Upper School Parent Information
This page is your go-to resource for helpful information to support your student’s success throughout the school year. Below, you’ll find links to the school supply list, residence hall packing list, uniform policy, and more. We encourage parents to stay connected and involved as we partner together in your child’s education and spiritual growth.
Quick Links
General Information
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Students in grades 5-11 are required to read two books over the summer (12th graders have one book).
If you're unsure of what book to read, contact Academic Dean Lauren Frobish at lfrobish@ffhillcrest.org. For specific questions, contact the course instructor. Note: The summer reading lists are updated in May.Incoming 5th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Diniz - jdiniz@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 6th Grade Summer Reading Assignments- Mrs. Holm - sholm@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 7th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Carter - scarter@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Foss - mfoss@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 9th Grade Summer Reading Assignments- Mrs. Foss - mfoss@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 10th Grade Rhetoric II Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Frobish - lfrobish@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 10th Grade Humanities Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Preston - gpreston@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 11th Grade Rhetoric III Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Undseth - sundseth@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 11th Grade Humanities Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Rogness - trogness@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 12th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Preston - gpreston@ffhillcrest.org
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Uniforms are required for all Hillcrest Preschool-10th Graders. We partner with Lands’ End as our primary vendor to provide high-quality, durable, stylish clothing for your students. You may choose from polo shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses, as well as more casual options of sweatshirts and fleece jackets.
You can read our full uniform policy here: Uniform Policy
School Code: 900194879
Students in grades 11-12th are required to follow the Dress Code Appearance Standards (11-12th).
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Please complete the required forms found on the Athletics page and submit them either by email to ad@ffhillcrest.org or by printing and delivering them to the front office. At the start of each sports season, there is an Athletic Meeting where the Activities Director reviews expectations and answers questions. All forms should be submitted before the meeting.
A valid sports physical is also required before the season begins. Please submit a copy to the Activities Director.
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Parent-Teacher conferences are typically held in November & March. If parents are unable to attend a conference, or have specific questions regarding their student, they should know that the teachers at Hillcrest work to make themselves readily available for any and all questions. Through Hillcrest's student management system, RenWeb, parents are able to chart student progress and email teachers directly.
If a parent has additional questions they should contact Head of School Luke Fiskness directly lfiskness@ffhillcrest.org.
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Hillcrest takes campus security very seriously. We lock down the campus each night. Nightly checks in school hallways and residence halls provide a constant physical presence and campus security check. Portions of Hillcrest's campus are under video surveillance to provide continued campus security.
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Hillcrest arranges curbside transportation to and from the Fargo Airport (Hector International Airport). Students flying into Minneapolis may have to take the Groome Transportation shuttle. The shuttle leaves from the transportation hub of the Minneapolis St. Paul airport and takes students as far as Alexandria, Minnesota. Pre-arranged transportation will schedule a Hillcrest driver to meet the student in Alexandria to complete the final leg of the trip to Hillcrest. To register for pick-up from an airport, please complete the Travel Request Form. Any transportation questions, please contact transportation@ffhillcrest.org or call 218.737.6404.
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Hillcrest offers a number of avenues for parents to track the life of the student during their time at Hillcrest. Postings on social media (Facebook, and Instagram) give an insight into the classroom and school culture. Hillcrest also offers LiveStreaming of specific Hillcrest activities. This is a great chance for parents to watch their child play and/or cheer in the stands.
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Girls Residence Hall:
218.737.6410 (office)
Boys Residence Hall:
218.737.6409 (office)
Opening of School Information
The start of the school year at Hillcrest is full of energy and excitement. From move-in day to worship evenings to the opening picnic, there are many opportunities to connect with current students and families. We’re committed to making your transition to Hillcrest as smooth and welcoming as possible. You belong at Hillcrest.
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Sunday, August 16, 2026 all students staying in the residence halls move in!
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Each new or returning 6th-12th grade student attending the Upper School will participate in orientation before being allowed to start classes. Orientation is a vital part of the transition process for all new and returning 6th-12th grade students attending the Upper School. It offers an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the school, meet their advisors and classmates, and meet with the guidance staff.
Grades 6-8: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Grades 9-12: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
All orientations will begin promptly at 9:00 am and conclude by noon.
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School resumes Tuesday, August 25, 2026 (All grades)
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Summer reading assignments are due the first week of school. You can find the list of books assigned for each grade leve lbelow:
Incoming 6th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Holm -sholm@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 7th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Carter - scarter@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 8th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Foss - mfoss@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 9th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Foss - mfoss@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 10th Grade Rhetoric II Summer Reading Assignments - Mrs. Frobish - lfrobish@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 10th Grade Humanities Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Rogness - trogness@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 11th Grade Rhetoric III Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Undseth - sundseth@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 11th Grade Humanities Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Preston - gpreston@ffhillcrest.org
Incoming 12th Grade Summer Reading Assignments - Mr. Preston - gpreston@ffhillcrest.org
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Falls sports practices begin Monday, August 17, 2026 - please see the Hillcrest calendar for the most up-to-date practice schedule. Please have all your paperwork filled out and fees paid before practices begin. For more information, please visit the Athletics page.
There is a mandatory Fall Sports Meeting Sunday, August 16 at 3:00 pm in the Auditorium.