Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the school’s hours of operation and when does school start?
Hours of operation : 6:45 AM - 7:00 PM. K - 2nd grade ~ 8:30 - 3:00; 3rd - 5th ~ 8:30 - 3:15; 6 - 8th grades~ 8:00 - 2:40; and 9th - 12th grades ~ 8:00 - 2:25.

2. What is the average number of students per class?
Grades K - 2nd = 18 - 24 Grades 3rd - 5th = 18 - 26 Grades 6th - 12th = Varies, but averages 20 - 25.

3. What is the cost of tuition for 2010-2011?
Annual tuition for K-5th grade is $6,457; for 6th-8th grade $6,732 and 9 - 12th grade is $6,908. Tuition can be paid in 11 monthly installment payments. There is a reduced amount for more than one child.

4. Do you have uniforms?
Yes, students do wear uniforms. Uniform items are purchased through a designated company.

5. 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.

6. What denomination is the school?
We are a non-denominational Christian school.

7. 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.

8. 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 or willing to attend church regularly and to pursue a Christian lifestyle.

9. Is the school accredited?
Yes, in 2007 Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) granted the School a six year term.

10. Do your teachers have a teaching credential?
80% of our faculty must have a teaching certificate from ACSI in order for the school to be accredited. In addition, many teachers have State credentials, Masters’ Degrees, and some have Doctorates.

11. 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. A.P. Courses offered are as follows: A.P. English Literature, A.P. English Language, A.P. U.S. History, A.P. Government and Politics, A.P. Calculus AB, A.P. Microeconomics (A.P. Spanish and A.P. Stuiod Art are also proposed).

12. Is there daycare available?
Yes, from 6:45 A.M. until 6:00 P.M., with a fee after 3:30 P.M. for grades K - 8th only.

13. Do you have a program for students with learning differences?
Yes, the program is called the Discovery Program. In 2006 our program was accredited through the National Institute for Learning Development and granted a 10 year term.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. What after school extra-curricular activities are available?
All grades - Fine Arts Academy, instrumental, vocal lessons, and worship dance. Private lessons are also available. Enrichment classes are offered after school.
Elementary - Basketball, Soccer
Middle School - Student Council, Basketball, Flag Football, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball
High School - ASB (Associated Student Body), Fitness Academy, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, Cross Country

17. Does Hillcrest have summer programs?
Yes, we have Summer Academic Program Grades K - 12th, and day camp (Grades K - 7th).

18. 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. High school Juniors and Seniors take SAT and ACT tests. Information is available in the school office.

19. What about textbooks?
Textbooks for all grade levels are purchased by the parents through a designated company.

20. Does the school have off campus learning experiences?
Yes. The students may participate in the following 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 and International trips to Europe and South America; High School Educational Trip during the Summer.

21. To what colleges and universities have past graduating classes been accepted?
Colleges and Universities are listed below.