Hillcrest Academy is fully accredited by the State of Iowa Department of Education. This means we meet or exceed all state standards for curriculum, teaching, and school operations. Accreditation ensures your child receives a quality education recognized by colleges and other schools. We’re proud to provide a well-rounded, Christ-centered learning environment where students grow academically, socially, and spiritually. You can learn more about our accreditation and academic approach on our Accreditation page.

At Hillcrest Academy, high school students can take both Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment (concurrent) classes to earn college credit while still in high school. AP courses may include offerings such as Calculus, Chemistry, English Literature, and Music Theory, along with online AP options like Microeconomics and U.S. Government offered through the Belin-Blank Iowa Online AP Academy. Specific AP course availability may vary each year. Learn more about current AP options through the Belin-Blank Iowa Online AP Academy.

Hillcrest also offers concurrent courses in partnership with Kirkwood Community College. These courses may vary, depending on student interest and enrollment each year. Together, these opportunities provide strong academic challenge and a meaningful head start on college. Learn more in our high school curriculum guide.

Hillcrest Academy approaches science, math, and technology learning through a strong, integrated academic program rather than stand-alone STEM or STEAM classes. Courses are designed to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application across grade levels.

In high school, students can take rigorous science and math courses, including Advanced Placement options such as Chemistry and Calculus. Hands-on experiences are woven into the curriculum through activities like the Physics Olympics and applied learning in the campus greenhouse and orchard. Electives such as agriculture and business further support practical, analytical, and technical skill development.

In middle school, students engage in dynamic, experiential coursework that encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration while building a strong academic foundation.

This integrated approach allows students to develop STEM-related skills naturally within meaningful coursework. Learn more about our middle school and high school curriculum.

Hillcrest Academy offers Spanish as part of its academic curriculum, with a full four-year Spanish sequence available at the high school level. This allows students to build language proficiency over time while meeting academic honors requirements and strengthening college readiness.

Looking ahead, Hillcrest plans to expand Spanish offerings to the middle school level as a special, giving younger students early exposure to language learning. While Hillcrest does not offer a formal language immersion program, Spanish instruction is an established and growing part of the curriculum, supported by a diverse school community that enriches cultural understanding.

For details on Spanish courses and overall offerings, explore our high school curriculum guide.

Hillcrest Academy offers extended learning opportunities that enrich students’ academic experience beyond the traditional classroom day. Rather than after-school academic programs, extended learning at Hillcrest is built into the school experience through deeper coursework, applied learning, and student involvement.

High school students may take Advanced Placement (AP) and concurrent courses to pursue advanced study and earn college credit. Students also participate in the Service and Learning Term (SALT), a required program offered every other year that provides hands-on, real-world learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.

In addition, students can take part in a variety of clubs and groups that support academic interests, leadership development, and personal growth. Together, these opportunities allow students to explore interests, apply learning in meaningful ways, and grow beyond standard coursework.

Yes — Hillcrest Academy offers a variety of summer camps for students. These camps typically run during the summer months and include options such as boys and girls basketball, soccer, volleyball, music, art, theater, and culinary camps. Each camp is designed with age-appropriate activities to build skills, confidence, and community in a fun and supportive environment.

Hillcrest Academy does not typically report SAT scores, as most students do not take the SAT. Iowa is an ACT-focused state, and Hillcrest aligns its college readiness preparation accordingly, with students consistently scoring 2-3 points higher on the ACT than the Iowa state average.

Instead, Hillcrest uses other nationally recognized assessments to measure academic progress and readiness. Students in grades 10 and 11 take the PSAT, which helps benchmark college readiness skills and identify areas for growth. In addition, students participate in Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) testing, which provides insight into academic performance compared to state standards.

These assessments give families a clearer and more relevant picture of student achievement within Iowa’s educational context. Hillcrest plans to share PSAT and ISASP average scores to provide additional transparency and comparison data as it becomes available.

All of our teachers are state-certified, and Hillcrest meets all state requirements. Upon graduation, students receive a diploma issued by the State of Iowa. Our classes follow state guidelines, ensuring students complete the same core coursework in science, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and more as their peers in public schools.

In addition, we offer a wide variety of electives, including music, art, industrial technology, family & consumer sciences, business, Spanish, agriculture, and more. Students may also take Advanced Placement (AP) and concurrent enrollment courses to earn college credit. For full details, please explore our course descriptions.