It now features open-space learning areas, a separate pre-school wing, an indoor gym, all-season outdoor athletic facilities, an "innovation hub" with a greenhouse and makerspace, and a café with a kitchen.

The Hillel Day School was established in the fall of 1958, after a long period of planning, by a group of Detroit educators, Rabbis and leaders of the community.

[3] By 1960 it grew into a modern elementary day school with 51 students in grades K–3[7] that offered a blend of Hebraic-religious and general studies, influenced by Conservative Judaism and Zionism.

[12] The school's growth was partially due to the inflow of Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union: in 1979, Hillel had 20,[13] and in 1992, 49[14] Russian students.

Hillel was recognized at the time as "a crown jewel of Conservative Judaism in Detroit" because it offered Jewish education "in a form more palatable to some for whom the Beth Yehuda seemed too oldworld".

In that case, the court ruled that the lay teachers at religious schools are exempt from the federal collective bargaining agreement.

Among them was Rabbi David Nelson, religious leader of the Conservative synagogue Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park, Michigan, who said if "you understand Jewish law, you have to have sensitivity toward the working person".

[26] In 2013, Hillel's ECC became the first licensed center in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area to receive a rating under Michigan's "Great Start to Quality" program, which evaluates state preschools.

[1] 2014–2017 marked major upgrades to Hillel's physical facilities,[29] just in time for a series of 2017–2018 alumni and community events in celebration of its 60-year anniversary.

[35] From 1963, Hillel also held classes at the nearby Congregation B’nai Moshe at 14390 West Ten Mile, Oak Park.

[37] In 1970, a 20-room new school building was ready and Hillel moved to its permanent home at 32200 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills,[38] with 270 students.

[7] In 2006, a $4 million expansion added to the school a bigger gym doubling as a theater with 800 seats capacity, along with a new lobby, offices, and an outside playing field.

[45][46] The first phase of the renovation, designed by school architect Prakash Nair, included the "Central Heart" (an open space with a presentation platform and capacity for 300 people), the "Innovation Hub" with an art studio, science lab, a greenhouse, an audio-video studio and a makerspace, and the café and kitchen in place of the old small gym.

Its religious policies aim to make all children, irrespective of their observance at home, feel comfortable and involved in school activities.

Hillel requests families to respect classmates' levels of observance when arranging celebrations like birthdays and B'nai Mitzvah parties.

Hillel based this decision on the Jewish law principle of pikuach nefesh, prioritizing human life above other religious rules.

[55] Hillel debuted its first student spring musical,"Fiddler On The Roof", in 1965 and has since maintained a vibrant performing arts department.

Saul Rube, Hillel's dean of Judaic studies, said the playful combinations underscore a deeper connection, noting the Talmud's description of Hanukkah as a "holiday of thanksgiving.

[59] Hillel Day School is a private, non-profit corporation administered by a headmaster, who acts under the direction of a board of trustees.