FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Hill School Launches a New Way for Families to Make the Boarding School Decision  

The Hill School, in partnership with ESF Camps & Experiences, announces Hill School Summer Scholars, a new two-week residential summer program giving rising 7th and 8th graders an authentic introduction to boarding school life before high school begins.

POTTSTOWN, PA — September 17, 2026 — The Hill School is proud to announce the launch of Hill School Summer Scholars, a new two-week boarding program for rising 7th and 8th graders operating on the 200-acre Hill School campus, developed and offered in partnership with ESF Camps & Experiences. Applications for Summer 2027 open in November 2026. Interested families are encouraged to request an invitation at www.hillschoolsummerscholars.com to find out if their child qualifies to apply. 

Hill School Summer Scholars was built around a simple truth: families considering boarding school are making one of the most significant educational decisions of their lives, often with very little real information to go on. 

Scholars live in Hill’s dorms, attend classes, many taught by Hill School faculty, and take part in campus traditions including seated meals, dorm cup games, and more. Every day includes a core academic block, a dedicated Boarding School Prep class, a student-selected elective, and immersive residential programming. Session sizes are kept small, so Scholars are known personally by faculty rather than lost in a crowd. 

“There is something transformative about learning and living in a close-knit campus community,” says Tom Eccleston, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, The Hill School. “Hill Summer Scholars will give young people an authentic taste of the Hill experience, challenging themselves in the classroom, connecting with inspiring teachers and like-minded peers, while discovering how learning, friendship, character, and independence can be woven into everyday life at a place like The Hill.” 

Unlike traditional boarding school summer enrichment programs, Hill School Summer Scholars is designed as a decision-making tool for families while preparing Scholars for what comes next: stronger academic footing for the SSAT, practical experience with the skills that matter in an admissions interview, and the independence that comes from managing their own schedule away from home.  

“Two weeks on Hill’s campus gives a rising 7th or 8th grader something no campus tour can provide,” says Michael Rouse, CEO & Co-Founder, ESF Camps & Experiences. “Hill School Summer Scholars was built to change how families approach this decision, giving them genuine experience of what boarding school life actually demands and offers, so they can move forward with confidence.” 

Hill School Summer Scholars is a partnership between The Hill School, a coeducational boarding school founded in 1851, and ESF Camps & Experiences, a premier youth summer programs organization operating across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The partnership combines Hill’s academic and residential legacy with ESF’s operational experience running high-quality summer programming at scale. 

Key Program Details 

• Who: Rising 7th and 8th graders 

• Location: The Hill School, Pottstown, PA 

• Session I: June 27 – July 9, 2027 

• Session II: July 11 – July 23, 2027 

• How to apply: Request an invite at hillschoolsummerscholars.com 

About The Hill School 

Founded in 1851, The Hill School is a coeducational boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12 and post-graduates, known for its academic rigor, residential traditions, and college preparatory mission. Located in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Hill has prepared students for higher education and leadership for 175 years. 

About ESF Camps & Experiences 

Founded in 1982, ESF Camps & Experiences is a nationally recognized leader in youth programs and experiences, delivering high-quality summer, enrichment, and specialty programs in partnership with professional sports teams, Ivy League institutions, leading universities, and top independent and preparatory schools. With more than four decades of experience, ESF is known for its commitment to safety, exceptional staff, innovative programming, and creating transformative experiences for children and young adults. 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Michael Rouse 

Mrouse@esfcamps.com 

610-633-3704