Information for New Families (Hillcrest Christian School: Preschool, Elementary School, High School)

Welcome to Hillcrest Christian School

Hillcrest Christian School was established in 1977 as a private, non-denominational Christian school serving Preschool thru 12th grade. The mission of the school is “to serve the Christian community by providing high-quality Christian education and training for the development of well-rounded students who will impact this world for the Lord Jesus Christ through Biblical thought and action”. The school is a California non- profit organization.

We are accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International. The campus is situated on approximately four acres in the heart of scenic Thousand Oaks, California. Consistently recognized as one of the five safest cities in America, Thousand Oaks has also earned recognition as one of the top ten communities for statewide academic achievement.

Our enrollment usually ranges between 400 and 500 pupils. Class sizes are limited to no more than twenty-six students per teacher.

Download a copy of our Parent Student Handbook for a complete overview of the school's philosophy and policies

Philosophy of Education

The educational philosophy of Hillcrest Christian School is based on a God-centered view of life. This view holds that God created and sustains all things. All things, including man, are dynamically related to God and have the purpose of glorifying Him. Because man is a sinner by nature and choice, he cannot glorify or have a relationship with God on his own. He can do this only by choosing God's gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, thereby committing his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ. The God-centered view of life also holds that God communicates truth to man through the Bible. The Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God and is the standard for all Truth.

Our primary aim is to assist Christian parents in their responsibility for the education and training of their children. As such, Hillcrest Christian School will provide a rigorous academic instruction and numerous extra-curricular activities that are integrated with a God-centered view of life. The intent is to help students to develop their talents, abilities, and character to impact this world for the Lord.

This philosophy requires that we promote high academic standards while helping students to achieve skills in creative and critical thinking using the best-integrated curriculum model available. The curriculum will be taught by a qualified Christian faculty who will also serve as role models in their Christian walk. The objective of our instructional program is to enable the student to pursue the post-secondary education of their choosing, whether in college, university, or vocational training.

Our responsibility for the student encompasses the spiritual, mental, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional areas. These areas are inseparable and are all influenced by the truth that God is the center of life. Therefore, the Bible will not be taught as just another subject or on the intellectual level alone. Instead, the truth of God's Word will be incorporated throughout the whole curriculum.

This philosophy dictates that we cooperate closely with parents in every phase of the student's development, always offering assistance in understanding the purposes of Hillcrest Christian School.

Spiritual Emphasis at Hillcrest

Hillcrest Christian School exists to demonstrate that “the fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom”.

Daily biblical instruction is featured at all grade levels. In addition, chapel services are conducted weekly, featuring guest speakers, small group interactions and praise music led by the student Worship Band. During our annual "Spiritual Emphasis Week" we feature special speakers, and extended times of prayer, praise and personal ministry to encourage spiritual growth for students and faculty alike.

In the classroom the Christian world view dominates each subject, from history to biology. Small class size and a staff of dedicated Christian teachers allow one-on-one attention to serve the building of Christian character for the students at Hillcrest Christian School.

Hillcrest is dedicated to providing a place where those who are dedicated to Christ may thrive academically, physically, socially and spiritually. Therefore, each enrolled student is required to have at least one parent sign our Statement of Christian Commitment. Exceptions to this standard are rare, and must be approved by our principal.

Hillcrest Christian School Statement of Faith

We believe the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments of Holy Scripture (the Bible) to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:21; Acts 4:18-19; Romans 13:1-5).

We believe there is one and only one true and living God existing in three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - each a distinct Person, but all of one essence and all having the same nature, perfections, and attributes, and each is worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience (Genesis 1:26; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19).

We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary, His sinless life, His miracles, His shed blood on Calvary as a vicarious substitute and atoning death, He was buried, He rose again bodily and ascended to God the Father according to the Scriptures and in His personal and visible return in power and glory. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; John 2:11; Isaiah 53:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Mark 16:19; Hebrews 4:15, 7:25; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11).

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, very God coexistent with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the chief agent in regeneration for salvation because of the exceeding sinfulness of human nature, the chief convictor of sin, and the chief comforter of the believer; who indwells Christians uniting them as one in Christ, enabling them to live a Godly life and empowers them to serve in the church and community in the name of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:19; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:1-7,30; 5-18)
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We believe the triune God created the universe apart from pre-existing materials and without any evolutionary process as set forth in the first eleven chapters of Genesis. We believe that man is the direct creation of God - body, soul, and spirit - and is made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 1:1; Matthew 19:4; John 1:1-3; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3).

We believe that Adam, the first man, sinned by disobedience. This act resulted in the fall of mankind and incurred both physical and spiritual death for all. We believe that everyone will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and there receive eternal life or death. We believe eternal salvation for the lost comes through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, by His sacrifice on the cross alone, is a gift and not as a result of works. Salvation is found in no one else but Christ, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we are saved. (Romans 3:10, 23; 5:12; 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; John 1:12; 3:3, 17:17; Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5; James 1:17; Acts 4:12)

We believe that heaven is the glorious eternal home for those who are saved by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and that hell is the place of eternal separation from God for all who reject Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:10,15; John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17).

We believe that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all and that this unity of Spirit in the body of believers through the bond of peace overcomes any denominational differences (Ephesians 4:3-4).

We believe that the local church observes two ordinances - baptism and the Lord's Supper (Communion). We believe that all who have received Christ as Savior and Lord should be baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and that the Lord's Supper should be observed in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s death for our sins until He comes again (Matthew 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

We believe that marriage has been established by God. We define “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. (Genesis 2:21-24; Mark 10:6-9).

Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLR's)

The faculty generated the following document during several in-service training periods to provide a measuring tool for evaluating our progress in reaching the objectives of our ESLRs ACTS: Authentic Christianity, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Self-Directed Learning.

Objectives of Authentic Christianity

Students will:

Volunteer to serve in school.
Volunteer to serve in the community.
Be willing to collect items for people in need.
Be able to articulate what bullying in school means.
Share with parents what took place in chapel on a given week.
Share with each other what they learned/experienced in chapel.
Talk to each other about topics raised in bible classes.
Recognize behavior on the playground that would demonstrate authentic Christianity.
Recognize behavior in the classroom that would demonstrate authentic Christianity.
Respect authority.
Respect each other.
Be able to articulate what the Fruit of the Spirit (monthly) looks like.
Be found returning money and lost articles.
Be seen sharing lunches
Be seen demonstrating acts of kindness.
Be seen praying for each other.
Be heard initiating discussions about God.
Be seen sticking up for each other.
Be seen sharing biblical truths.
Be seen cooperating on the playground.
Be seen displaying good sportsmanship.
Participate in bible classes.
Engage in attentive behavior in the classroom.
Demonstrate academic honesty in completion of homework, quizzes, and tests.
Demonstrate integrity by accepting responsibility for their behavior and actions.
Be willing to withstand peer pressure, if necessary, to uphold biblical standards.
Apply the teachings of Jesus Christ as the source of truth and direction in all academic disciplines.
Successfully integrate Biblical truth into their academic studies.
Analyze and synthesize new information based on the knowledge and perspective of Biblical truth.

Teachers, parents and visitors will report:

Cleaner campus – greater care of school on behalf of the students.
Students volunteering to help clean up after school or projects.
Less students on disciplinary probation
Less student suspension.
Students respecting authority by not talking back to adults.

Objectives of Communication Skills

Students will:

Read, write, speak and listen reflectively, creatively and critically.
Be able to read at grade level.
Be able to speak in front of the class.
Demonstrate good listening skills.
Participate in the speech meet.
Mature in their ability to articulate their thoughts.
Share the gospel in different media: writing, actions, and the spoken word.
Appreciate art and express themselves through the arts.
Listen objectively to others’ point of view.
Communicate through the written word, including through the use of technology.
Resolve conflicts in a courteous manner.
Show competence in expressing themselves through technological advances, beginning with upper elementary grades.
Articulate constructive criticism.
Improve peer editing skills.
Communicate their manners.
Express themselves with appropriate body language.

Teachers, parents and visitors will report:

Students volunteering to answer by raising their hands.
Work, such as essays, which represents student thought.
Student confidence and competence in giving oral presentations.
Students exhibiting good manners.
Students resolving conflicts amongst themselves.
Less tattling.

Objectives of Teambuilding

Students will

Divide up the work evenly in a group setting.
Support one another in their weaknesses and strengths.
Negotiate to reach common goals.
Demonstrate respect for each other.
Resolve conflicts in a Godly manner.
Contribute individual efforts to help their group achieve a common goal.
Work in different sized groups.
Listen to hear other ideas and grow.
Learn to give and receive constructive criticism.
Learn that each member has a voice.
Show self control.
Learn to submit to authority within their peer group.
Be able to express their ideas and support them.
Maintain authentic Christian attitudes and behavior while working together.

Teachers, parents and visitors will report:

Students working well in groups on the playground.
Students seen talking through their problems.
Students using the Matthew 18 principle to resolve conflicts.
Students respecting authority and each other.

Objectives of Self-Directed Learning

Students will:

Do work without expecting a grade or credit.
Seek knowledge for the sake of gaining knowledge.
Identify a personal interest.
Research a topic using various media.
Be able to represent their findings to others.
Set goals, and work to achieve them.
Learn how to gather and organize information from a variety of sources, including the internet, to solve problems.
Be encouraged to dig deeper into a subject of interest to them.
Be seen reading books that are of interest to them during free time
Contribute outside items, ideas, and information on subject matter taught in the classroom.
Participate in talent shows.
Show freedom of choice in P.E.
Be able to read directions and follow them.

Teachers, parents and visitors will report:

Children being able to answer their own questions through the use of media resources.
Students taking pride in sharing their research findings.
Students working independently.
An increase of the number of students using the library and computer lab during free time.
Students bringing in items from home to share.
Students seeking out knowledge at home.
Students asking questions which are extensions of the lesson.

Academics at Hillcrest

Hillcrest Christian School has six unique programs to meet the needs of Christian Families. Our programs include: Hillcrest Preschool, Hillcrest Elementary School, Hillcrest Middle School, Hillcrest High School, Satellite Saints for homeschooling families, and English Language Development program for students from other countries.

From preschool, where our children are introduced to computers and foreign language, to high school where students are challenged by college preparatory and honors/advanced placement courses, Hillcrest’s rigorous standards are designed to prepare each student for the challenges of the next grade, and to ultimately fulfill God’s plan for his or her life. From basic math to calculus, from ABC’s to European Literature and Composition, from the earliest glimpse of God’s created wonders to chemistry and physics, Hillcrest students are offered the highest level of academic curriculum.

The results are gratifying. The average SAT I score among Hillcrest’s seniorclass of 2003 was 636 Verbal and 642 Math. Hillcrest graduates have been accepted to such respected institutes of higher learning as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Master’s College, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern California, Baylor University, Dartmouth University, and Pepperdine. 100% of the students in our 2003 graduating class were accepted to institutes of their choice.

Admissions Philosophy & Procedures

Hillcrest Christian School is a ministry to Christian families.

For the student to be eligible for admission, at least one parent or guardian must be a Christian who desires a Christ-centered education and who agrees with and actively supports our statement of faith, guiding principles, and policies. A Christian student who desires to be here but whose parents are not Christians will also be considered if they understand and support our school philosophy and mission statement.

All families seeking admission to HCS must submit an application packet which includes the following: pre-interview questionnaire, student application, report cards, standardized test results, any special education assessments, a completed church reference form from a Bible-based Christian church, and a $100 application fee. All forms can be downloaded from the “school division” link on this website. Families will be provided with a statement of faith and student standards of conduct to review prior to the interview.

After receiving the completed application packet, the admissions director will schedule a student test/interview conducted by a teacher, followed by a parent interview. Elementary and middle school students will take a basic skills test focusing on mathematics and reading comprehension. High school students with a transcript will be interviewed without testing. During the parent interview, an administrator will meet with the parents to answer questions, review school policies, and discuss the school’s role in partnering with Christian parents.

An admissions committee will review all candidates for admission. Applicants will be notified of the decision of the admissions committee by phone and mail.

HCS Family Registration:

Once a family has received an acceptance letter, they will pick up an enrollment packet from the school registrar who will explain the registration process.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Hillcrest Christian School admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Hillcrest Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

Financial Policies

HCS charges an annual tuition, due in full by June 30 or at the time of registration for those enrolling later in the year. Monthly payment plans are available, but enrollment in a deferred payment plan does not imply any pro ration of this obligation for the full amount. For withdrawing students, fees and tuition are not refundable or prorated for any reason. For late entrants, tuition will be calculated based upon the month of entry, with our school year being defined as a 10-month year, September-June. All deferred payments must be completed by May.

Tuition (See our financial policies PDF for full details)

Tuition Insurance

Tuition Insurance is available for those families who pay-in-full prior to July 1 or at registration; tuition insurance is required for any family using a deferred payment plan. The insurance program, underwritten by A.W.G. Dewar, will pay benefits should the student need to withdraw during the school year, thus assisting the family with meeting its contractual obligation. Benefits are payable under a variety of circumstances, including medical withdrawal, family relocation, change in employment status, voluntary transfer to another school, academic or disciplinary dismissal, etc. See the Registrar for a brochure on the specific benefits or for claim forms.

Financial Aid & Discounts

A limited amount of financial aid is available on the basis of financial need for students in grades K-12. Financial Aid requests must be processed by April 1st for the following school year; late entrants will be considered based upon the availability of funds. Applications are available from the Finance Manager.

Hillcrest offers discounts to faculty and staff, approved full-time pastors, and families with more than one child; only one discount can be applied.

Delinquent Accounts

It is the responsibility of the person signing the Financial Policy Contract to keep the Finance Manager informed about relevant changes to the family's financial situation or problems that may arise. This is particularly important in families where there are multiple parties paying on the account. This applies to all HCS accounts, including daycare billing, Café, and Student Store accounts.

It is vital that all HCS families understand their financial commitments to the school and faithfully pay all tuition and other fees on time. In situations where this becomes a problem, and alternative arrangements have not been made, the following policies apply:

Families that miss two monthly payments are subject to having their child(ren) dismissed from school.

Families with unpaid tuition from a previous year must pay all balances in full by July 1 or readmission may be denied.

If, on 2 or more occasions, a family has checks returned for NSF or EFT payments rejected, Hillcrest may require all future payments be by cash, cashier's check, money order, or credit card. Additional fees may be assessed, as well.

If an account is persistently delinquent or problematic, HCS reserves the right to impose appropriate penalties.

These may include, but are not limited to:

Denial of re-enrollment
Suspension of students
Not allowing students to sit for exams
Restricting student participation in non-academic and extra-curricular activities
Withholding of yearbooks
Withholding of records and transcripts to the extent allowed by law
Reporting of account history to credit bureaus
Collections action and other legal remedies

Interested in Enrolling at HCS? We hope these FAQ's will help...

Q. What is the best way to learn more about HCS?

A.Schedule a tour. Check out our extensive web site at www.hillcrestcs.org. Make an appointment with one of our administrators. Refer to our web site calendar and attend one of our major school events. Our school brochure provides extensive information about curriculum and other school offerings.

Q. Spiritually speaking, what does HCS stand for?

A. HCS’s Statement of Faith is published on our school’s web site and is attached.

Q. How is HCS unique among other choices of Christian schools?

A. Hillcrest’s uniqueness centers on several simple characteristics that have proven to serve our students and families well, since 1977. HCS’s mission statement is clear that the school is established to serve Christian families. Each student must have at least one parent that is a professing Christian. Families must exhibit a commitment a local church body of believers. This school-wide church background lays the foundation for a more unified approach as home and school partner together in the processes of child rearing and education. One component of this approach includes teaching from a Biblical worldview. We intentionally maintain a small-school environment that provides more personal attention as well as support for families. In addition to a small-school environment, class sizes are small to better assure adequate attention for each student. Academically, HCS provides an excellent academic program as indicated by historically outstanding college entrance test scores, an extensive list of colleges that HCS students are accepted into, and school-wide standardized achievement test results. Further, volunteerism or family involvement is extensive at HCS which research indicates is best for student success in school.

Q. What is accreditation and is HCS an accredited institution?

A. Accreditation is essentially a self-study completed by the school with an outside group of experts or accreditation team members visiting the school and evaluating based upon their observations and the self-study, with a standard set of criteria for evaluation. HCS (kindergarten through high school is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).

Q. What is your tuition?

A. Please refer to the our Financial Policy & Contract Agreement

Q. What athletic programs exist at HCS?
A. High school boys participate in football, basketball, volleyball, golf. High school girls sports include volleyball, basketball, golf, cheerleading. Middle school boys are able to participate in flag football, basketball, soccer, track and field. Middle school girls have volleyball, basketball, soccer, track & field. Upper elementary boys participate in flag football, basketball, soccer, track & field. Upper elementary school girls can play volleyball, basketball, soccer, track & field.

Q. What are your class sizes?

A.Preschool classes average 10-12 per class. Elementary school (K-6) average 14-18 per class. Middle school classes average 20-25 per class with high school classes averaging 14-18 per class.

Q. What are your test scores?

A.Please request a specific report indicating the average scores for kindergarten through grade 11 (SAT-10) or for graduating seniors (SATs for college admission).

Q. Will my child be able to get into the college of his/her choice?

A.The academic program provided for HCS students allows our graduates to enter prestigious universities throughout our country. Students who have followed our program requirements have been very successful in gaining acceptance into the college of their choice.

Q. Do I have to be a Christian? Does our family need to go to church to attend HCS?

A. Being a Christian is the goal for students who attend HCS. Our administration understands that developmentally, especially at younger ages, students may not have yet made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Older students will be asked to share who Jesus is and if they have made a commitment to Him. We do require that at least one parent be a committed Christian with regular church attendance. We desire that each family have a home church in which they are committed to attend, to learn, and to serve. HCS believes that the best environment for raising children is through the combined unity of home, church, and school.

Q. What is your school’s enrollment?

A. Currently enrolled at HCS are approximately 400 students with 80 in preschool, 220 elementary school, 50 in middle school, and 50 in high school.

Q. What is the process for enrolling my child at Hillcrest Christian School?

A. First, fill out an application and return it with the application fee. Return all required documents. Schedule a test date by contacting the school office. Schedule separate parent and child interviews. The last step is your receiving a status letter in the mail, after the interview.

Essential PDF's

The following PDF documents will help provide you with essential information and helpful forms. Click the links to download the PDF documents: