Hillsdale Elementary School opened its doors to the children of West Chester for the first time in 1976. Nestled amid the rolling green hills on the southwest edge of the borough in East Bradford Township. Hillsdale is one of ten elementary schools in the West Chester Area School District which serves a community with a rich history steeped in tradition and with a regional and national reputation for supporting excellence in education.
    Originally designed to embrace the philosophy of the "open-school" concept, its tri-level construction houses three open space "classroom pods" which surround the centrally located two-tiered library. The physical layout of our building encourages collaboration, communication and a sense of family which creates a climate that fosters the goals of a team approach in our learning community.
    Hillsdale is a multi-culturally diverse community which provides an educational climate based on the principle that all learners can succeed regardless of individual differences, abilities, needs or interests. Our diverse population of approximately 500 students represents a racial and ethnic mix. We pride ourselves on our outstanding facilities, rigorous academic standards and high quality instruction.
    Each year Hillsdale's teachers and staff systematically and painstakingly re-evaluate their teaching strategies and objectives in order to provide each child with the most complete and effective learning environment. The dedication of the staff to their professional growth creates an on-going quest for educational enrichment. We constantly research new and innovative techniques and continue our professional development. The "openness" of our physical environment lends itself to a natural sharing and team approach which enables the staff to be learners, as well as teachers. The support, volunteerism and involvement of parents is an integral part of our success. Hillsdale provides a safe and supportive climate where teachers serve as models, coaches and guides and where parents are both advisors and participants in their children's learning. Our "Inclusion Model" and "Technology Program" are yet two more pieces to add to the picture of what makes Hillsdale unique and what allows us to celebrate the diversity in all our children. Through inclusion we build interdependence, mutual respect and responsibility. Innovative teachers at Hillsdale use the computer, not only as a learning tool, but also to motivate their students to learn, promote self-confidence and prepare them for the future work place of the twenty-first century. Technology is not used or taught in isolation, but is integrated and woven throughout our entire curriculum.
    At Hillsdale, our students benefit from the rich and diverse cultural activities offered, both at the school and in the surrounding community of West Chester. This stimulating and abundant cultural heritage provides a dynamic setting that motivates our students toward a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of community. We pride ourselves in our tradition of community and educational outreach. We recognize that we are not in isolation, but are part of a larger community and have a responsibility to our students to help them recognize this through our many "service to community" programs in which we are involved each year.
    Our students look forward to our "yearly themes" which have ranged from "Respect and Responsibility," "Stop and Think," "Champions All - We ALL are Champions," and "WE ARE FAMILY!" The students anticipate the activities which always surround the themes and look forward to the special programs and events which take place. The "Hillsdale Hall of Fame" induction is also a strong tradition at our school. This is a time when teachers who have retired from Hillsdale are recognized for their service and contribution to our "family."
    Hillsdale provides all learners with the opportunity to develop their skills, talents and abilities to their fullest potential through a flexible, site-based, integrated curriculum which reflects real-life learning situations and which is responsive to the changing needs of both the learners and of society. The celebration of individual differences, the building of strong self-images and the tremendous community involvement, with emphasis on inclusion, diversity and volunteerism are all woven into the fabric that binds and defines Hillsdale Elementary School.