HILLCREST PDS MAGNET

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.