Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Check out this Birmingham-area school’s holistic approach to learning
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Nestled among the trees and bordering a vibrant two-acre lakeside farm, The Hillsboro School provides more than just academics—it offers a different way of seeing education altogether. Located in Helena, it blends the time-honored principles of Montessori education with the freedom and exploration of forest and farm-based learning.
I was able to take a tour of this gorgeous space and felt instantly inspired by their unique approach to education. Read on to see why The Hillsboro School might just be the perfect fit for your family.
A place where learning comes alive
At Hillsboro, learning is rooted in connection to nature, to community and oneself. Students might begin their day collecting eggs, tending garden beds or diving into hands-on projects inspired by real-world questions.
Here, biology meets responsibility, math becomes measurement with purpose and science opens the door to sustainability. This is not memorization for test day—it’s education for life.
Whether in a classroom or the forest, students are encouraged to ask, explore, discover and grow.
Hear from the teachers:
“We empower children to self-regulate and develop autonomy without undermining their confidence. Learning is not just about academics—it’s about resilience, independence and embracing one’s whole being.”
“We see play as essential, but here, play includes nature, practical life and problem-solving.”
Hillsboro School Teachers
Hear from the students:
“I love being able to roam when I need to and pick jobs that interest me while still completing them.”
“We get to learn in different ways, not just sitting in a classroom. I know how to communicate respectfully and solve problems with others. We actually enjoy the work cycle and being outside!”
Hillsboro School Students
The Hillsboro School helps educate the whole child
The Hillsboro approach is rooted in Montessori philosophy, which means they’re not just teaching academics. They’re nurturing the whole child: intellectually, emotionally, socially and practically.
Here are a few of the ways this shows up:
- Connection to nature and practical life: From toddlers to teens, students spend regular time in nature. They care for animals, grow food, and build self-reliance through outdoor exploration. This connection builds stewardship, sustainability and confidence.
- Individualized learning through three-year cycles: Classrooms are organized around three-year academic cycles instead of traditional grade levels. This structure allows students to learn at their own pace and be supported according to their needs—not a standardized benchmark.
- Mixed-age classrooms and mentorship: Mixed-age learning fosters leadership, empathy and social responsibility. Older students mentor younger ones, building a collaborative culture instead of a competitive one.
- Student-driven, teacher-guided: Teachers at Hillsboro act as mentors. They guide students in exploring interests, setting goals and addressing real-world problems, promoting both independence and respect.
- Learning beyond the classroom: Education extends into the wider world. Field experiences, internships and community engagement are integral, particularly during the adolescent years when the Montessori-inspired Erdkinder (children of the earth) program prepares students for adulthood with purpose.
From art to exercise: meeting children where they are
Hillsboro offers a comprehensive curriculum that supports every aspect of a child’s development—academic, creative, physical and emotional. Whether it’s a movement break, an art project or a quiet moment in nature, students are supported in the ways they learn best.
The Hillsboro School maintains intentionally low student-to-teacher ratios to provide individualized support at every stage:
- Toddler (1:5)
- Primary (1:11)
- Elementary & Secondary (1:15)
This structure enables educators to observe, understand and guide each child’s unique learning journey without relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Yes, that’s a garden—and yes, they’re learning there!
Can you imagine your child attending a school where they intentionally learn how to care for a garden? At Hillsboro, that’s part of daily life. From planting to harvesting, students build real-world skills while connecting to the land.
At Hillsboro, learning is a journey grounded in purpose, beginning in preschool and growing with students all the way into adulthood.
“Our goal isn’t just to guide students through preschool or elementary school, but to walk with them into adulthood. We want families to see Hillsboro as a multi‑level journey.”
“Seeing our alumni confidently define success on their own terms, whether that’s in STEM, the arts, entrepreneurship or service, is the greatest outcome of all.”
Wendy Poczatek, The Hillsboro School
I could go on, but honestly, you need to see this place to really feel it. If you’ve been wondering whether your child’s education could be more meaningful, more grounded and more joyful—I can’t recommend a visit enough.
Are you interested in learning more about The Hillsboro School and Montessori education? Book a tour today for the 2025-2026 school year.
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