The Hill School has a vast variety of educational activities and experiences for its students to participate in from Enrichment Day to weekend learning workshops for one to hone a hidden skill or discover a new one.  

This year, Enrichment Day took place on Monday, Oct. 27, and not only was meant to bring a form closer together socially, but also to teach them something.  

“The 3rd form went to the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Zoo, so we were able to participate in interactive games and learn at the same time,” Grace Rushin ’29 mentioned. “I overall really enjoyed it.” 

 Meanwhile, the 4th form had a longer bus ride to Gettysburg where they learned about the progression of the American Civil War and the various angles and perspectives surrounding events that took place on the historic battlefield. The visit was mainly comprised of a presentation in the Visitors Center, with little interactive activities. 

“I wish instead of spending two hours in the visitors center, we spent that time actually on the field walking around and exploring,” Isie Haberland ’28 stated. “I learned more during the part where we were allowed to walk around [the field] a little.” 

 Similar to the 3rd form, the 5th form also spent the day in Philadelphia, learning about the American Revolution and other historical events. The Museum of the American Revolution and the Philadelphia Art Museum, offering a walk through history through artwork and other historical artifacts, both hold much educational value for their visitors. These displays provide a view into the mind of people living in ages past, allowing viewers to better understand history, including operations carried out by Washington and his soldiers.   

“I thought it [Enrichment Day] was a really interesting experience,” Jill Patel ’27 expressed. “It helped me solidify a lot of the concepts we were learning about in APUSH because there were engaging visuals and interactive displays that helped me immerse myself into the lives of those living during the American Revolution and understand what was actually happening during that time period through their different perspectives.” 

Finally, in contrast to the other forms, the 6th form remained on campus for the most part during Enrichment Day. The campus that usually holds a wide range of liberal arts classes from math to humanities was transformed into an educational hub where students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of unique activities, including learning to ballroom dance with Laura Johnson, adjunct dance instructor, or painting wooden signs with famous quotes from literature with David Hoffman ’01, instructor of English. Additionally, students were given time to work on their college applications as Nov.1 deadlines were right around the corner.  

“I actually found Enrichment Day really fun, and I liked that we did service projects instead of just college stuff,” Kelsey Cummings ’26 recounted, referring to the card-writing activity for veterans, those with mental health issues, and the elderly and the plush-making activity for sick children that 6th formers participated in following lunch.  

Overall, Enrichment Day is a tool that The Hill School uses to expand students’ knowledge bases and circle of friends and to help re-kindle passions. 

“I was in the journaling workshop with Mr. Bala. It was my first time journaling in a while, and it actually made me start doing it again,” Cummings noted. 

 Furthermore, most weekends on campus are eventful and have exciting and fun activities for students to participate in, some that even teach valuable skills outside of academics. Earlier this fall, there was a workshop in the Map Room, led by Taylor Timbrook, president of the Knit and Crochet Club where students were able to crochet pumpkins. It was transformative, allowing beginners who had never picked up a crochet hook before to leave the workshop with a basic understanding of crocheting and their first piece completed and ready to be displayed in their dorm room. Together with Enrichment Day, this workshop, serves as a testament to Hill’s commitment to developing well-rounded students with a wide skillset both in and out of the classroom.