Program Descriptions

At Hill House we're proud to offer a variety of classes each season. From karate and fencing to music and art, and everything in between.Scroll down to browse our program offerings and sign up today!

If you're looking to browse Fall programs by age, date, time and location, click here.


Art

Baseball

Basketball

Chess

Dance

Gymnastics

Karate

Music

Other Sports & Classes

Playgroups

Soccer

Summer Camps



Art - Click Here to Register!Toddler Art 

Sensory Art (Ages 1-2) - This class introduces your child to all different types of materials and textures that will encourage exploration and activate their senses. Activities include finger painting, playing with sand, water, colored rice, noodles, and much more! Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Mundo de Colores (Ages 1-3) - Children will be introduced to simple Spanish phrases and colors while creating art projects and crafts. Skills gained in this class include hand-eye coordination, visual and fine motor skills, sequencing and arranging abilities, awareness of colors, shapes, shades, textures, and decision-making techniques. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Toddler Art (Ages 2-3) - This is an introduction to art and its different forms. Some of the skills your child will learn include: hand-eye coordination, visual and fine motor skills, sequencing and arranging abilities, awareness of colors, shapes, shades, textures, and decision-making techniques. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Pre-School Picassos (Ages 3-4) - This class is an introduction to different forms of art and materials including paint, clay, watercolors, and craft making. It will focus on preschool related themes and activities. Skills practiced during class include: hand-eye coordination, visual and fine motor skills, sequencing and arranging abilities, awareness of colors, shapes, shades, textures, and decision-making techniques. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Junior Art (Ages 4-6) - This class will expand children's knowledge and awareness of color, shape, and space. They will learn how to use materials and grow in the craft of art while expanding their appreciation for art. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Advanced Art (Ages 6-12) - This art class is being offered for the motivated and talented student who would be energized by the possibility of creating their own projects. They will be given plenty of guidance and direction while working on their creative endeavors. This class is perfect for the student whose level of focus and imagination would be encouraged by a bit of creative freedom. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Architecture Construction (Ages 6-12) - This class is for the student who is detail oriented and enjoys drawing meticulously. Students will explore how to create a sense of dimension and distance, through perspective drawings of buildings. We will further create an illusion of space, by learning how to work with shadow and light. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Baseball - Click Here to Register!

Baseball player up to bat 
Born to Play Baseball (Ages 3-4)
- This program introduces children to the fundamentals of baseball through fun games and activities. Whether in the gym at 74 Joy Street or on the Boston Common during the warmer months, players will get a chance to be active and learn basic skills including hitting, fielding and throwing. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

T-Ball (Age 5) - T-Ball is your child’s first experience of being on a team at Hill House. They learn the basics of team work and simple baseball techniques. Your child gets to practice once a week and play one game on the weekend. Every player is assigned a team as all teams are coed. Offered: Spring

AA Baseball (Ages 6-7) - In this coach pitched league, players will continue to build upon the basic fundamentals developed in T-ball while learning how to hit live pitching, play certain positions, and proper base running. Your child gets to practice once a week and play one game on the weekend. Every player is assigned a team as all teams are coed. Offered: Spring

AAA Baseball (Ages 8-9) - In this player pitched league, players will learn more advanced skills and strategies while safely developing pitching techniques as well as a comfortable hitting stance and hand placement. Your child gets to practice once a week and play one game on the weekend. Every player is assigned a team as all teams are coed. Offered: Spring

Major League Baseball (Ages 10-12) - As the culmination of the Hill House Little League progression, the Majors will provide a fun and competitive test for baseball players of all abilities. Standings will be kept to determine a league champion as teams will have multiple practices and games each week. Every player is assigned a team as all teams are coed. Offered: Spring

Backyard Baseball (Ages 6-12) - During the fall season, Backyard Baseball will take place on Sundays for players looking to polish their skills in the offseason. The clinic will focus on developing proper hitting, fielding, pitching and throwing skills while learning the intricacies of baseball. In addition to drills, players will participate in scrimmages that simulate real game situations. Offered: Fall

Top of Page


Basketball - Click Here to Register!

Bitty Basketball (Ages 4-5) - This class introduces children to the fundamentals of basketball. Instructors teach basic skills such as proper dribbling and shooting techniques. Sessions are taught through fun games and activities. Kids will get a chance to be active and learn the basic skills needed to have fun and understand the sport of basketball. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Biggy Basketball (Ages 5-7) - This class introduces children to the fundamentals of basketball and allows them to applying their skills in real game situations. Instructors will teach proper offensive and defensive strategies while continuing to concentrate on proper dribbling, passing, shooting, and rebounding techniques. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

U8 Basketball (Ages 7-8) - In this new instructional league, players will have the opportunity to play basketball in a supportive environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning. The season begins with three clinics followed by a seven game season as every player is assigned to a team and receives a jersey. Offered: Winter

U12 Basketball (9-12) - This new league is for our seasoned basketball players as the focus will be on player and team development while providing a challenging environment for the players who aspire to reach their full potential. The season begins with three clinics followed by a seven game season as every player is assigned to a team and receives a jersey. Offered: Winter

Top of Page


Chess - Click Here to Register!

Beginner Chess (Ages 6-8) -This is an introduction to the game. Learn the basics and the fundamentals of this world renowned game. By the end of the semester, players will have the knowledge to fully enjoy playing chess. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Intermediate Chess (Ages 9-12) - This class will concentrate on sharpening fundamentals while learning specific offensive and defensive strategies. Players will enjoy the competition of playing classmates and trying to defeat our chess master! Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Dance - Click Here to Register!

Ballerina poses in Pre-Ballet class Movin' and Groovin'(Ages 1-4) - This class provides children an opportunity to explore their movements through creative dance and a range of disciplines. Students will also be introduced to aspects of international dance. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Creative Dance (Ages 3-4) - This dance class incorporates coordination and motor skill development while engaging each student’s imagination. These classes are taught by Boston Ballet and designed to build interest, strength, dance vocabulary, and artistic sensibility. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Pre-Ballet (Ages 5-6) - This Boston Ballet taught class begins a more formal study of classical ballet through age-appropriate skill development, creative expression, musical appreciation and the relationship between music and dance. The importance of stretching, creativity and an introduction to basic ballet vocabulary are important components of Pre-Ballet classes. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Hip Hop Dance (Ages 6-10) - Learn the latest dance moves in this high energy class. This class is all about having fun while dancing along to music and learning new steps. Students will create and practice a particular dance to be performed at the end of the semester. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Gymnastics - Click Here to Register!

Gymnastics (Ages 1-4) - Children and toddlers will learn basic gymnastic moves in a fun and adventurous setting. It will help children improve large motor skills, balance, and strength. They will also learn basic socialization, sharing, and taking turns with their friends. Classes are offered based on two age groups: 1-2 years old and 3-4 years old. See the full class listing for specific details. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Karate - Click Here to Register! Karate

Kiddie Karate (Ages 3-4) - Toddler-age children will benefit from exciting experiences with other children, while encouraging motor skill coordination, concentration, and self-confidence. Uniforms can be purchased on the first day of class from the instructor. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Beginner Karate (Ages 5-7) - This class is all about rule play and trusting that three basic rules will insure a safe martial arts experience! Children will learn the most basic dojo (training hall) etiquette: how to bow and how to listen with their eyes. Knowing how to pay attention will keep them aware and give them the ability to execute their skills when needed. Raising their hand to speak, or as we refer to it in class as the Statue of Liberty, gives them a lot of power and a voice in the class. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Intermediate Karate (Ages 7-9) - At this level, students know that the rules are in place to protect them. Respect has taught them caution. They understand why they look their parents in the eye when communicating, as well as the consequence of not keeping their hands up. They are now ready to get stripes and different color belts; learning about setting goals and how to reach them is the first step. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Advanced Karate (Ages 9-12) - Participants in Advanced Karate and leaders, not followers. From attending previous classes at Hill House, they have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills that are required in this advanced class. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Music - Click Here to Register! Kindermusik

Family Time Music (Ages 6 months - 3) - This is a multi-age toddler music class with a great variety of music and movement experiences. Instruments, scarves, bubbles, dancing and singing are all a part of this active and toddler-friendly class. Parents and children will enjoy learning about musical concepts in an age-appropriate way, and have great music and materials to take home as well. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Kindermusik© (Ages 6 months - 3)- Kindermusik Village is a wonderful introduction to music for babies. Gentle dances, baby safe instruments, and tons of vocal singing give babies a great variety of age-appropriate musical experience. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Music Together© (Ages 6 months - 3) - Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? Experience Music Together and find out how important and how fun your role can be! Our Music Together classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. We'll help you provide your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities, and to study an instrument should he or she choose to do so. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Sign & Sing (Ages 6 months - 3) - This is an introduction to American Sign Language for pre-verbal, confidently sitting babies. Songs, specially chosen toys, and group activities teach strategies and vocabulary to help ease the frustration of an expressive baby before he or she can speak. These research based strategies have been shown to accelerate verbal speech and expand positive communication between babies and parents. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Private Piano, Guitar or Drum Lessons (Ages 6-12) - Our private music lessons provides your child with one-on-one music instruction with a professional musician. We offer a complete approach to creative expression through understanding, appreciation and performance. Offered: Year Round

Musical Theatre Workshop (Ages 4-10) - Scripted original musicals are the leaping off point for our Musical Theatre Workshops. Your child will experience adventures in acting, dancing, singing, art and teamwork! Students will work together to create fabulous performances for family, friends and the community on the last day of class. An exciting and fun introduction to the world of musical theater and a chance to work with a professional acting teacher on a great show! Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Other Sports & Classes - Click Here to Register!

Girls on the Run of Suffolk County (Girls - Ages 8-11) - Girls on the Run is a national prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Teams meet twice a week for self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts that encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development. The season culminates with participation in a 5K (3.1 mile) race and a community service project. Offered: Fall

Lego - Design & Build (Ages 6-12) - Participants will be split up into groups to compete in an internal competition during the last class of each season. Creativity, teamwork, and lego building skills will be put to the test in this new class. The cirriculum is developed by USFirst, a national robotics and lego building organization that offers national competitions for teams like ours to compete in. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Cross Country Running (Ages 7-12) - Spend eight weeks getting ready for the annual Mayor’s Cup Cross Country Tournament at Franklin Park. Every runner will have the option of competing in the city wide tournament. This is a great way to learn how to compete in tournaments while learning the fundamentals of cross country running in a friendly environment. Offered: Fall

Track & Field (Ages 7-12) - Come learn how to stretch the right way, how to run effectively, jump higher and compete in track and field events. Offered: Spring

Beginner Fencing (Ages 6-12) - The fundamentals and rules of fencing will be introduced to the class. The parts of the foil, how to hold it and the on-guard stance will be taught. Basic footwork, the target area for foil, basic attacks, preparations for attacks, and defenses will first be demonstrated. The class will also learn some common technical fencing terms such as the piste, parry, riposte, etc. Safety in fencing will be emphasized each time the class meets throughout the semester. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Intermediate Fencing (Ages 8-12) - After completing Beginner Fencing, this class will introduce more advanced footwork. Safety in fencing will again be emphasized throughout the semester along with compound attacks and technical terms associated with advanced fencing moves. If time allows, members of the class will participate in bouting which involves electrical fencing equipment that will allow the class to also learn about score-keeping and refereeing. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Flag Football (Ages 7-12) - This program introduces children to the game of flag football through drills and scrimmages. Children will learn the fundamental skills necessary to excel in football and will receive instruction designed to improve their speed, agility, and overall athleticism. Offered: Fall & Spring

Floor Hockey (Ages 6-12)- This program introduces the fundamentals of the game through fun games and activities. Children will get a chance to be active and learn the basic rules and skills of floor hockey such as shooting, dribbling and passing. Each session will end with a scrimmage. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Ice Hockey (Ages 6-12) - Instructed by Ward Hockey Schools, this Ice Hockey program will teach the fundamentals of hockey which include skating, stick handling, passing, shooting, and defense. Additionally, players will develop their agility, strength, and balance. Offered: Winter

Pre-Season Sports Conditioning (Ages 8-12) - Be more competitive, avoid injury and get the most out of your game with sport specific training.This program will improve your agility and flexibility while making you stronger and faster. For the athlete who wants to take their game to the next level! Offered: Winter

Top of Page


Playgroups - Click Here to Register!


Playgroup is a free program filled with indoor fun! Playgroup (Ages 6 months - 3) - Free Program! Come join us at Hill House in a fun and open setting! This is a great opportunity to meet new kids and families in the community. Mats, toys, crayons, markers and music will be available each week at this free program. Space is limited so please be sure to register online. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Spanish Playtime (Ages 1-3) - Hola! Come and meet Hill House's newest friend Paco, a Spanish speaking puppet. Join this upbeat class and introduce your child to Spanish. You and your child will learn Spanish words and sing Spanish versions of the Itsy Bitsy Spider, the Wheels on the Bus and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring 

Pre-School Jamboree (Ages 3-4) - This class introduces children to the fundamentals of outdoor sports through fun games and activities. Whether in the gym at 74 Joy Street or on the Boston Common during the warmer months, kids will get a chance to be active and learn basic skills including soccer, T-ball, relay races, kickball, and much more. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

Top of Page


Soccer - Click Here to Register!

Half Kick Soccer (Ages 3-4) - Through fun games and age appropriate activities, participants will learn basic dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in addition to the basic rules of soccer. The primary goal of Half Kick is to encourage further participation by making soccer as fun and engaging as possible. Offered: Fall, Winter & Spring

U6 Fall Soccer (Ages 5-6) -  In this league, we give every player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning, through equal participation, regardless of ability. Every player is assigned to a team as this is a coed division. Practices are Tuesdays, 5:15-6:30pm, and games are played Saturday at 8:45am, 9:45am or 10:45am. Offered: Fall

U8 Fall Soccer (Ages 7-8) - We give each player the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning, at a level that fits his/her interest and ability. Every player is assigned a team as boys and girls are separated. Practices are Wednesdays, 5:30-6:45pm, and games are played Saturday at 8:45am, 9:45am or 10:45am.Offered: Fall

U12 Fall Soccer (Ages 9-12) - This league is for our seasoned players. We encourage supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment and skill learning at a level that fits his/her interest and ability, and to create a challenging environment for the players who aspire to reach their full potential. Every player is assigned a team as boys and girls are separated. Practices are Thursdays, 5:30-6:45pm, and games are played Saturday at 9:00am or 10:00am.Offered: Fall

Hill House United (Ages 9-12) - Hill House United is a travel soccer team for more advanced players looking to learn and compete at a higher level. Teams compete in the Boston Area Youth Soccer League and play other local travel teams. Playing requires a significant commitment due to the travel involved. All travel is limited to the Greater Boston area. Offered: Fall & Spring

World Cup Soccer (Ages 7-12) - This Sunday afternoon program takes place during the spring season to keep those soccer skills polished in the offseason. The first hour is dedicated to skilled based drills that teach the fundamentals of the sport while the second hour concentrates on scrimmages and other games. Offered: Spring

Top of Page


Summer Camps - Click Here to Register!

Campers swim every day at Hill House Day Camp Kiddie Kamp (Ages 3-5) - This is an exciting introduction to the world of summer camp for your little one. Daily activities are tailored to meet the needs and interests of young children, and include circle time, songs, arts and crafts projects, sports and free play. Themed weeks such as Shake, Rattle & Roll, My Five Senses, Sea Creatures and Motion Commotion allow children to escape on fun adventures and use their imagination. Schedules, projects and themes change each week, so campers have fun all summer long!

Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-10) - If you are looking for an all encompassing camp for your child, then Day Camp is for you! Daily activities include swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor sports, choice time and much more. Each week, campers will go on an exciting field trip to places such as George’s Island, the Charles Hayden Planetarium and a city-wide scavenger hunt. No two weeks are ever the same, so join us for one week or the entire summer!

Summer Day Camp - Sports Option (Ages 7-10) - The Sports Option within our Day Camp offers the sports enthusiast camper with an opportunity to excel in many sports and activities. Coaches will emphasize one “sport of the day” as well as other games and activities, and teach campers skills, rules and fundamentals of the sport. Campers will build confidence through great coaching and teamwork, while having fun and learning the importance of sportsmanship. Schedules and sports change each week, so no two weeks are ever the same!

Top of Page



Questions? Contact Jillian Bracken at (617) 227-5838 ext. 10 or jbracken@hillhouseboston.org.