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  • School Philosophy

    School Philosophy

    Hillcrest is Success!

    Our ultimate goal is student success. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that students, parents/guardians, and staff work cooperatively. To maximize academic success we believe in creating an environment that provides optimal learning experiences and prepares our students for high school. To support achieving this success, we emphasize regular attendance at school, arriving on time and ready to learn, students being diligent in their studies, and completing homework and assignments on time.

    Our staff is committed to providing enriching learning experiences and opportunities for individual student success. We also hold students directly responsible for assuming their role in our partnership. We will support students who are not able to meet requirements through tutorials, individual support, extended learning opportunities, and parent contact.

    We know that student behavior has a direct impact on student success academically. Knowing this, we have placed a high priority on ensuring student conduct meets acceptable standards. In this way, we can ensure that the learning environment is protected for all students. This means that students need to arrive at school on time, be prepared to learn and demonstrate appropriate behaviour in a variety of situations. The underlying goal is to maximize the safety and well-being of our students at Hillcrest School.

    Developing responsible citizens is paramount as one of the responsibilities of education. To meet this expectation, Hillcrest School continues to be a leader of schools in connecting with our community. We are highly involved in community service-related activities. Our students are encouraged to participate in community activities through school-wide projects and individually. 



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School Year Enrolment

For the 2026 - 2027 school year, Hillcrest School is full in planned classes in Grades 7, 8 and 9 in both the Regular program and STEM. We will only accept resident students in Grades 7, 8 and 9 whose parent(s)/legal guardian(s) have newly moved into the school’s attendance area. A resident student of Edmonton Public Schools has at least one parent or legal guardian living in Edmonton who is not Roman Catholic. Non-resident students can enrol in another Division school with space in planned classes.

NEW TO EPSB - 2026-2027 STUDENT REGISTRATION

If your child is new to Edmonton Public Schools, you can register for school online using the following link:  digital online student registration form.

 

 

Principal's Message

Hello Hillcrest community!

I am beyond thrilled to join Hillcrest as your new principal! From day one, it’s been clear just how vibrant, supportive, and energetic this school is, and I can’t wait to dive into an incredible school year with all of you.

At Hillcrest, our main goal is simple: help every student grow, discover their strengths, and feel like they truly belong. We celebrate our diverse community through everything we do—from supporting English Language Learners and offering French and Mandarin second language programs, to fostering inclusive spaces.

There is so much energy across our classrooms and programs:

  • Creative & Performing Arts: Band, music, drama, visual communication, and leadership options that give students space to create and lead.

  • Health & Active Living: Fantastic PE classes, Active Living, and Environmental Outdoor Education to build healthy habits and explore the outdoors.

  • Hands-On Learning & STEM: Exciting options in Construction, Foods, Fashion, Robotics & Coding, Design Fundamentals, and Drafting.

Our staff bring so much warmth, positivity, and dedication to work every day. We set high expectations for learning and behavior, but more importantly, we focus on building genuine relationships with our students so they feel supported every step of the way.

Staying Connected

Great schools thrive on strong relationships between home and school. You can always reach out to our staff by phone, email, or by scheduling an in-person or virtual meeting. We will keep you updated through SchoolZone, the weekly Mustang Nation News, and the online calendar on our website.

I also encourage you to connect with our wonderful School Council! They meet regularly to collaborate, share feedback, and support student activities. You can reach them directly at schoolcouncilhillcrest@gmail.com.

My door is always open, so please feel free to reach out anytime. I look forward to partnering with you and getting to know all of our Mustang families!

Warmly,

Jennifer Taylor

Principal, Hillcrest School

Phone: 780-489-2516

Email: jennifer.e.taylor@epsb.ca

 

 
 
 

STEM Program Overview

Our STEM Program provides an integrated learning experience structured around four key themes that bridge natural phenomena, digital innovation, hands-on design, and real-world societal impact. Program Themes:

Theme 1

Natural, Physical and Life Sciences: The rules of the universe from the microscopic to the macroscopic.

  • General Inquiry and Methodology
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Physical Sciences

Overview: Students explore the foundational principles of chemistry, physics, and biology.  They learn how the natural world works, conduct laboratory experiments, and dive into human health, genetics, and environmental systems. 

Theme 2

Mathematics and Digital Systems: Abstract languages, data, and logic that power modern technology.

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Sciences and Digital Systems

Overview:  Connects logic with practical technological applications. Students leverage mathematical reasoning to dive into coding, software development, data analytics, and the architecture of digital hardware.

Theme 3

Engineering and Innovative Design: practical application of STEM principles to create, build and solve tangible problems.

  • Innovation
  • Design
  • Engineering

Overview: Rooted in the design process (design thinking).  Students are encouraged to work with real materials.  Students tackle prototyping, robotics, and structural design to move from theoretical math and science into physical or digital solutions.

Theme 4

Society, Economics and Entrepreneurship: Focuses on human elements, how STEM innovations are integrated into society and scaled through business.

  • Social Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship and Economics

Overview: STEM doesn’t exist in a vacuum.  Students will explore human behavior, ethics and social systems alongside business acumen needed to launch a product.  Students learn market research, tech ethics and how to pitch their innovative ideas to the world. 

 

Year-Long Science Project Pilot (Grades 7–9)

Empower student innovation through hands-on discovery! Our new Year-Long Science Project pilot gives Grades 7–9 students the opportunity to investigate student-led scientific questions through iterative experimentation. Guided by monthly milestones during dedicated "Golden Hour" sessions—from September ideation to June poster presentations—students build real-world skills in experimental design, cross-curricular writing, and scientific inquiry.

  • Pilot for the 2026-2027 year, with the thought to move it out to the rest of the school in 2027-2028 (or term two on an abbreviated schedule 2026-2027).
    • One grade 7 - class
    • One grade 8 - class
    • One grade 9 - class
  • Student Initiated/Developed
    • No more than two people in a group project
  • Starting in September, all grade levels
  • Formal write up
  • Research
    • Problem 
    • What has been done
    • What isn’t known
  • Trials
  • Materials and methods
  • Experimental not a research based model
  • Cross curricular - English writing.
    • Proper referencing
  • Experimental component
    • Multiple trials over time
  • Build it over time.  
  • Student developed problem 

“Golden Hour”

  • September - Ideate
    • Identify problems
    • Look at the research
  • October
    •  Background research
  • November 
    • Experimental Design
    • Separate folder “methods books”
  • December
    • Methods/Formal Proposal
  • January - February 
    • Testing
    • Multiple Trials and iteration
    • Detailed experimental notes
  • March - April 
    • Writeup
  • May-June
    • Poster Development and Presentation
 

Supply Lists

Looking for supply lists for the upcoming school year?

Please click here to be redirected to the Registration page on our website for printable lists. We encourage the reuse of supplies which are in good condition.  

Don't forget to bring a combination lock to school on September 2, 2025.

 

Hillcrest Daily Schedule

Please click here for a copy of our daily schedule for the 2026-27 school year.

 

 

Option Course Selection for 2026-27

We look forward to welcoming all future Hillcrest School families to view our 2026-27 Second Language Programming and Option Course Selection Guide (linked below).  You will find descriptions of the STEM-related and traditional option courses we offer to support our students' junior high experience.

Once you review the selection guide, complete the course selection form (linked below) and return it to Hillcrest either by emailing a scanned copy to hillcrest@epsb.ca or bringing a printed copy to our office.

 

If you have any questions, contact us!

 

 
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