Of more than 300 historically black high schools that once operated in the state before desegregation, only five remain today, with Hillside being the oldest.

Also in 1896, a permanent brick building was constructed on Proctor and Ramsey Street for black children at a cost of $8000.

In 1899, the building was destroyed and reconstructed, but students were housed in churches during that school year.

At this time 707 students were enrolled in the Durham black graded schools.

John Sprunt Hill, a leading Durham citizen, donated land for a new building on Pine and Umstead Street, which was named Hillside Park High School in honor of the donor and due to the fact that the school was located next to Hillside Park, a public city owned black park.

Additions of an auditorium, cafeteria, auto shop, classroom and gymnasium were made to accommodate the large number of transferred high school students in 1949.

Hillside High recently created a freshman academy to help incoming freshmen matriculate and excel in their academics.

In addition to the Drama Department, Hillside also has a marching band which performs across the United States.