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 truly special is the feeling you get the moment you walk through our doors. Nestled among beautiful, tree-lined grounds, our school is a place where children feel loved, friendships blossom, and little moments become lifelong memories. Our dedicated educators, many of whom have been part of Hillcrest for decades, offer the warmth, familiarity, and care that make our school feel like an extended family. Rooted in Jewish traditions and a deep sense of community, Hillcrest is more than a school—it’s a place where children and families feel connected, welcomed, and truly at home.
Toddler Age 18 months
Preschool Age 3 by Dec 31st
Our Toddler program provides a warm, nurturing environment where little ones build independence, develop language and social skills, explore their senses, and express their creativity. With a 1:5 educator-to-child ratio, an indoor gym, and our expansive outdoor playground, children enjoy meaningful play-based experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and discovery as they learn and grow.
Our Preschool program builds a strong academic foundation through engaging, hands-on learning, reading circles, and centre-based activities that develop early literacy, language, math, and critical-thinking skills. With a 1:8 educator-to-child ratio, our experienced educators provide individualized support, encouraging each child to grow in confidence, develop essential skills, and feel prepared for a successful transition to Junior Kindergarten.
Educators and children are active partners in the learning process, supporting, encouraging and documenting student learning.
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
Our educators cultivate a passion for words through the use of various materials which encourages the children to express their thoughts both orally and in writing.
Language
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.
Daily Life Experiences
Children are introduced to concepts of mathematics such as: quantity, 1-1 correspondence, addition and subtraction. Students gain the knowledge of how numbers are used through the introduction of concrete materials.
Mathematics
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.
Sensory
Jewish learning is woven into everyday life at Hillcrest through Shabbat, chagim, Hebrew language learning, and engaging experiences that celebrate Jewish traditions, Israeli culture, and heritage. We nurture kindness, compassion, and a strong sense of identity, community, and belonging, helping children build a meaningful connection to their Jewish roots that will grow with them throughout their lives.
Jewish Heritage
Summer at Hillcrest is filled with adventure, friendship, and outdoor fun! Our 8-week program offers children ages 18 months to 3.8 years endless opportunities to explore our beautiful grounds, swim in our salt-water pools, enjoy theme days, and participate in creative activities, sports, and games. With our incredible outdoor space and engaging programming, every week brings new discoveries, lasting friendships, and wonderful summer memories.
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.
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
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.
🌿A Playground Like No Other🌿
Admissions
Limited Space available in Toddler & Preschool programs for the 2026/2027 school year.
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.
2. Complete the forms and email to info@hillcrestschool.ca with the subject line "Hillcrest Application"or drop it off in-person.
3. Make your payment online by etransfer to accounting@hillcrestschool.ca. For the 2026/2027 school year, full payment is due upon registration.
Applications and Forms
Important Notes:
Children must be 18 months to begin our program.
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.