The Hill Country Day School Curriculum

September 9, 2025

Growing Curious Minds

At Hill Country Day School, the curriculum will be more than a set of lesson plans. It will be a living and flexible framework that nurtures children’s natural curiosity, independence, and joy for learning. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enriched by a nature-based setting, the program will support the whole child in every area of development.

Learning in Harmony with Nature

Nature will be one of the most important teachers for our children. The 5.5-acre campus will include gardens, outdoor classrooms, and natural play spaces that invite children to dig, climb, explore, and imagine. Daily outdoor learning will provide authentic opportunities for children to practice observation, respect for the environment, and wonder at the natural world.

This exploration will support:

  • CD.2 Science through observing weather, plants, and wildlife.
  • PD.1 Gross Motor through climbing, running, and trail walks.
  • SP.1 Stewardship as children learn to care for nature and respect living things.

A Child-Led, Project-Based Approach

Inspired by Reggio Emilia, teachers will listen to children’s questions and observations to guide exploration. Projects will emerge from children’s interests. For example, a question about bugs may grow into a project on pollinators, gardens, and ecosystems.

This work will strengthen:

  • CD.1 Math as children measure, count, and sort natural materials.
  • CD.3 Language through conversations and storytelling about discoveries.
  • CD.5 Art and CD.6 Music as children represent ideas creatively.
  • SED.2 Regulation as they practice persistence and problem-solving.

Social and Emotional Growth at the Core

A child’s ability to learn will always be connected to their sense of safety, belonging, and emotional well-being. That is why the curriculum will include HOT DOCS strategies that support emotional literacy, empathy, and self-regulation.

Children will:

  • Strengthen SED.1 Self-Awareness as they name and manage feelings.
  • Build SED.3 Relationships through cooperation and conflict resolution.
  • Practice SED.4 Community by contributing to group projects and helping peers.
  • Develop SP.1 Respect for Others by learning empathy and kindness.

Creativity, Literacy, and Numeracy Through Play

Classrooms will be designed with open-ended centers that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence.

Children will:

  • Strengthen CD.4 Emerging Literacy through songs, books, and storytelling.
  • Practice CD.1 Math by sorting, building, and patterning.
  • Explore CD.5 Art through painting, collage, and design.
  • Experience CD.6 Music through rhythm, movement, and song.
  • Build PD.2 Fine Motor through drawing, cutting, and hands-on projects.

Families as Partners in Learning

Parents will be welcomed into the life of the classroom. Family traditions, garden days, and shared stories will enrich the curriculum and connect school learning with home life. Together, families and teachers will create a strong, inclusive community where every child feels supported and celebrated.

This partnership will model:

  • SP.1 Belonging and Identity by honoring family voices.
  • SED.4 Community as children see their family’s role in the larger school culture.

Hill Country Day School Curriculum Guidelines

Cognitive Development (CD)

  • CD.1 Math: Counting, sorting, patterning, measuring, and problem-solving.
  • CD.2 Science: Observation, experimentation, prediction, and discovery in nature and the classroom.
  • CD.3 Language: Vocabulary growth, conversations, storytelling, and discussions.
  • CD.4 Emerging Literacy: Listening to stories, recognizing letters and sounds, and beginning writing.
  • CD.5 Art: Creative expression through painting, drawing, sculpture, and design.
  • CD.6 Music: Exploring rhythm, movement, song, and instruments.

Social Emotional Development (SED)

  • SED.1 Self-Awareness: Naming and managing feelings, building confidence.
  • SED.2 Self-Regulation: Practicing patience, persistence, and calming strategies.
  • SED.3 Relationships: Building friendships, resolving conflicts, practicing empathy.
  • SED.4 Community: Taking responsibility, helping others, and contributing to the classroom.

Physical Development (PD)

  • PD.1 Gross Motor: Running, climbing, balancing, and moving safely outdoors.
  • PD.2 Fine Motor: Strengthening small muscles through drawing, cutting, pouring, and hands-on projects.

Spiritual Development (SP)

  • SP.1 Belonging, Respect, and Wonder:
    • Building a sense of identity and pride in self and family.
    • Respecting others and learning empathy.
    • Developing awe, gratitude, and stewardship for the natural world.

Together, these guidelines create a whole-child framework that will guide everything we do at Hill Country Day School. Children will grow not only in knowledge and skills, but also in empathy, confidence, and connection to their community and the world around them.

👉 Families who want to learn more about our curriculum and philosophy will be able to visit our Curriculum Page or join our interest list to stay connected as we prepare to open in Fall 2026.

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