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.

Erik Bjorndahl arrived at the threshold of his last round of golf with Hillcrest yesterday. With years of formation behind him, he stepped to the tee box at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker, Minnesota, as one of the best athletes in Class A golf.

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.

High school is a pivotal time in kids' lives, marked by significant personal and academic growth. For many, athletics is integral to their high school growth, shaping character, discipline, and teamwork. At Hillcrest, athletics is an extension of the classical approach to education, a co-curricular opportunity where lessons in the classroom mirror those taught on the field, court, or track. These things rarely happen if adults aren’t actively involved and have a strong ethical framework to guide students. The importance of athletic programs having committed Christian mentors cannot be understated, as they instill values and set goals beyond sports.

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.

Hillcrest is part of a disciple-making movement. This movement isn’t a cultural call, but something baked-in to the human experience. Humans are designed to walk through life in a way that draws them to a closer relationship and understanding of God.

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.