Hilltop Montessori School

What it reported doing in 2024

Toddler program the school offers both part-time and full-time toddler programs. Toddlers have daily instruction in the foundations of reading, mathematics, science, geography, foreign language, and practical life, and range in age from eighteen months through year three. At this age level, they move through a set curriculum at their own pace under the direction of certified instructors. All students participate in outdoor classroom areas that include gardening and cooking. Sign language is also taught as part of the curriculum.preschool/kindergarten program the school offers a primary/preschool program, either for a half day or a full day for children ages three through six. The students remain in the same classroom, with the same instructor, for a full three-year cycle. Children work through the curriculum at their own pace and are exposed to foundations in math, reading, grammar, geometry, algebra, botany, zoology, and geography. Readiness goals and formal assessments occur throughout the student's progress, with preparation for an accelerated first through third-grade program as the primary goal. Students at this age also participate in music & art education, in addition to daily spanish instruction. Private piano lessons are offered at age four, and once children are in kindergarten, they participate in physical education classes and field trips. All students participate in outdoor classroom areas that include gardening and cooking.elementary program the school's elementary program is comprised of lower elementary (first through third grade) and upper elementary (fourth through sixth grade). Students at this level are also involved in three-year cycles, where they are in the same class with the same instructor for the full cycle. Additionally, the students begin formal instruction in computer science, fine arts, more advanced music instruction, and continue with physical education. Extracurricular options vary, but offered this year are: lego club, home economics, advanced tech stop motion, chess, dance, percussion, science, and soccer. There is an on-site, m-f after-care option called ivy camps for elementary-aged children.middle school program the school offers a combination of seventh and eighth-grade classes for the purpose of transitioning the students to secondary education. As part of a bridge/preparation into more traditional education for the student, more emphasis is placed on assessments and grades at this level. Children who typically participate in middle school are headed toward more challenging secondary private schools. Summer enrichment the school offers summer enrichment throughout june and july. Students do not have to be enrolled at the school in order to participate. The sessions are designed to introduce the students to the montessori philosophy in a relaxed, summer atmosphere. Most sessions center around exciting and engaging academic themes in science, music, fine arts, and other curriculum subjects.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 76.2%; rating input score 76
• Program expense ratio: 74.9%; rating input score 75
• Fundraising efficiency: $0.51 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 2; 2nd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 1 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 17
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 88.9%; rating input score 89; 20th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -2.3%; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.88; rating input score 73; 73rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.66; rating input score 14; 14th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 11.3%; rating input score 26; 26th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 3.2% per year; rating input score 100; 29th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.3% per year; rating input score 100; 36th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 5.5% per year; rating input score 100; 37th percentile among comparable filings