International Boarding Students
Hillcrest provides a welcoming place for international students to learn and grow. We believe every person is created in God’s image and celebrate the unique cultures and backgrounds represented on our campus. We offer residence housing for students grades 10-12.
In the classroom, cultural differences become opportunities to learn from one another. As students study math, language, history, and the arts, they don’t just learn facts—they discover meaning, identity, and God’s design in every subject.
With students from 10+ cultures in our student body, Hillcrest values diverse perspectives and teaches students to communicate clearly, respectfully, and confidently while growing in their faith together.
Our residential life community offers international students a true home. Living alongside peers from the U.S. and around the world, students build deep friendships, practice English daily, and receive support from caring dorm staff who make sure every student feels safe and connected.
By graduation, Hillcrest students leave with stronger English skills, lifelong friendships, and a vibrant faith—ready to succeed anywhere in the world.
More Than a School - A Home
One of the special parts of the Hillcrest experience is living in the residence halls. Residential life provides opportunities to build lifelong friendships with students from around the world.
Our program provides the perfect balance of nurturing guidance and personal responsibility, helping students grow in independence and confidence. Through daily routines, mentorship, and community life, boarding students develop strong character and learn what it means to live as mature, responsible members of a faith-filled community.
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The residence halls are supervised by resident staff 24 hours per day/7 days per week
A minumum of two staff members are always on duty
There is an adult in the resident hall after school hours
There is an adult who staffs the Student Union after school hours providing care and mentorship for students
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Hillcrest strives to keep our students busy with activities. Students can participate in sports and a variety of clubs - exploring interests and building friendships in a supportive community. Other opportunities include:
School athletic events
Residence Hall activities
Fergus Falls community events
Special trips (approximately once a quarter)
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Hillcrest operates a full-functioning catered kitchen for boarding students
Food is served on a rotational basis and includes three daily food options - hot meal, deli sandwich, or salad bar
Accommodations are made for food allergies
There is also a mini-kitchen in the residence hall for students use
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Hillcrest provides academic counseling and support as well as medical support for our students, including:
School Guidance Counselor: A licensed professional counselor who provides academic, social and emotional supportRegistrar: Follows student’s academic progress
Academic Dean: Supports student’s academic progress
School Nurse: Provides medical help during the school day
Athletic Trainer: Provides injury support for our student-athletes
Main Office Coordinator: Provides front-line support for students during the school day
A Community Where Everyone Belongs
There’s so much to love about what happens at Hillcrest. Nearly every student, parent, teacher, and staff member highlight the dynamics of campus life. There is so much that happens at Hillcrest, from prayer days and worship nights to sports games and mission trips. Student life at Hillcrest has something for everyone and makes everyone feel like someone.
International Student Experiences at Hillcrest
BRAZIL
Debby found Hillcrest a natural place to build community. But more than community, Debby developed a love for missions at Hillcrest, something her family has been involved in throughout the years. Still, Hillcrest’s purposed program gave Debby opportunities to develop this call on her own.
SOUTH KOREA
Lydia visited Hillcrest as a shy thirteen-year-old from South Korea. She graduated a confident 18-year-old with five college offers before her and is deciding where to go. Her passions have developed under Hillcrest’s mentorship, and she leaves Hillcrest’s halls with leadership skills, the ability to present confidently, and a love for Jesus and prayer.
NORWAY
Benjamin’s dad attended Hillcrest Academy twenty years ago as part of the Danielsen School/Hillcrest partnership. After his year as a worship intern, a part of the student life at Hillcrest, he now leads small groups and worship times in his church in Norway with confidence and passion.
TUITION AND FEES
Application Fee:
$135 for first-time applicants
International Student Tuition and Fees:
This includes:
Tuition, room and board
Primary health insurance policy
English Immersion Support (consideration and accommodation plans)
Activity fee
Book fee
Extra-curricular activity fees
Airport transportation based on Transportation Schedule
Fall Arrival
Christmas Break
Spring Break
Spring Departure
Transportation for testing (within 70 mile radius): ACT, SAT, TOEFL
Day trips during both semesters for shopping, trips to Asian markets, attending various concerts, sporting events, and plays
One major trip per year: (1) Musical Tour with choir or (2) Residence hall student trip during spring break
International Student Application Process
Step 1
Click the "Apply to Hillcrest" button below to create a profile and complete the application online.
Step 2
Placement tests will be administered for all grades (Preschool-12th).
Step 3
9-12th Grade: Upon completion of an application, your references will be emailed a reference form. Once all references have been submitted to Hillcrest and placement assessments have been administered, a parent and student interview will be arranged with the principal.
Step 4
Following the interview, Hillcrest Academy will contact the applicant to communicate the status of the application.
Payment Schedule
All tuition and fees are due August 1st. Students may pay by semester, with payments due August 1 and January 1. Wire Transfer (preferred), Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards are accepted for payment.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’d love to tell you more about what makes Hillcrest a special place to grow and thrive!