HILLCREST PDS MAGNET

HILLCREST PDS MAGNET is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the WACO ISD school district, located in WACO, TX with about 430 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 26 teachers, HILLCREST PDS MAGNET has a student/teacher ratio of about 16:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Hillcrest PDS (Professional Development School) Magnet, located in Waco, Texas, is an innovative educational institution within the Waco Independent School District. As a Professional Development School, Hillcrest functions as a collaborative partnership between the district and local universities—most notably Baylor University. This unique model allows the school to serve as a training ground for future educators, providing student teachers with hands-on classroom experience while simultaneously benefiting current students through a lower student-to-teacher ratio and the integration of the latest pedagogical research and instructional strategies.

The school operates as a magnet program, focusing on providing a specialized and enriching academic environment. Its curriculum is designed to foster both academic excellence and personal growth, emphasizing a commitment to community and professional collaboration. By blending standard K-5 education with its role as a hub for teacher training and educational innovation, Hillcrest PDS creates a dynamic learning culture where teachers and students work together to improve educational outcomes and implement forward-thinking teaching practices.

For more information, contact HILLCREST PDS MAGNET at (254) 772-4286 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.