Why we exist.
Hill Country Day School is something genuinely new in New Braunfels. A school built on nature, curiosity, and child-led learning with teachers who are paid what they deserve. We started the Hill Country Children's Foundation because we believe every child in this community should have access to it, not just the ones whose families can easily afford it.
We also believe the land we steward matters. Our 5.5 acres of Texas Hill Country are not a backdrop for learning, they are part of the curriculum. Native habitat preservation, rainwater collection, and responsible land use are built into how we operate, because we think teaching children to belong to the natural world starts with actually taking care of it.
Ten scholarships. One community. Real impact.
By the numbers.
- Up to 10 scholarships awarded per year
- 50% of tuition covered per scholarship recipient
- Families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level qualify
- One application per family, renewed annually
- 501(c)(3) public charity — donations are tax deductible
What we believe.
A child's family income should not determine the quality of their first school experience. We are working to change that, one scholarship at a time.
The land matters.
Hill Country Day School sits on 5.5 acres of Texas Hill Country. We preserve native habitats, collect rainwater, and design outdoor spaces that work with the land, not against it. Teaching children to care for the natural world starts with actually caring for it ourselves.
Scholarship families are not just recipients. They are partners. They show up, they contribute, and they become part of something bigger. That is the kind of school community we are building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hill Country Children's Foundation?
The Hill Country Children's Foundation is a Texas nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to nature-based, child-centered early education for families across the Texas Hill Country. We award partial scholarships to qualifying families seeking enrollment at Hill Country Day School in New Braunfels, ensuring that a child's first school experience is rich and intentional regardless of financial means.
How does Hill Country Children's Foundation approach environmental stewardship?
The school sits on 5.5 acres of Texas Hill Country, and we take that responsibility seriously. We preserve native plant habitats on the property, operate two 10,000-gallon rainwater collection tanks, and design all outdoor learning spaces to work with the land rather than against it. Environmental stewardship is not separate from our mission -- it is part of how we teach children to show up in the world.
How is the foundation connected to Hill Country Day School?
The foundation was created alongside Hill Country Day School by the same founder, Haleigh Almquist. The school and the foundation share a mission but operate as separate entities. The foundation raises and distributes scholarship funds independently, awarding them to qualifying families who use them toward tuition at Hill Country Day School.
What is the community participation requirement?
Scholarship recipients contribute 10 hours per semester at Hill Country Day School, roughly one hour a week during the school year. What that looks like is flexible and agreed upon together at enrollment. Some families help in the classroom, some support events, some bring a professional skill. The point is that you are part of the community, not just a recipient of it.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Hill Country Children's Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, effective April 24, 2026. Our EIN is 42-1898003. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
If I receive a scholarship this year am I guaranteed it next year?
Scholarships are awarded one year at a time and require reapplication each year. There is no automatic renewal. Families who are in good standing, meaning participation hours are fulfilled and tuition is current on their portion -- receive priority consideration in the next cycle, but renewal is not guaranteed. This keeps the program fair and ensures spots are available to families who need them most.
How do I know if I qualify for a scholarship?
To qualify, your child must be eligible for enrollment at Hill Country Day School (ages 8 weeks through Pre-K 4), your household income must be at or below 300% of the current federal poverty level, and you must be willing to contribute 10 hours of community participation per semester. Full eligibility criteria and the application are available on our Scholarship page.
How does my donation get used?
Every dollar raised by the foundation goes directly toward scholarship awards for qualifying families. Our operational costs are kept minimal and managed entirely in house. When you donate to the Hill Country Children's Foundation, you are funding a child's seat in a classroom, nothing else.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you are a family looking for support, a business wanting to invest in the community, or someone who believes children and the natural world both deserve better, there is a place for you here