At Hill Country Day School, our mission begins with people. At the center is our founder, Haleigh Almquist. She brings nearly two decades of experience working directly with families and children. Haleigh offers a rare mix of professional expertise, academic knowledge, and personal perspective.
A Client’s Great Question
A parent recently asked: “What makes you qualified to start and run this project? And will you be onsite?” It’s a thoughtful and important question. The answer is yes—I will be onsite daily, and I live just one mile from the school. Hill Country Day School is both my professional and personal passion. I am committed to being present, involved, and invested in our families, children, and staff.
A Lifelong Entrepreneurial Spirit
I have always been a serial entrepreneur, dreaming big even when it felt scary. Since childhood, I wanted to own a daycare. Our family moved often, so the dream waited. When we returned to Texas in 2020, the timing was finally right. Hill Country Day School is the fulfillment of that vision.
A Career Dedicated to Families and Children
For 20 years, I’ve worked to support children and their families. I am the founder and owner of Hush Little Baby, the largest overnight newborn care agency in the nation. Through this work, I’ve guided parents through the earliest days of their child’s life.
I also spent 10 years as a newborn care specialist, gaining hands-on experience with infants. For 5 years, I worked as a nanny, caring for toddlers through school-aged children. These experiences gave me a strong understanding of child development at every stage.
Academic Foundation
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Family Studies, with a minor in Child Psychology, from Texas Tech University. I completed my degree in just three years. During college, I worked as a nanny, a substitute teacher, and an aide at the Children’s Home of Lubbock. This combination of study and real-world work shaped my people-centered approach to early childhood education.
A Mother’s Perspective
I am also a proud mom of three. One of my children is neurodivergent. That experience gave me hands-on knowledge of positive behavior management, empathy, and adaptability. It also inspired my vision for an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels supported.
Vision for Hill Country Day School
Hill Country Day School reflects my journey—professional expertise, academic study, and real-life parenting. My vision is for children to explore, connect with nature, and grow in a supportive community. Outdoor learning, relationship-building, and whole-child development will be at the heart of our work.