Investing in a Private Christian High School Education

Investing in a Private Christian High School Education

Five Ways You’ll See the Return on Your Investment

In the Kalona, Washington, and Iowa City, Iowa areas, there are several options for your teen’s high school education. With so many choices, why should you consider a private Christian high school?

Ultimately it depends on your goals for your child and, of course, what matters most to them. Are you looking for an environment that both nurtures and encourages independence? Do you want a school where the culture is focused on Christ and community? Are you interested in access to opportunities, like one-on-one college counseling and community service? 

Here are five ways you’ll see a return on your investment in a private Christian high school education:

 1.) A supportive environment.

Most private Christian schools have smaller student bodies than area public schools, with very manageable class sizes and great student-to-teacher ratios. (Hillcrest Academy boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of just 5 to 1.) This translates to individualized attention in an environment where caring teachers really get to know their students.

Private Christian schools provide an additional element of support by keeping their content and culture Christ-centered. This can be especially important for students and families whose values align with the school’s, and for students who want to feel safe, known, loved, and valued.  If a student is struggling — academically, socially, or emotionally — teachers have a much easier time identifying and addressing the issue if they’re not overwhelmed by an overcrowded classroom.

2.) College scholarships and guidance.

Private Christian high schools typically have a culture of high achievement with a heavy focus on college preparedness. There is often a focus on determining and following God’s plan for their lives.

It’s common to find one-on-one college counseling that starts as early as ninth grade, along with assessments that can help identify strengths, possible career paths, and best-fit colleges and universities. Most counselors can help students identify college scholarship opportunities as well. Hillcrest Academy’s class of 2020 earned $430.700 in merit-based scholarships! 

At Hillcrest Academy, Mennonite College Night is an evening for students and families to learn about two and four-year colleges whose core beliefs are similar to Hillcrest’s.

3.) The kind of individualized attention that can identify and support achievement gaps, as well as students who are capable of more advanced coursework.

Low student-to-teacher ratios and less crowded classrooms mean teachers are able to identify if a student needs any additional support or is capable of more challenging content. Hillcrest Academy teachers offer assistance to students before and after school, as well as during homeroom and study hall, and students in need of individualized help can participate in the Directed Studies program. Advanced Placement (AP) and concurrent courses are offered through Kirkwood Community College for students who are looking for a more advanced curriculum or to start earning college credits.

4.) Self-confidence that comes from attending a school with high expectations for students, as well as a culture that focuses on integrity and character development.

Private Christian high schools put Christ and caring for others at the center of their curriculum, culture, and communities. An environment built on values provides a positive influence for students, which can be invaluable for teens as they contemplate their future and their character matures.

Hillcrest Academy’s Service and Learning Term is an annual, week-long, innovative learning experience that takes students out of the classroom and puts their beliefs into action through serving others. Chapel services and a curriculum infused with the Christian faith contribute to a supportive environment that inspires student confidence.

5.) Academic and social preparedness.

Being ready to tackle college and careers is about more than just academic preparedness — they also need to be ready socially for what’s next by developing soft skills like listening, empathy, time management, and self-discipline.

Private Christian high schools use a biblically infused curriculum to teach empathy and understanding. Students learn time-management and organizational skills through juggling a demanding course load alongside athletics and leadership roles in student clubs and organizations. In addition to effective communication skills, courses such as Hillcrest’s English II Communication class teach invaluable soft skills, including creativity and critical thinking.  

investment in private school

Private Christian education can be affordable. Beyond our high college acceptance rate, the unique culture at Hillcrest means students are able to tap into a supportive network of friends, faculty, coaches, and alumni. And did you know that none of our students pays the full cost of their Hillcrest education? Variable tuition makes it affordable as a student’s tuition amount is determined by their family’s income and individual circumstances.

Looking for the right high school for your teen? Download Our 5 Important Questions E-book for Parents and get practical help for your high school search.

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