Hillcrest School provides valuable educational and training programs for students with a variety of significant disabilities in grades 6 - 12. The special programs provided for our exceptional students (ESE) are primarily designed to serve moderate to profound mental disabilities and students exhibiting autism spectrum disorders, including Speech Therapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy.

The Marion County School Board operates Hillcrest School, a unique separate day school, and extends enrollment to all eligible Marion County residents. The program has grown and developed in partnership with the Ocala and Marion County community since 1971. Community support from business partners, sponsors and "friends" of Hillcrest provide immeasurable resources for our success!

Programs and services range from mobility training utilizing the M.O.V.E. Program* goals and specialized adaptive equipment, therapeutic horseback riding, swimming instruction in our outdoor therapy pool, physical education, fitness, daily living skills, leisure/recreational skills and a curriculum built upon training for independence. A growing portion of this specialized curriculum incorporates technology to enhance instruction, understanding and communication skills via assistive devices.

Community-based instruction (CBI) offers valuable opportunities to explore, shop, enjoy and work in specific sectors of our Ocala community. We have had tremendous support from ESE and School Transportation departments to offer frequent opportunities for students to learn to be more independent off-campus. The ultimate independence opportunities come from our very successful work-study training program. This community-based vocational training program (CBVT) uses training sites and job coaches to teach students the basic job skills of a specific business or service.