Hilltop Nursery School

Registration for 2019 - 2020

We are implementing a new registration process for the upcoming school year. We are no longer using a first-come, first-served process. We will hold an open registration period from Thursday, January 2, 2020 through Thursday, January 16, 2020. During this time, a registration form will be available for download on our website after 10:00am on Thursday, January 2nd. After printing out and completing the form, please enclose a $75 non-refundable check with the registration form and return via US Mail to Hilltop Nursery School, 148 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA 01864. The registration form and payment must be received by 5:00pm on Thursday, January 16th to be considered for the enrollment lottery selection process. Any forms received after this time and date will be added to the end of the wait list.

If you prefer to drop-off in person, there will be two drop-off sessions on Friday, January 10th from 7:00am – 8:30am and on Wednesday, January 15th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Please do not drop off registration forms in person at any other time. We are not accepting registration forms in person except for these two designated days. Please use the US Mail or the in-person drop off times. We will send an email confirmation when your registration form is received.

On Friday, January 17, 2020, a lottery system will be used to begin filling available openings for the 2020 – 2021 school year. This system will draw names randomly and children will be placed according to their birthdate and available openings. All of our classrooms are grouped according to age – 3 year olds are grouped together, 4 year olds together, etc. Once all spots are filled, we will continue with the lottery system to establish a wait list (if necessary).

We will send out notification letters the week of January 27, 2020. The letter will let you know what program your child will be enrolled in (2, 3, 4 or 5 day) or whether your child has been placed on the wait list.

If you want to enter the lottery, please return to this website on Thursday, January 2, 2020 after 10:00am to download a registration form. Thank you for your interest in our program.

Please see our forms section for our Tuition & General Info Sheet for 2020 - 2021.

E-Mail Hilltop Office With Registration Questions

Hilltop - Where Fun and Learning Begin!

Dedicated Staff

Hilltop Nursery School's educators are all fully licensed by the MA Department of Early Education and Care.
The staff works closely with families, our parent group, and our community to assist your child's growth towards self-discovery and learning.
Hilltop's teachers are dedicated to helping your child learn and grow in a highly nurturing and supportive environment.
Our teachers plan a rich variety of learning experiences. Curriculum is developmentally appropriate while focusing on the children's interests.
The teachers at Hilltop foster a love of learning - a love of learning that will last a lifetime!

First-Rate Curriculum

Curriulcum and planning is based on the Massachusetts' Guidelines for Early Learning Experiences.
Teachers develop themes/units based on seasonal topics, topics of interest to children and use the Guidelines as a foundation for all lessons.
Activities are developmentally appropriate, hands-on and meaningful to the students.
The 3 year-old program focuses on social and emotional growth as well as creating a strong foundation for learning. There is an emphasis on learning to be part of a larger group, pre-academic skills and most importantly, developing friendships.
Our programs for older students build on our 3 year old program, and include additional pre-academic skills.
We believe that play is essential to children's learning and is incorporated into all aspects of our day.

Click here for MA Guidelines for Early Learning Experiences

Our Mission

We believe that all children deserve love, attention, and nurturing.
We believe that a safe environment allows children to explore and grow.
We believe that hands-on learning experiences foster age appropriate development.
We believe that positive reinforcement is important for children to develop self-esteem.
We believe that children learn best from experiencing the world around them.
Most importantly, however, we believe that children need to have fun!

A Day At Hilltop

Hilltop Nursery School operates from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday*. Our daily schedule is adaptable for special children’s activities, and school wide enrichment programs which occur throughout the year. Our program is flexible to ensure that children have an opportunity to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and allows time for transition so that children do not feel rushed.

Sample Daily Schedule

9:00-9:45 Free Play/Free Choice - Art, blocks, dramatic play, water play, manipulatives, writing and a variety of individual or group activities

9:45-10:00 Meeting/Circle Time - Attendance, weather, calendar, discussion of weekly topic or theme.

10:00-10:30 Centers/Project Time - Hands-on project relating to special weekly topic or theme. Opportunities for exploration, experimentation and discovery.

10:30-10:50 Hand Washing and Healthy Snacks - We teach the importance of washing hands using liquid soap, running water and friction. Snack (peanut free) is provided by Hilltop.

10:50-11:30 Literature, arts, music relating to themes

11:30-12:00 Wrap-up and preparation for dismissal - Depending on the weather, outdoor play using the play structure, triple hoop, sand play area or other equipment/toys will take place before dismissal or as needed throughout the morning.

Noon - Pick Up Time - children are escorted to the walkway and exit doors for dismissal.

*Extended hours are offered on Wednesday and Thursday until 1 p.m. for an additional fee, payable on the desired day.