FAQ

FAQ

We’re a four-year high school just south of Iowa City and offer excellent academics, an inviting student body and a variety of activities to get involved in. It may be just the place for you to develop into the person you want to be.

Our teachers are all state-certified, we meet all state requirements and upon graduation you will receive a diploma issued by the State of Iowa. Our classes adhere to state guidelines, so you’ll take the same amount of science, language arts, mathematics, social studies, etc., as any student in the public school system. We also offer electives like music, art, industrial technology, family & consumer sciences, business, Spanish, agriculture and more. We even offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Read our course descriptions for all the details.

We believe Hillcrest offers students and families something not found elsewhere:

  • Smaller class sizes lead to more one-on-one relationships between teachers and students, and between students even across grade levels
  • Bible classes and chapel times provide space for spiritual growth and great discussion
  • Our teachers are not only allowed to teach and model the principles of Christianity, they love to do so
  • Hillcrest is consistently described by students as a safe environment where they feel welcomed and accepted
  • Teachers and students run into one another outside school hours–at church, in their community, at events, etc.
  • Lifelong friendships are formed, and alumni actually look forward to class reunions
  • Teachers care about more than just learning inside the classroom; we care about the whole you
  • Hillcrest is more than a school; it’s a family (and we’d love to welcome you into it)

But don’t take our word for it–ask students and families about their experiences and then come visit to try us out for yourself!

Absolutely not. We love diversity and welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds into our community. We represent 22 different churches across 9 denominations. That diversity creates a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another! Read more about our faith integration here.

At Hillcrest Academy, we are committed to granting access to as many families as possible.This commitment is foundational for us. We use the Variable Tuition model as a way to open up a Hillcrest Academy education to more families! We will match your tuition rate to your family’s unique financial position.

If you live in the Mid-Prairie school district, they are required to provide busing for you. Outside the M-P district, your own transportation must be arranged. We provide transportation from Iowa City and Washington and can also connect you with Hillcrest families in your area for carpooling. You can even submit a reimbursement form to your school district to get at least minimal reimbursement for transportation costs. Click HERE to learn more about the areas we serve. 

Hillcrest students come from 14 school districts, 11 communities and 4 countries. So you won’t be the only one excited to make new friends. Current student Isabel says it best, “I was nervous not knowing anyone, but the other students welcomed me in with such ease that I made friends in no time. And I’m still able to keep in good contact with my friends from my old school. Win-win!” Of course, we think the best solution is to encourage your friends to come with you!

For students attending from a distance, that’s a very real concern although one parent recently mentioned that after the first day of school it suddenly didn’t seem to matter as much simply because of the immediate benefits she saw in her child from attending Hillcrest. Students who carpool together get to know each other well and even look forward to that travel time to begin and end their school day. Local families frequently open their homes to schoolmates traveling from a distance. A late night ballgame combined with an early morning music practice, for example, provides a situation where it makes sense for a student to stay overnight locally on occasion.

Regarding inclement weather and less-than-ideal road conditions: you and your parents have the ultimate say in whether you brave the conditions. We may have school and your parents determine it’s unsafe to travel. In that case you will always receive an excused absence.