Hilltop + El Camino Alternativo Schools

The mission of Hilltop Special Service Center is to provide a safe academic environment where students have the opportunity to prepare for post-secondary education, meet graduation requirements, access quality prenatal and parenting education, and receive health and emotional support services. Our students are provided with a supportive community where they can work towards completion of high school graduation requirements and receive assistance to become responsible, effective parents. The program utilizes an open enrollment policy and completes on-going assessments with each student in regard to transfer/return to comprehensive district high schools. Students receive core academic instruction and practicum in child development and early literacy. Family Service Agency is the provider of an on site nursery which offers child care for infants ages 2 weeks-18 months for parenting SFUSD students district-wide. The program goals include the following: increase the number of pregnant and parenting students who graduate from high school and transition into post-secondary education/careers; improved parenting skills; address the socio-emotional needs of the students; the children of enrolled student-parents will have enhanced school readiness and receive health screening and immunizations. The teachers and counselors of Hilltop Special Service Center employ a holistic approach to each student's education and they provide explicit instruction as well as responsive teaching and differentiated instruction.

Our vision at Hilltop is that students will be strong self-advocates who are ready for college-level academics and the workplace. Students will be resilient and responsible individuals who recognize their true value and worth. They will act with dignity and respect, embracing opportunities to contribute to their local communities. Students will practice the Hilltop core values : create community, embrace opportunities to learn, teach by example, and celebrate growth.

Reporting Student Absences

The parent/caregiver is responsible for ensuring their child gets to school daily. 

If a student will remain at home, the parent/ guardian/caregiver must communicate with the school in one of the following ways before or on the day of the absence:

• Submit an absence notification via ParentVue (Instructions)*
• Email to attendance clerk (add email address & clerk name)
• Written note
• Phone call  (add phone number)
• School-specific attendance form (link, if applicable)

(*After an absence you will not be able to report an absence through ParentVue and must email, use the school form: if available, call, or send a note with your student.)

In all communications with the school regarding a student's absence please provide the following:

• Your name and identify yourself as the parent/guardian/caregiver of the student
• Student’s name
• Date(s) of the absence(s)
• Reason for the absence
• Signature of a parent/caregiver and current date  (if a written note)

We encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to review their student's attendance record regularly and communicate any discrepancies to the school. 

Students and Families can learn more about SFUSD Attendance policies in the Student and Family Handbook.