HALLMARKS OF A HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION

---

HSF funds cover the salaries of over 20 teachers, allowing HCSD to maintain a student:teacher ratio lower than the CA average. 

• HCSD employs one teacher per 14 students, while the CA average is 22:1
• Elementary class sizes are 30% smaller than the average elementary school

HCSD schools attract top talent: 

• Over 76% of our teachers hold a master’s degree
• 100% of teachers participate in professional development annually
• HCSD employs four instructional coaches to help all our teachers continuously improve

HSF donations help supply updated devices to every HCSD student, ensuring access to the academic tools and programs they need.

• Chromebooks for students grades 1-8
• iPads for Kindergarteners

Each student is able to develop at their own pace while receiving a comprehensive foundation in both math and reading. 

• HCSD students consistently test higher than the CA average in grade-level reading and mathematics 
• Reading Specialists work with elementary students individually or in small groups
• Differentiated math in all grades, accelerated math is available for 7th & 8th graders, and Algebra is offered to 8th grade students who are ready

While only 20% of CA public schools have full-time music education, HSF funding helps HCSD staff music programs at each school.

• Comprehensive music program for all three elementary schools and instrumental music opportunities for 4th and 5th graders
• Robust instrumental and vocal music program at Crocker including symphonic and concert band, jazz and wind ensemble, singing groups, and multiple performance opportunities

• HSF helps fund dedicated librarians at each of our four schools. Only 9% of CA schools employ a credentialed librarian, the majority of which are at high schools
• All schools have content rich libraries to foster the love of reading and discovery

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics programs give every student an opportunity to extend their education beyond the standard curriculum.

• Media - Hillsborough Educational Television (HTV) provides students from all schools an opportunity to create TV and media programming. Crocker students produce a live daily lunchtime radio show and newscast in a state-of-the-art television studio
• Innovation - Innovation labs (iLabs) at each elementary school encourage creative problem solving, design thinking and collaboration
• Exploration - Teacher-led trips to Yosemite, Outdoor Education, Washington DC and more to extend and deepen learning of the environment, history and government
• Engagement - Mathletics and STEAM fairs; web-based math resources available to all students to advance mathematical literacy 

Crocker Middle School:  

• World Language  - Three years of Spanish and Mandarin available
• Crocker Electives -  A rich stable of diverse electives engage students, enhance learning  and build skills: HTV Multimedia, Crocker Radio, Robotics, Art, Ceramics, Improv, Leadership, Culinary Arts, Maker Space, Creative Writing, Athletic Development, Yearbook and more
• Leadership / DREAM - (Developing Responsible Empathetic Adolescent Mentors) Programs to compliment academic learning with personal and social growth opportunities 
• Clubs and Competitions - Math Club, Coding Club, Winter Science Fair, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Tech Museum Tech Challenge, and more

The school district has a full-time MFT and every school has a dedicated counselor for social and emotional development, allowing our teachers to give primary focus to academic instruction.