Parents voiced a need for a school that would cultivate in their children a passionate faith in Jesus Christ in the early 1900s. They sought a place to equip and disciple students to foster a love for Jesus and the world. After opening the Lutheran Brethren Bible School to a high school program, Hillcrest has grown into an educational seedbed serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, providing a classical Christian education rooted in biblical values.

Equipping students for lives of eternal significance goes beyond mere academic success in Hillcrest’s classical Christian program. Developing students holistically build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character is closely linked to integrating discipleship and mentorship in the educational experience. This isn’t a small task, creating an atmosphere that guides students to stand clear-minded, courageous, and confident, capable of facing life’s challenges.

Students are surrounded by a chaotic and difficult world where feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression are prevalent. Students spend most of their developing years at school, which has the opportunity to guide students in understanding the world's chaos, both internally and externally.

At Hillcrest, we’ve seen how Classical Christian education and purposed mentorship presents an incomparable way of approaching the quest for joy that overcomes the fleeting nature of circumstantial happiness. Students study sacred writings and eternal wisdom with adult mentors who ask challenging questions and drive important conversations about life. This education strengthens the entire individual and provides a stable and undying pleasure in the Lord.

The power of memorization has long been acknowledged as an essential tool for gaining knowledge. Classical Christian education highlights the many benefits of memorization. Classical education accelerates learning in grade and high school, and the memorization dynamic contributes to intellectual, spiritual, and character development.

The annual cross-country tour is a staple of the Hillcrest experience. Not even the Great Depression or gas rationing of World War II kept Hillcrest from conducting the annual music tour. These tours impact students, causing some to have a renewed sense of mission, while others simply see faith lived out in a real way.

A recent Hillcrest student from Bergen, Norway, sat down to share how Hillcrest has guided him to a life of faithful obedience to Christ. He spoke of the essential habits of Scripture reading and serving, habits he is continuing in Norway. He also shared how Hillcrest was used to equip him to lead others in the corporate worship of Jesus through music.

One of the major issues confronting young people today is resting in their identity in Christ. Though efforts are made to aid teenagers in developing a clearer image of who they are, new research indicates that one of the most effective methods to aid mental, spiritual, and emotional lives is to strengthen memory.

Pax Venit. Peace has come. This theme drove hundreds to attend the annual Hillcrest Christmas Concert. The tradition carries more than nostalgia for Christmas concerts as the year winds down.

In the 1940 Hillcrest Yearbook, Beatrice Buness and Amy Rude wrote about the important traditions, especially banquets, at Hillcrest Academy.

“It was a great night of basketball,” Coach Clark said, beaming from the challenge her girls were giving Hancock, the 2022 state champion. “I was so proud of how hard the girls competed.”

The Lady Comets start the season on the road this year, behind a strong set of returners and a pair of electric newcomers that will build on successes in girls sports at Hillcrest this year.

The best part of attending Hillcrest’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas may be singing with the cast at the end. Based on the 1954 movie, starring Bing Crosby, the Hillcrest performance is not only reminiscent of the film but has comedic elements and on-par vocal performances from Hillcrest’s cast that bring the show to an elevated plateau.

What’s the point of school? Plenty of students and parents ask this question each year. Finding the right school increases a family's chance of success both in the future and in facing current challenges. Schools are a resource for families to form foundations for their children. Knowing this, there are two important realities parents and students need to interact with as they consider what school will support their family.

How many times have you attended a Christmas concert? If you’re like most, you’ve heard your favorite holiday songs performed by your favorite artists. But there’s another kind of concert many attend because it is an integral part of their family tradition and actually is beneficial for their health — the Hillcrest Christmas concert.

A local business owner visited Hillcrest last week. What she said to President Hoganson reflects a need students have in building faith and what makes many students love building their faith at Hillcrest.

Hillcrest girls sports hosted a fall season to remember.