Where Wonder Begins
and Wisdom Grows
Through Scripture, stories, songs, nature, numbers, history, art, music, memorization, recitation, and hands-on learning, students are invited to wonder at God’s world and grow in their love for Him.
Local Students
Hillcrest offers a complete Preschool–12th grade education for local families, providing a seamless journey from early learning through high school graduation. Our students are immersed in a Christ-centered environment where faith and learning go hand in hand. Through challenging academics, chapel, and faith-based activities, students are encouraged to grow in both knowledge and character while deepening their relationship with God.
Outside the classroom, students have countless opportunities to explore their passions and develop their gifts through athletics, fine arts, clubs, service projects, and special programs. These experiences build strong friendships, foster leadership, and help students develop essential life skills.
With dedicated teachers, intentional mentorship, and a close-knit community, Hillcrest equips students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually—preparing them not just for college, but for life.
-
Nurturing Curiosity - PS-PK
-
Building Foundations - K-5th
-
Developing Critical Thinking - 6-8th
-
Inspiring Disciples - 9-12th
A Place Where Young Children Are Known
In the Lower School, students thrive because they are seen and known by caring teachers who understand the importance of these foundational years. Children need structure, encouragement, warmth, and clear expectations. They need adults who notice their gifts, guide their growth, and help them take the next faithful step.
Hillcrest provides a smaller Christian school community where students are not lost in the crowd. Teachers know their students by name, help them build confidence, and create classrooms where children can feel secure enough to ask questions, try hard things, and grow in wisdom.
From the first day of preschool to the final days of fifth grade, our goal is to help children know they are created by God, loved by Christ, and called to use their gifts for His glory.
Around Campus
FAQs
-
Hillcrest Academy serves students from preschool through high school. Families can begin in the early years and continue through graduation, giving students a consistent Christ-centered education that builds faith, develops intellect, and strengthens character.
-
No. While Hillcrest has a strong residence life program, many Hillcrest students are local day students from Fergus Falls and the surrounding communities. Local students participate fully in classroom life, athletics, fine arts, chapel, student activities, service opportunities, and school traditions.
-
Hillcrest offers a Christ-centered education where students are known personally, challenged academically, and formed spiritually. Teachers, coaches, and staff partner with families to help students grow in wisdom, character, confidence, and faith. The school’s smaller community allows students to be seen, supported, and encouraged as they discover their gifts and prepare for life.
-
Yes. Hillcrest provides an academic environment that encourages students to think carefully, work diligently, ask good questions, and grow in understanding. Students are challenged to develop strong habits of learning while seeing every subject through the truth of God’s Word.
-
Faith is woven throughout the Hillcrest experience. Students learn from a biblical worldview, participate in chapel and worship, study Scripture, pray together, and are guided by teachers and mentors who care about their walk with Christ. The goal is not only that students know about God, but that they grow in faith, character, and purpose.
-
Yes. One of Hillcrest’s strengths is its relational school community. Students are known by name and supported by teachers, coaches, staff, and school leaders who notice their growth, encourage their gifts, and help them through challenges. Families often choose Hillcrest because they want their child to be more than a number.
-
Hillcrest students can participate in athletics, music, fine arts, student activities, chapel, service opportunities, clubs, school events, and community-building experiences. These opportunities help students build friendships, develop confidence, grow as leaders, and discover how God has uniquely gifted them.
-
Yes. Local students are encouraged to participate fully in Hillcrest athletics and fine arts. Whether students are interested in sports, choir, band, theater, visual arts, or other school activities, Hillcrest provides opportunities for students to grow, contribute, and belong.
-
Hillcrest is a close-knit Christian community where students, families, teachers, and staff share life together. Because students come from local families, boarding families, and international backgrounds, Hillcrest offers a unique community where students build friendships across cultures while remaining rooted in a strong Christian school environment.
-
Hillcrest believes parents are the primary influence in a child’s life, and the school seeks to come alongside families in the work of education and discipleship. Teachers and staff communicate with parents, support student growth, and work to create a consistent partnership between home, school, and church.
-
Hillcrest works to make Christian education accessible for families who desire it. Families are encouraged to contact the admissions office to learn more about tuition, payment options, and any available financial assistance.
-
The best next step is to visit campus. Families can tour the school, meet teachers and staff, ask questions, and experience the Hillcrest community firsthand. A visit helps families see how Hillcrest helps students build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character in a community where they are known and encouraged.
Local 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
PS-5th Grade: Upon completion of the application and placement assessments, a Hillcrest representative will arrange an interview with at least one parent/guardian and the principal.
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.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’d love to tell you more about what makes Hillcrest a special place to grow and thrive!
High school is not too early to start this work. If anything, it may be the last window before students face these questions without a teacher, a mentor, or a community walking alongside them. At Hillcrest, apologetics is not just a class, but a posture threaded through science labs, history seminars, literature circles, and Bible classes alike, giving students something they will need for the rest of their lives: the ability to say, with Evelyn's same confidence, exactly why they believe what they believe.