To close out 2025 we shared a newsletter with supporters.
Programs Update
We began this school year on August 11 as we inaugurated our new year-round schedule. We will have three longer breaks during the year before ending on June 12. So far everyone seems to prefer this new schedule.
Toddler has a new location nearer to our two main buildings, improving school cohesion.
Primary began the year with 18 students, which includes eight new students who are fast settling into a Montessori routine.
Elementary began the year with nine students, but with some families returning—and a few new families enrolling—the class has doubled to 18 students.
Two AMI Diploma Holders
Tom received his AMI Elementary diploma around Christmas last year. With Noëlle earning her AMI Primary diploma in 2022, Hilltop Montessori is one of only a small handful of schools in Ohio with AMI-trained guides.
New Heating and Cooling in Elementary
Our Elementary building had a 50-plus year-old furnace and no central air. Multiple window AC units kept the space tolerable in the warmer months, but a central air system, and a more efficient furnace, were badly needed. This September, through the generosity of a donor who pledged to match donations up to half the cost, we had a new furnace and AC installed! Learning happens better in a comfortable environment.
Elementary “Going Out” Camping Trip to Marietta
In May of 2025 our Upper Elementary students went on a camping and historical exploration trip to Marietta, Ohio. Marietta is one of the first cities in Ohio. It has strong connections to the Revolutionary War era, as well as significant Native American sites. Upper Elementary learned about these things before going, and they planned the trip. They found a camping site, set the itinerary, arranged tours and visits to the sites, and they raised the money to make it happen. Going out into the world and learning from such experiences is the point of Elementary. Goings out are in the works for this year as well.
Hilltop Making a Mark on the Steubenville Nutcracker Village
Every year from late November to early January downtown Steubenville becomes an Advent and Christmas destination as 200-plus 6’ nutcrackers decorated in unique ways line the streets. Many thousands of people come to Steubenville. Starting last year, Hilltop has been in charge of the Children’s Corner, where families can warm up, do some crafts, play some games, and get cookies and hot chocolate. More than 1,800 people enjoyed our services last year, and we are looking forward to welcoming so many more this year.
Also this year, Elementary was invited to sing some Christmas songs at the Opening Night event. The kids did great!
Endowment Fund Begun
Two thirds of our families received unfunded scholarships this year. A fully funded endowment would help us cover these. Thanks to two generous gifts at the end of last year we launched our Endowment Fund for Hilltop Montessori School with an initial deposit of $60,000! We want to add at least another $10,000 this year in pursuit of our overall goal of $2 million to provide a decent return to be used for funded scholarships.
New Roofs, Siding, Gutters, Drainage, and Windows!
A storm with hail and violent wind blew through in April of this year, causing damage to the roofs of both buildings, to the siding, and to our gutters and downspouts. Fortunately, one of the dads at our school runs a company, Replace Pros, that specializes in working with property owners and insurance companies. The result was that both of our buildings got complete exterior makeovers, and new windows were installed in Primary!
