On March 1, Hill Elementary School celebrated the grand opening of its modernized spaces, built as part of the 2017 Bond Program. Students, teachers and community members joined AISD and Hill leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new gym that included a performance by the Hill choir.

Hill Elementary School in northwest Austin offers a high-quality education to students in pre-K through fifth grade. Hill has begun the first stage of planned expansion through the 2017 Bond Program, with the project team moving forward in the design phase. The school has a planned capacity of 870 that will alleviate current overcrowding while allowing for future growth.

The design of the new spaces at Hill Elementary School was a community-driven process. The design team gathered feedback from staff, families and community members to create spaces that put students first. The design team took inspiration from the existing building, so it still feels like the Hill Elementary you know and love but modernized for a new age. Flexible furniture, unique patterns and artwork make the classrooms visually interesting. This also includes outdoor spaces with walking paths, a basketball court, natural shade, outdoor seating and age-specific play areas.

Hill participates as a Clean Creek Campus, a partnership program of Keep Austin Beautiful and the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, allowing students to learn about the local watershed and Austin’s environmental landscape. Hill aimed to reduce environmental impact with the new addition including energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, ample natural light, native and adapted landscape plants, and recycled construction material. The Hill modernization project is expected to receive certification from Austin Energy Green Building.

Congratulations to the Hill community, and go Dillos!