Visit Hillcrest

Whether you can check out the campus in person or want to video in and have us walk you through a tour, we can help you get to know Hillcrest from anywhere.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Hillcrest is one of the most powerful learning environments for international students. Because Hillcrest bases our program on the Bible, we see every person as a divine expression of the character of God. We understand each person is made in the image of God, and every person at Hillcrest is on equal footing because they bear God’s divine imprint.

With this, we celebrate the various cultures and backgrounds as they align to a Biblical understanding of humanity. Each question and cultural difference is an opportunity to teach history, language, logic, and expression. As students engage in classroom disciplines, they see the form and function in God’s creative design. They are no longer simply learning facts and concepts; rather, they understand stories and cultural expressions as they engage in mathematics, language, history, and the arts. Their exploration in academia is an exploration of identity.

With this foundation for learning in place, students engage in the culture of Hillcrest. Over fourteen different cultures are present in the 180+ student body. Students see that cultural differences and backgrounds are listening, sharing, and communication opportunities. Because students come from countries with various economic practices, government systems, and cultural ideals, the classrooms at Hillcrest hold a diversity of thought and expression. Hillcrest unites students under the banner of Christ, teaching them to express their viewpoints logically, honestly, and respectfully.

Students from foreign countries will see their English comprehension and expression improve dramatically as they engage in Hillcrest's small and close-knit community. International students will room with students from other cultures, most often with students from the United States. This opens opportunities for aid in school work and navigating culture. We desire that each student who attends Hillcrest will develop a personal, vibrant, and committed following of Jesus Christ.

TO BRAZIL

DEBBY DEVELOPED PRACTICE FOR A CALLING TO LIVE A MISSIONAL LIFE AT HILLCREST

Debby found Hillcrest a natural place to build community. But more than community, Debby developed a love for missions at Hillcrest, something her family has been involved in throughout the years. Still, Hillcrest’s purposed program gave Debby opportunities to develop this call on her own.

FROM SOUTH KOREA

LYDIA SPENT FOUR YEARS AT HILLCREST AND DEVELOPED A STRONG CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY

Lydia visited Hillcrest as a shy thirteen-year-old from South Korea. She graduated a confident 18-year-old with five college offers before her and is deciding where to go. Her passions have developed under Hillcrest’s mentorship, and she leaves Hillcrest’s halls with leadership skills, the ability to present confidently, and a love for Jesus and prayer.

TO NORWAY

BENJAMIN IS LEADING IN HIS CHURCH IN NORWAY AFTER DEVELOPING SKILLS AT HILLCREST

Benjamin’s dad attended Hillcrest Academy twenty years ago as part of the Danielsen-Hillcrest partnership. After his year as a worship intern, a part of the student life at Hillcrest, he now leads small groups and worship times in his church in Norway with confidence and passion.

WHERE STUDENTS GO

Hillcrest holds strong bonds with its students that extend past graduation day. The student body has recently committed to writing the graduates from the previous year. Their notes of encouragement continue the bond of friendship while continuing the commitment to spiritual growth.

It is common for alumni to visit Hillcrest during college breaks. Students often slip past their underclassmen friends to find their way into the classroom with the instructors who made an impact. In these meetings, if we listened in, it would be very normal for the former Hillcrest Comet to share where they’re going to church, what their friend group is like, and how their daily devotions have impacted their life at college. Hillcrest instructors aren’t as concerned with college students’ favorite classes. Their number one objective is to mentor former students in continued spiritual growth.

It is under this banner that Hillcrest formed a mantra. While most schools are concerned with students’ SAT scores, Hillcrest focuses on how students develop their faith and Intellect to form Christian character. Many schools will gauge success on what kind of 18-year-old walks away from their school. Hillcrest wants to know what kind of 28-year-old returns to the Castle to show their family the place where their spiritual commitment was realized. The best test of our program is to look at the 28-year-old graduates.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY

Hillcrest students are prepared for college and, more importantly, the challenges they’ll face in life at Hillcrest. Our program integrates the Bible into every discipline, academic and extra-curricular. That means students learn to live life with Jesus, being challenged to engage every aspect from a Biblical foundation.

With this training, students are propelled from Hillcrest. The academic program develops preparation for university rigor while also calling students to consider their giftings. While each student is challenged to enable a smooth transition into the university, some students elect to serve the Lord following their senior year. Many students join mission movements, feeling equipped to share the Gospel boldly following their time at Hillcrest. Other students crave practical training, taking a link year experience where they explore employment, seek out internships, and support the local church. All of these choices align with Hillcrest’s mission to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for lives of eternal significance. For some, that means attending the university. For others, they feel called into specific ministries directly from high school. For still others, they may feel called to engage the workforce. Hillcrest is more concerned with what kind of 28-year-old comes back to visit Hillcrest than with what schools our 18-year-olds are accepted into. That said, we do have students attending many rigorous and well-respected universities.

TUITION AND FEES

APPLICATION FEE

$350 for first-time applicants
(Hillcrest completes the SEVIS I-20/I-94 paperwork)

International Student Tuition and Fees:

This includes:

• Tuition, room and board

• Primary health insurance policy

• English Immersion Support (consideration and accommodation plans)

• Activity fee

• Book fee

• Extra-curricular activity fees

• Airport transportation based on Transportation Schedule

  • Fall Arrival

  • Christmas Break

  • Spring Break

  • Spring Departure

• Transportation for testing (within 70 mile radius): ACT, SAT, TOEFL

• Day trips during both semesters for shopping, trips to Asian markets, attending various concerts, sporting events, and plays

• Two major trips per year: (1) Musical Tour with either band or choir (2) Student event trips to Chicago, Black Hills of South Dakota, or a similar student trip.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1

Click the "Apply to Hillcrest" button below to create a profile and complete the application online.

Step 2

Placement tests will be administered for all grades (Preschool-12th).

Step 3

PS-5th Grade: Upon completion of the application and placement assessments, a Hillcrest representative will arrange an interview with at least one parent/guardian and the principal.

6-12th Grade: Upon completion of an application, your references will be emailed a reference form. Once all references have been submitted to Hillcrest and placement assessments have been administered, a parent and student interview will be arranged with the principal.

Step 4

Following the interview, Hillcrest Academy will contact the applicant to communicate the status of the application.

Payment Schedule

All tuition and fees are due August 1st. Students may pay by semester, with payments due August 1 and January 1. Wire Transfer (preferred), Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are accepted for payment.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEE SCHEDULE

Late Payment

A late payment fee of $250 will be assessed on semester payments that are more than 10 days late. Any student whose account is not current after 15 days will not be allowed to attend classes until account is current.

Refund Schedule

Since all accounts with the school are due and payable on August 1st, the following refunds will be made to students who withdraw:

• In an academic semester in which classes have met for ten days or less: 50% of tuition and dorm fees.

• In an academic semester in which classes have met for more than ten days: There is NO refund.

• If a student is removed for disciplinary reasons there is NO refund.