Tuition, ESA & Financial Aid

Hillcrest Academy offers several options to help families manage the cost of tuition, with support based primarily on financial need rather than merit-based awards.

• Education Savings Account (ESA): Families may apply annually for the ESA, which provides funding that can be applied toward tuition and other qualified educational expenses, subject to state guidelines and eligibility.
• School-Based Financial Aid: Families may also apply for additional need-based financial assistance through Hillcrest’s financial aid process. Awards are determined based on a family’s financial situation rather than academic or merit criteria.
• Tuition Payment Plans: Flexible payment plans are available to help families spread tuition costs over time if paying in full is not feasible.

Because financial aid and ESA processes differ from college scholarships, Hillcrest focuses on guiding families individually through available options. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, families are encouraged to contact the admissions or business office directly for support.

Hillcrest Academy participates in Iowa’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state funding for K-12 students attending accredited private schools. Eligible families receive funds equal to public school per-pupil funding deposited into an ESA to cover tuition and qualified expenses. All students can apply annually for the ESA for the 2025-26 school year. If you need additional help beyond ESA funds, you can also apply for financial aid through our program. Learn more about tuition, ESA, and financial aid options to make a Hillcrest education affordable for your family.

Tuition for the 2026-27 school year is $11,300 for grades 6-8 and $13,400 for grades 9-12. We understand that private education is a big investment, so we offer flexible tuition payment plans including semester or monthly options. Additionally, families can apply for an Education Savings Account (ESA) and financial aid to help cover costs. If you want to learn more or have questions, our admissions team is happy to assist you.

Tuition at Hillcrest Academy covers your child’s core academic program, including rigorous classes from grades 6-12 designed to prepare them for college and beyond. It supports a faith-based, caring community where students grow academically, socially, and spiritually. However, tuition does not include additional school fees like lunch, transportation, athletic fees, or yearbook. We also offer flexible payment plans to help families manage tuition comfortably. For more details, you can explore our tuition and financial aid information.

Additional fees not included in tuition typically cover school-related extras such as lunch, transportation, athletic fees, and yearbook costs. These help support activities and services beyond classroom instruction. For families living outside the Mid-Prairie district, transportation may require arranging your own rides, though we provide bus service from Iowa City and Washington. You can learn more about these fees and options by connecting with our admissions team or exploring details about tuition and financial aid.

Hillcrest Academy offers several forms of tuition assistance to help make enrollment accessible, with support primarily based on financial need rather than merit-based scholarships.

• Education Savings Account (ESA): Families may apply annually for ESA funding, which can be applied toward tuition and other qualified educational expenses, subject to state guidelines and eligibility.
• Need-Based Financial Aid: Families may apply for additional financial assistance through Hillcrest’s financial aid application process. This process also includes consideration for support through the Iowa Independent School Tuition Organization (IISTO), which provides need-based tuition assistance.
• Tuition Payment Plans: Flexible payment options, including semester or monthly plans, are available to help families manage tuition costs over time.

Rather than listing individual high school scholarships, Hillcrest focuses on a holistic, need-based approach to tuition assistance. Our team is happy to help families understand available options and guide them through the application process.

Hillcrest Academy does not currently offer sibling discounts or automatic tuition reductions based on the number of children enrolled. Tuition rates are set by grade level and apply equally to all students.

That said, families may explore other ways to manage tuition costs, such as need-based financial aid, Education Savings Account (ESA) funding, and flexible payment plans. Our admissions and business offices are happy to help families understand available options and determine what support may apply to their situation.

Hillcrest Academy supports students as they prepare for college scholarships. Scholarship guidance is provided primarily for juniors and seniors as part of the college planning and counseling process.

Our school counselor works directly with students to identify and apply for local, regional, and national college scholarship opportunities aligned with academic interests, leadership, service, and career pathways such as agriculture, healthcare, and the arts. These opportunities are communicated directly to students and families during the high school years rather than listed as part of admissions or tuition assistance.

We offer flexible tuition payment plans to fit your family’s budget. You can choose to pay in full or spread payments out as installments: by semester, monthly through May, or monthly through July. This helps make a Hillcrest Academy education more manageable and accessible for all families. If you want to learn more about tuition, financial aid, or payment options, our admissions team is happy to assist you anytime. Feel free to explore our tuition and financial aid information or reach out for personalized support.

Full tuition at Hillcrest Academy is due by September 15 for families who choose to pay in full. To provide flexibility, families may also select installment payment plans, including semester or monthly options that extend through May or July. For installment plans, payments begin on the start date selected by the family.

Payments are collected securely, and our team is available to assist with questions or setup. Please note that tuition covers educational costs, while some fees, such as lunch or athletics, may be billed separately. For additional details on tuition and payment options, families are welcome to reach out directly or visit our tuition and financial aid information.