We invite prospective middle and high school students to experience Hillcrest Academy through both official visit days and personalized visits scheduled at a time that works best for your family.

Hillcrest hosts official visit days for sixth-grade students throughout the year. These visits are designed as half-day experiences, during which prospective students shadow a current sixth grader and get a feel for daily life at Hillcrest.

In addition to official visit days, families are always welcome to schedule a personalized tour for a more flexible, one-on-one experience. To arrange a visit or learn more about upcoming opportunities, please contact our Director of Enrollment, Rebecca Beachy Miller at (319) 656-2073 ext. 200 or rbeachymiller@hillcrestravens.org.

Hillcrest Academy serves students in grades 6 through 12, covering both middle and high school. Our middle school program (grades 6-8) focuses on social, emotional, and academic growth in a caring community. High school (grades 9-12) offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with strong faith integration and personalized attention. Families can apply anytime by starting the application process, and we’re happy to help you explore if Hillcrest is the right fit for your child.

Hillcrest Academy accepts admissions applications on a rolling basis, and families may apply at any time for the upcoming school year. We encourage early applications, as enrollment decisions are made as space allows.

Families who plan to apply for Education Savings Account (ESA) funding should note that the state’s ESA application window typically runs from April through June each year. To be considered for ESA funding, families must complete the ESA application during that timeframe.

Hillcrest also offers school-based financial aid, which has a longer application window, though funds are limited and awarded until they are fully allocated. Applying early increases the likelihood of accessing available assistance.

For the most up-to-date details on admissions, tuition, ESA funding, and financial aid, families can visit our admissions page or contact us directly for guidance.

There is no application fee to submit your enrollment application at Hillcrest Academy. However, if you apply for additional financial aid through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management, there is a $45 application fee for that process. We encourage families to start the application online to begin the enrollment journey, and if you need help, our Director of Enrollment is happy to assist you. Learn more about applying and financial aid options on our Admissions and Tuition, ESA & Financial Aid pages.

When applying to Hillcrest Academy, most families can complete the application process entirely online with minimal paperwork.

The school application includes submitting basic student and family information. In certain cases, additional documents may be required:
– Students with a 504 Plan or IEP will be asked to upload the most recent plan as part of the application.
– High school transfer students must upload official transcripts from their previous school.

For families applying for financial aid, most information is pulled directly from tax returns, and the majority of families will not need to upload additional documents. In some situations, families may be asked to provide further documentation if clarification is needed.

Hillcrest Academy continues to streamline the application process so that required documents can be uploaded directly within the application, reducing the need for follow-up emails or in-person drop-offs. If questions arise, our admissions team is always available to help guide families through the process.

Because Hillcrest Academy uses a rolling admissions process, families typically hear back about an admissions decision within about one week of submitting a completed application.

In some cases, the review process may take longer. If a student has a 504 Plan or IEP, or if additional information is needed related to academic history, behavior, or student support needs, our admissions and special education teams may take additional time to review the application carefully. This ensures we can make the best decision and confirm that Hillcrest is a strong fit for the student and family.

Families will be contacted as soon as a decision is made, and our admissions team is always available to answer questions during the process.

Hillcrest Academy does not currently offer formal admissions priority for siblings of enrolled students. All applicants are considered individually through the same admissions review process.

If the school were to reach maximum capacity in the future, admissions policies may be reviewed at that time. For now, families are encouraged to apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and space is limited by grade level.

If you have questions about availability or timing, our admissions team is happy to help guide you through the process.

To confirm your child’s enrollment at Hillcrest Academy, families are not required to submit an upfront payment to the school. Instead, enrollment is finalized once the tuition agreement is signed and a payment plan is in place, if applicable. Families who have completed these steps will then receive registration and onboarding information.

Families may choose from flexible payment plan options, including semester or monthly plans that extend through May or July, depending on preference.

Families may also explore financial support options such as the Education Savings Account (ESA) or additional financial aid. For guidance on tuition agreements, payment plans, or next steps, we encourage you to connect directly with our enrollment team.

Registration and orientation at Hillcrest Academy are designed to be clear, welcoming, and straightforward for both families and students.

Registration is handled through direct communication with our front office. Families receive registration materials and next-step instructions via email, allowing them to complete required forms and prepare for the school year with support from our administrative team.

Orientation takes place at the start of the school year and is built into the opening days:
– On the first day of school, students participate in an all-school assembly to begin the year together, review expectations, and build community.
– Parents are invited to an all-parent meeting on the first Friday after school begins, which serves as the primary orientation. This meeting provides important information about the school year, communication, expectations, and opportunities to connect with school leadership.

Together, these touchpoints ensure families feel informed, supported, and connected as the school year begins.

New students at Hillcrest Academy are welcomed into a caring, Christ-centered community where respect, compassion, and academic effort are key. We expect students to engage actively in their learning, demonstrate strong character, and follow behavior rooted in Christian values like honoring others and serving the community. Academically, students should be ready to meet grade-level expectations, with middle and high schoolers following a rigorous curriculum that includes Bible, English, math, science, and social studies courses. We support each student’s growth through small classes and personalized guidance to help them thrive. Learn more about our academic program and values.

Located just south of Iowa City, Hillcrest Academy is a Christian school serving students in grades 6–12. We offer strong academics, a welcoming student community, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. We believe it is an ideal environment for students to grow to their full potential.

Families often choose Hillcrest because they are looking for something more than academics alone. We believe Hillcrest offers students and families something truly unique:

At Hillcrest, smaller class sizes allow for meaningful one-on-one relationships between teachers and students, as well as strong connections across grade levels. Our teachers care deeply about each student, not just as learners, but as whole individuals.

Bible classes and chapel provide intentional space for spiritual growth and thoughtful discussion. Our teachers are free to teach and model Christian principles, and they genuinely love doing so.

Students consistently describe Hillcrest as a safe, welcoming environment where they feel known and accepted. Lifelong friendships are formed here, and many alumni speak warmly about the community they experienced.

A community that is more than a school—it’s a family (and we’d love to welcome you into it)

But don’t just take our word for it—talk with current students and families, then come visit and experience Hillcrest for yourself.