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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hillcrest Academy provides school-issued devices for students, so families do not need to supply their own laptops or tablets.

The school operates as a 1:1 device program for middle and high school students. Middle school students are assigned devices that remain at school, while high school students are issued devices that they may take home for school-related use. All devices are managed and monitored by the school.

At the same time, Hillcrest is intentional about how technology is used in the classroom. In response to growing awareness around AI, focus, and student well-being, teachers are increasingly emphasizing screen-limited instruction, using devices only when they meaningfully support learning. Many classes prioritize discussion, hands-on work, and in-person collaboration over daily screen use.

Hillcrest Academy does not offer a standalone online or hybrid program. However, high school students may have access to approved online coursework through external partners when a specific course is not available on campus.

Some students choose to take online concurrent courses through Kirkwood Community College or online Advanced Placement (AP) courses through the University of Iowa. These options allow students to earn college credit while remaining enrolled at Hillcrest. Availability depends on student interest, academic readiness, and approval through the school’s academic planning process.

All online coursework is used intentionally to supplement Hillcrest’s in-person learning model, which prioritizes relationships, classroom discussion, and community. For more information about course options and approvals, families can explore the High School Curriculum Guide or contact the school for guidance.

Hillcrest Academy takes a thoughtful, layered approach to keeping students safe online and in digital spaces, combining technology safeguards, clear policies, and proactive supervision.

The school uses GoGuardian on all school-issued devices to monitor online activity, promote appropriate use, and support academic integrity during the school day. This allows staff to ensure students are accessing content safely and responsibly.

Hillcrest also maintains a clear cell phone and smart watch policy, which limits personal device use during the school day. These guidelines help reduce distractions, protect student well-being, and support healthy boundaries around technology use.

In addition to digital safeguards, Hillcrest prioritizes overall student safety through secured buildings, with exterior doors locked during school hours and monitored access for visitors.

Expectations related to technology use, digital conduct, and student safety are outlined in the Student Handbook. We continue to connect digital safety practices with its broader student wellness and mental health initiatives, reinforcing a culture of care, responsibility, and balance.

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely not. At Hillcrest Academy, we deeply value diversity and intentionally welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds into our community. Our student body represents approximately 30 different churches across 9 denominations, creating a vibrant and enriching environment rooted in shared faith and mutual respect.

This diversity strengthens our school community by providing meaningful opportunities for students to learn from one another, engage in thoughtful conversations, and grow in their understanding of the broader Christian tradition. While we are united in our commitment to Christ-centered education, we celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences each student and family brings.

At Hillcrest Academy, we are deeply committed to making an exceptional, Christ-centered education accessible to as many families as possible. We believe that finances should never be a barrier to a child receiving a high-quality academic experience in a supportive and faith-filled community.

Through the Iowa Education Savings Account (ESA) program, the Iowa Independent School Tuition Organization (IISTO), and Hillcrest’s own Financial Aid program, we partner with families to create a tuition plan that fits their unique circumstances. By combining these resources, we are able to make a Hillcrest education affordable and attainable for families from a wide range of financial backgrounds.

If you reside within the Mid-Prairie School District, it is possible for their school to provide transportation to and from Hillcrest Academy depending on where you live within the district. Families living outside the Mid-Prairie district are responsible for arranging their own transportation.

To support families who commute from surrounding communities, Hillcrest offers transportation (for an additional fee) from the Iowa City and Washington areas.

In addition, families who live outside the district may be eligible to submit a transportation reimbursement request to their local public school district. While reimbursement amounts vary, many families are able to receive at least partial compensation for their transportation expenses.

Hillcrest students come from approximately 14 school districts, 11 communities, and multiple countries—so you won’t be the only one excited (or a little nervous!) about making new friends.

As one recent graduate shared, “I was nervous not knowing anyone, but the other students welcomed me in so easily that I made friends in no time. And I was still able to stay in touch with my friends from my previous school. Win-win!”

Students often discover that while they gain new friendships at Hillcrest, they are still able to maintain important connections from their past.

For families traveling from a distance, this is a very real and understandable concern. Many parents have shared that once they saw the immediate impact Hillcrest had on their child, the commute felt worthwhile.

When it comes to inclement weather, families always have the final say in whether it is safe to travel. There may be days when school remains in session but road conditions vary by location. In those cases, students will receive an excused absence if travel is unsafe.