Green School

Hilltop’s beautiful school facility is one of the only non-residential green buildings in Alabama and the Southeast. Our project was the first of any kind (including residential, commercial, industrial, civic, institutional or academic) within the state of Alabama to be LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) registered by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED certification provides a definition of green building and is a U.S. market-based standard to distinguish and promote sustainability.

Scientific research shows green schools enhance students' academic performance and help students to stay healthier.

Our school is supported by tuition, generous donations, and grants. Hilltop was the proud recipient of a Legacy Grant in both 2006 and 2007. Fundraising efforts continue on behalf of the PTO and the school. Our most important fundraiser each year is Hilltop on the Green, an evening of fine dining with silent and live auctions.

Green School - Legacy Grant

Recently, Hilltop was awarded a grant from the Alabama Legacy Foundation that allows conversion of the State of Alabama’s Legacy Environmental Curriculum from group lessons to individual Montessori lessons. Hilltop received construction grants from The Daniel Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

Green School - LEED Certification

LEED certification dictates choices every step of the way, from project design to occupancy. Green construction provides such benefits as enhancing and protecting existing natural habitats, conserving natural resources, reducing solid wastes, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving air and water quality. Our school takes advantage of natural light and is energy-efficient. Students in environments using increased natural light have shown improved school performance. By using available building science and technology, we’ve created an indoor environment that is cleaner and healthier, which will lead to lower absenteeism.