Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cost of tuition for 2008-2009?

Tuition is $ 6,138.00 or $ 558.00 per month. (There is a reduced amount for more than one child.)

2. Do you have uniforms?

Yes, students do wear uniforms. The polo shirts sweatshirts and jackets are available for purchase through the student store and have our school name and logo embroidered on them. Uniform bottoms are purchased through a designated company.

3. What is the average number of students per class this year?

Grades K - 2 = 20-24
Grades 3 - 5 = 22-26
Grades 6 - 12 = varies

4. Are the elementary school students on schedules that are separate from the secondary school students?

Yes, elementary students have a separate schedule from the secondary students for recess, lunch, and chapel.

5. What denomination is the school?

We are a non-denominational Christian school.

6. Is Hillcrest associated with a church?

Yes, Hillcrest Christian Church merged with Shepherd of the Hills Church in October, 1995. The congregation meets at the Shepherd of the Hills Church facility located at 19700 Rinaldi Street, Porter Ranch.

7. Do students have to be a Christian to attend?

At the elementary and middle school level our mission is to serve our community at large by providing a Christian based education available to students of all religious backgrounds. Students, not previously enrolled in our elementary or middle school program but seeking enrollment into high school, must be professing Christians.

8. Is the school accredited?

Yes, in 2007 Association of Christian Schools International and Western Association of Schools and Colleges granted the School the maximum accreditation term of six years.

9. Is there daycare available?

Yes, from 7:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. for a fee of $3.00 per hour for grades K-8th only.

10. Do you have a program for students with learning differences?

Yes, the program is called the Discovery Program. Our program in 2006 was accredited through the National Institute for Learning Development and granted the maximum term of 10 years.

11. Do you have a lunch program?

Lunch is available every day with a variety of choices. Books of tickets are available or items may be purchased a la carte.

12. Does the school have an emergency disaster plan?

Yes, monthly fire, stay indoor/return to classroom (lock down) and earthquake drills are conducted. In the event of a disaster, the school has emergency supplies for three days. Our school is recognized by the American Red Cross as a community shelter in the event of an emergency or disaster.

13. What are the school’s hours of operation and when does school start?

The school’s hours of operation are 7:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. K-2nd grade is from 8:30-3:00. 3rd-5th grades is from 8:30-3:15. 6-8th grades is from 8:00-2:40 and 9th-12th grades is from 8:00-2:25.

14. What after school extra-curricular activities are available?

All grades - Music Academy, instrumental and vocal lessons. Private lessons are also available. Elementary - Jr. Basketball, Soccer Middle School - Basketball, Flag Football, Softball, Baseball, Volleyball High School - Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, California Scholastic Federation, Associated Student Body

15. Does Hillcrest have summer programs?

Yes, we have summer school (Grades K-8th, high school courses available subject to demand and teacher availability), day camp (Grades K-5th) and sports camp (Grades 5th-7th). Our summer camp is accredited through the American Camp Association.

16. Do students participate in standardized testing?

Yes, students in grades K-11th take the Stanford Achievement Test. Our students consistently score above the national average for this test.

17. Does your high school have college prep and Advanced Placement courses?

Yes, our basic high school curriculum is college preparatory, approved by the University of California. AP Courses offered are as follows: AP English Literature, AP English language; AP US History; AP Government and Politics, AP Calculus AB, AP Microeconomics, AP Computer Science A (pending for 2008-09)

18. What about textbooks?

Textbooks for all grade levels are purchased by the parents through a designated company.

19. Does the school have off campus learning experiences?

Yes. The students may participate in K-9th field trips each year. 4th grade to Sacramento. 5th grade Outdoor Science Education. 8th Grade Washington D.C. 10th Grade Marine Biology Expedition. 12th Grade Senior Retreat. Choirs: A variety of trips, festivals, adjudications, 2006 High School Choir to England and Ireland. 2008 High School Choir to Germany and Austria.

19. To what colleges and universities have past graduating classes been accepted?

Colleges and universities are listed below.