The top reported proficiency rate is 93% in Science. The lowest is 65% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Hillcrest El Sch
Hillcrest Elementary School is a public elementary school serving kindergarten through sixth grade in Holland, an unincorporated residential village in Northampton Township, within the Council Rock School District in Bucks County. The school enrolls a small to mid-sized student body, with grades fairly evenly distributed across the span and a modest enrollment in the youngest grades.
Academically, Hillcrest's recent results show strength in mathematics and science but softer performance in English language arts. In math, students tested at proficiency rates well above the midpoint for the county, placing the school in the top quartile among Bucks County districts when proficiency rates across tested subjects are combined. Science proficiency was notably high. English language arts proficiency, however, ran lower and represents an area where parents may want to look into further with the school. State testing data for kindergarten through second grade is not available because those grades are not assessed by the state; growth at those early levels would be worth asking the school about directly.
The student body is predominantly white and affluent. A small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The school does not report counts or rates for students with individualized education plans or English learners, so families with students in those categories should ask the school directly about available services and how enrollment is supported.
Holland itself is a car-oriented suburban community with no downtown or public transit. The village center consists mostly of strip commercial properties along Buck Road, and the broader area is made up of residential tract developments from a 1970s building boom. Families here tend to commute to Philadelphia or the Trenton/Princeton area for work. Parks, including Tyler State Park and Churchville Nature Center, are accessible by car. A public library, which serves the wider Northampton Township, is located in nearby Richboro.
The district has made two recent structural changes worth noting. Full-day kindergarten began in 2025-2026, ending the prior half-day program, which means families no longer need to arrange separate care or preschool for the afternoon. On the tax side, the district created a property tax and rental rebate program for residents over sixty-five with fixed incomes, reflecting accommodation for older homeowners. However, the district's budget picture is tightening. The 2025-2026 budget passed with a property tax increase and projects a substantial deficit, with multi-year forecasts showing widening shortfalls in coming years. For families considering a move to the area, this signals continued upward pressure on property taxes.
Housing in the 18966 zip code is moderately valued by regional standards, with median home values well above national averages and rental costs reflecting a suburban market under inflationary pressure. Monthly rent estimates for area housing run substantially higher than estimated mortgage costs, making home purchase more economical than renting for families able to secure financing.
Hillcrest fits families seeking a solid academic grounding in mathematics and science, a suburban residential setting with good park access, and willingness to accept ongoing property tax increases as a condition of remaining in the district.
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