Welcome
where Every Day is a Special Day!
Fostering learning, socialization and growth through education.
Nestled in the greenbelt of Toronto’s Hogg’s Hollow, Hillcrest offers a warm, nurturing environment for toddlers and preschoolers to learn, explore and grow. Our programs encourage curiosity, creativity and independence. Our engaging, play-based programs introduce children to literacy, early math, STEAM, languages, the arts and more, while building confidence, independence and social skills. We celebrate each child's unique strengths and encourage curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. As a Jewish preschool, we also incorporate Jewish culture, heritage, holidays and traditions into our daily experiences, while exploring and appreciating the diverse cultures of the world. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and freshly prepared, well-balanced hot lunches catered daily by Alphabet Kids Inc.
Our Mission
Our mission is to nurture a lifelong love of learning in every child. Through a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment, we foster curiosity, confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging, providing each child with the foundation they need to thrive as they grow and learn.
Our Values
At Hillcrest, we celebrate each child’s unique strengths, interests and individuality. Through engaging, creative learning experiences and strong educator relationships, we nurture confidence, curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning, supporting every child’s social, emotional and cognitive development.
What Makes Hillcrest So Special
What makes Hillcrest special is its warm, family-like atmosphere, beautiful tree-lined grounds and dedicated educators, many of whom have been part of our community for decades. Rooted in Jewish traditions and a strong sense of community, Hillcrest is a place where children feel loved, friendships flourish and families feel truly at home.
Our educators foster a love of language, encouraging children to express their thoughts through speaking and writing.
Language
Daily Life Experiences
Our educators lead engaging indoor and outdoor activities that encourage independence, introduce new ideas, and foster social development.
Children explore early math concepts, including quantity, number recognition, addition and subtraction, using hands-on materials to build understanding.
Mathematics
Sensory
Indoor and outdoor sensory activities encourage hands-on exploration, strengthen fine and gross motor skills, and help children discover and understand the world through colour, shape, texture, sound, smell and more.
Jewish learning is woven into everyday life at Hillcrest through Shabbat, chagim, Hebrew language learning, and engaging experiences that celebrate Jewish traditions, Israeli culture, and heritage. We nurture kindness, compassion, and a strong sense of identity, community, and belonging, helping children build a meaningful connection to their Jewish roots that will grow with them throughout their lives.
Jewish Heritage
🌿A Playground Like No Other🌿
Our Toddler program offers a warm, nurturing environment with a 1:5 teacher/child ratio, where little ones develop independence, language and social skills while exploring their senses and creativity. Children enjoy engaging, play-based experiences that foster curiosity, confidence and discovery. Children must be 18 months old to enrol.
Our Preschool program builds a strong academic foundation through hands-on learning, reading circles and centre-based activities that develop early literacy, language, math and critical-thinking skills. With a 1:8 teacher/child ratio, our experienced educators provide individualized support, fostering confidence, independence and readiness for a successful transition to Junior Kindergarten.
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
Toddler & Preschool*
School Programs
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
Summer at Hillcrest is filled with outdoor adventures, creative activities, music, a weekly sports program, theme days and daily swimming in our heated salt-water pools, supervised by experienced NLS-certified swim staff. Our engaging programs encourage children to explore, build friendships and create unforgettable summer memories.
MORNING PROGRAM
8:45am - 12:30pm
Summer Camp
Ages 18 months - 6 years
FULL-DAY PROGRAM
8:45am - 3:45pm
Discover the difference a Hillcrest education can make in your child's early years. Submit this form to receive information on how Hillcrest Progressive School can provide a strong foundation for your child's future.