Who We Are

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Founded in 1977, Hill Learning Center’s mission is to transform students with learning differences into confident, independent learners. Named in honor of our founder George Watts Hill, Hill Learning Center began as a program of Durham Academy, becoming an independent nonprofit in 1998.

Hill Learning Center supports students, educators, and families with research-based, culturally relevant programs designed to meet the needs of students with learning differences, attention challenges, gaps in foundational academic skills, and difficulties with executive function. 

Student Programs

Hill serves students in grades K-12 through school, summer, and tutoring programs at Hill and in local schools. Students receive individualized, research-based instruction in reading, writing, math, and executive function skills. Programs focus on helping students develop the academic, organizational, self-advocacy, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Professional Learning

Hill offers virtual and in-person educator professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers and schools, providing an understanding of learning disabilities and ADHD and the instructional strategies and tools teachers need to deliver research-based instruction and intervention in reading, writing, math, and executive function skills. 

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Family and Community Engagement

Hill helps families better understand, support, and advocate for their children with learning differences and attention challenges. Hill School families have access to counseling services, postsecondary planning, and other learning opportunities and support. Hill also offers online learning and a free, public Community Education Series for parents and caregivers and collaborates with local schools and nonprofits to provide resources and programming for the families and communities they serve.

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Ultimately, our vision is that all students with learning differences and attention challenges receive the instruction and support they need – regardless of where they attend school or whether they have a formal diagnosis.


Our Core Values are core to who we are.

We are lifelong learners. We approach all that we do with a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. We learn from our students, our colleagues, other educators, and our partners. We seek out and embrace new ideas while remaining true to strategies we know work.

Video Gallery

Every Child Can Learn

Every child can have academic success with the right resources. Hear from members of our Hill community, including former Governor of North Carolina James B. Hunt Jr., on how the Hill methodology makes a lasting difference in children’s lives.

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Hill is committed to Furthering Access

Hill’s formal commitment to Furthering Access supports greater inclusiveness, more equitable practices, and specific progress across all program areas and operations.

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