Founded as a boarding school for wards of the state in 1935, Hillbrook has from the beginning been a school dedicated to helping children reach their highest individual potential in school and in life. 
The school, which was originally named The Children's Country School, was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization in 1946. In the mid-1950s the boarding program was phased out and the school was given its current namesake—the Hillbrook School—in 1960.
As an independent school, Hillbrook is governed by a Board Of Trustees whose unrelenting focus on delivering the best educational experience for our students has seen the successful implementation of Center For Teaching Excellence (CTE) as well as campus improvement projects including the new science halls. Bolstered by the support of tuition, contributions, and endowments, Hillbrook can actively take ownership of its future and ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and advancement in educational resources.

The members of faculty are leaders in education, presenting and sharing their work, research, and experiences at peer conferences nationwide. They hail from across the country, attracted to our small class sizes, unique and dynamic hands-on learning opportunities, and active parental community.
Founded 1935. Incorporated not-for-profit in 1946; coeducational, nonsectarian.
Accreditation California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
Enrollment 375 in grades JK-8
Overall Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1
Curriculum Features Collaborative hands-on, project-based academics that place student choice and engagement at the center of the Hillbrook experience, world languages (Spanish and Mandarin), flexible learning spaces, music programs, athletics, drama, ceramics, photography, woodshop, and MakerSpace.
Operating Budget $12.7 million.
Head of School Mark Silver
Affiliations
  • National Association of Independent Schools
  • California Association of Independent Schools
  • Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area
  • Educational Records Bureau
  • Breakthrough Silicon Valley
Governance
At Hillbrook, the Board of Trustees is a volunteer group whose typical membership includes current and past parents. Board members safeguard Hillbrook's mission while leaving day-to-day operations to the Head of School. The Board offers the financial expertise and vision necessary to keep the school healthy for years to come. In short, the Board holds Hillbrook "in trust" for future generations of students and families.

The Board of Trustees helps formulate policy, steward the school's assets, and select, retain, and counsel the Head of School. The Head of School, as educational leader, is responsible for implementing Board policy, hiring faculty and professional staff, and the daily operational management of the school.

Each year the Board sets and approves the budget. A breakdown of operating revenue and operating expenses can be found in the Annual Report, published every fall.