BELONG AT HILLCREST

Yes. Safety is one of the most important things families consider when sending a student to another country. Hillcrest provides a structured Christian boarding school environment where students are supervised, known by staff, and supported by caring adults. Residence life staff are present to guide students, help them adjust, and create a safe daily rhythm in the dorms and throughout campus life.

International students live in Hillcrest’s residence halls with other students. Dorm life gives students a place to sleep, study, build friendships, participate in activities, and become part of the Hillcrest community. Students are not left to figure life in America out alone. They live in a supportive environment with staff who help them grow in responsibility, confidence, and independence.

Hillcrest gives international students more than an American classroom experience. We want students to understand America by living in community, building friendships, attending school events, exploring new places, and experiencing the culture, history, creativity, and beauty of the United States.

Throughout the school year, dorm students take regular trips every couple of weeks to American cities, community events, local attractions, sporting events, concerts, cultural experiences, shopping centers, restaurants, and regional destinations. These outings are designed to give students a fuller picture of life in America. Students are not meant to spend their year only moving from the classroom to the dorm room. We intentionally help them get out into the world, see new places, ask questions, practice English, build confidence, and enjoy life with their classmates.

Hillcrest also provides many weekend activities and holiday celebrations throughout the year. Students experience American traditions, seasonal events, school celebrations, church and community gatherings, and special activities connected to major holidays. These moments help international students understand the rhythms of American life while also giving them fun and meaningful ways to connect with friends, staff, and the broader Hillcrest community.

The capstone of this immersive experience is Hillcrest’s Easter break trip, when dorm students take a larger tour of some of America’s finer points. This trip gives students the opportunity to visit major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Along the way, students may experience Broadway shows, historic landmarks, American monuments, museums, national sites, and unique destinations such as the Ark Encounter.

For many international students, these trips become some of their most memorable experiences at Hillcrest. They do not simply study in America; they get to see America. They experience its cities, history, culture, faith conversations, landscapes, neighborhoods, and people. Through daily life, weekend activities, regular trips, holiday celebrations, and the Easter break tour, Hillcrest helps international students gain a fuller, richer, and more personal understanding of the United States.

Students should be ready to learn in an English-speaking classroom, but they do not need to have perfect English. Hillcrest helps international students grow through English immersion, classroom support, conversation with teachers and classmates, and daily life in the dorms. Over time, students gain confidence speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first. Hillcrest helps international students adjust through residence life, teacher support, student friendships, school activities, and daily guidance from caring adults. Students are welcomed into a community where they can ask questions, practice English, learn American culture, and build confidence one step at a time.

Hillcrest students are supported by teachers, school staff, counselors, and administrators who know them personally. Because Hillcrest is a smaller school community, students are not hidden in the crowd. Teachers can notice when students need help, encourage them when they are growing, and challenge them when they are ready for more. International students receive guidance as they work toward academic success and college preparation.

Yes. Hillcrest helps students prepare for life after high school through academic advising, college guidance, study habits, leadership opportunities, and personal mentoring. Students are encouraged to think not only about where they want to attend college, but also about the kind of person they are becoming. Hillcrest’s goal is to help students graduate with the confidence, character, and preparation they need for college and life.

Yes. International students are encouraged to participate fully in Hillcrest life. Students can be involved in athletics, music, fine arts, student activities, worship, service opportunities, residence hall events, and school trips. These experiences help students make friends, practice English, discover gifts, and feel connected to the school community.

Yes. Hillcrest is a Christ-centered school where faith is woven into the classroom, residence life, relationships, chapel, worship, and daily conversations. Students are invited to grow in their understanding of God, their identity in Christ, and their purpose in life. Families do not need to wonder whether their child will be spiritually supported. Hillcrest is committed to helping students grow in faith, character, wisdom, and service.

Hillcrest’s international student package is designed to make costs clear for families. The package includes tuition, room and board, health insurance, English immersion support, school activities, books, transportation, day trips, and one major trip each year. Families should contact Hillcrest International Admissions for the most current tuition and fee information.