Some journeys begin with a well-thought-out plan. Others, like the story of Hillside Akademie, begin with a need, a calling, and a leap of faith.
A Passion for Education
Deirdre Steenekamp had spent years in remedial education, dedicating herself to children who struggled in mainstream schools. When she decided to take a step back to be a stay-at-home mom for her two sons, she thought she was pressing pause on her career. But education was never just a job for her—it was part of who she was.
It didn’t take long for parents in the community to reach out, asking for help. Many of them had children who didn’t fit into traditional school environments. They needed a place where their kids could learn, grow, and thrive without the pressure of a system that didn’t cater to their unique needs.
That was when the idea of opening a school took root.
The First Steps
In May 2017, with nothing but determination and a vision, Deirdre opened the doors of Hillside Akademie. There was no grand opening ceremony, no team of teachers—just one learner, Mienke van Zyl, a Grade 3 student who needed a different approach to learning.
That small start didn’t last long. Within a month, two more students joined. Parents were talking, and word spread quickly. Hillside Akademie was more than just a school; it was a place where children who had felt out of place elsewhere finally belonged.
Growth and Expansion
By 2019, it was clear that Hillside Akademie needed more space. The school moved to a nearby church, giving the growing student body room to learn in an environment that felt safe and welcoming.
And still, it grew.
In 2022, the school found its permanent home—a space that could accommodate the increasing number of learners while maintaining the small, focused learning groups that had become its signature model.
A Unique Approach to Education
Hillside Akademie stands apart because of its commitment to individualized education. With a model that never allows more than ten students per group, every child receives the attention they need to flourish. This isn’t just about academics; it’s about creating an environment where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Today, the school has 61 learners, each with their own story, their own challenges, and their own victories. And among them is Mienke van Zyl—no longer the lone student in Grade 3, but now a thriving Grade 11 learner who has grown alongside the school.
The Heart of Hillside Akademie
What started as an idea, born from a need, has become a community. Hillside Akademie isn’t just a school; it’s a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose. It’s proof that education isn’t one-size-fits-all and that, sometimes, all a child needs to succeed is the right environment.
Deirdre Steenekamp’s leap of faith didn’t just change her life—it changed the lives of dozens of children who now have a place where they truly belong. And as Hillside Akademie continues to grow, one thing remains unchanged: its commitment to providing a space where every learner can reach their full potential.
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