each child feels secure and comfortable during water activities, dividing time between the recreational and full-size pools. Each child enters the large pool in the arms of a trained staff member, who provides a one-on-one experience in a safe environment.
Dedicated RECE's in each group - Certified NLS Lifeguards - Daily Swim/Sports/Music/Arts & Crafts - Themed Weeks & Dress Up Days
Summer Camp
Ages 18 months - 3.8 years
Swimming
🌿A Playground Like No Other🌿
Nestled in the beautiful greenbelt of Hoggs Hollow, Hillcrest offers children an extraordinary natural setting to learn, explore, and play. Our expansive, tree-lined grounds provide a sense of space and freedom that is truly unique, with a magical playground unlike any other school environment. Surrounded by nature and abundant green space, children have endless opportunities to climb, imagine, discover, and connect with the outdoors. At Hillcrest, our outdoor environment is more than a playground—it is an essential part of the childhood experience we create.
Limited Space available in Toddler & Preschool programs for the 2026/2027 school year. Full payment due upon registration.
We are enrolled in the CWELCC funding program, offering reduced fees to all Hillcrest families in our Toddler, Preschool & Summer programs.
How to Register:
1. Download the application form and print, or complete the online application.
2. Complete the downloaded forms and email to info@hillcrestschool.ca with the subject line "Hillcrest Application"
or drop it off in-person.
3. Make your payment online. As the school year has begun, full payment is due upon registration.
Summer 2027 and School 2027/2028 Registration - Opening Soon!
Important Notes:
Our summer program is for children age 18 months to age 3.8 years.
Children enrolled in our school program may also attend camp during the summer before they enter Junior Kindergarten.
Discover the difference a Hillcrest education can make in your child's early years. Submit the form to receive information on how Hillcrest Progressive School can provide a strong foundation for your child's future.