“The teachers and staff at Hillcrest Christian School are dedicated to provide a high quality Christ-centered education with the goal that each student would be, “...equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:17). We believe that each student has been given unique talents and gifts and we consider it both an honor and a privilege to partner with our families as we nurture and develop these God-given talents through rigorous academic courses, student-centered instruction and differentiation, and engaging extracurricular programs.
Your student is not simply a number at Hillcrest, but an image-bearer of God, created to accomplish amazing feats for His glory!"
Academic Resources & Information
View our High School Profile for important information about our mission, graduation requirements, college stats and more!
The Hillcrest Christian School Bible department has an extensive biblical studies program. Our students will learn how to apply the Bible in today’s world. Our Bible teachers make the Bible experience relevant, applicable and meaningful for students. Students will gain biblical knowledge & understanding of Biblical figures, historical events, themes of the Old & New Testament and life lessons from the Word of God, especially from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Students will ensure the Word of God goes beyond knowledge as they undertake the spiritual discipline of Bible memorization to allow God's Word to penetrate the heart. Students will also engage in service experiences to bring their knowledge of the Bible into practical everyday life. By the time our students graduate from Hillcrest Christian School they will have a thorough comprehension and understanding of the Old and New Testament of Scripture. Students will also be able to understand what it means to live an abundant life in Jesus Christ as a Christian & learn the spiritual disciplines necessary to live out a healthy and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.
Course Descriptions:
ENGLISH
Teacher(s): Bridget Murphy, Laurie Hagberg
Department Overview:
The Hillcrest English department provides a comprehensive program in writing, literature, grammar, and vocabulary. Opportunities for both academic and creative writing provide students with the experience needed to find their personal voice and develop their skills in analysis, argumentation, and research. Our graduates are routinely recognized by their college professors as skilled writers with the ability to communicate far beyond the level of their peers. Literature studies include a focus on Shakespeare and the classics with particular emphasis on close reading, analysis, and biblical worldview. Grammar skills include the use of language conventions and the identification of parts of speech, parts of the sentence, verb tense and voice, phrases, and clauses. Vocabulary studies provide background on academic language commonly found on the SAT and ACT exams along with instruction on and practice with related skills. Our students graduate with confidence knowing they are fully prepared for the university of their choice.
Course Descriptions:
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Teacher(s): Katherine Weckhurst, Osbelia Dueñas
Department Overview:
The HCS Foreign Language Department recognizes that learning about different cultures and languages enables our students to appreciate and better understand the world around them. As students develop their proficiency in languages other than their own, they become better able to communicate with diverse cultures and to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Course Descriptions:
Fine arts
Teacher(s): Nancie Blumenthal, Rob Dueñas, and Peter Espinosa
Department Overview:
The HCS Fine Arts Department believes that creativity is a gift from God, and focuses on developing the creative talents of each individual student. Our Fine Arts Department is committed to providing specialized classes and programs to meet the individual needs and interests of our students. Our students are taught that expressing their creativity through music, art, and drama is a unique and special way for them to reflect the beauty of their creator and to bring glory to God.
Course Descriptions:
history
Teacher(s): Cord Christensen, Peter Espinosa
Department Overview: The History Department at Hillcrest introduces students to the study of the past so that, by better understanding the world in which they live, they will be better prepared to live wisely, compassionately and intentionally as God’s image-bearers during their own unique season within it. In addition, as they engage firsthand with the rich tapestry of people, events and ideas throughout the ages, students will be challenged to become more thoughtful readers, more careful listeners, more discerning thinkers and more effective communicators.
mathematics
Teacher(s): Suzanne Hume, Osbelia Dueñas
Department Overview:
The Hillcrest Mathematics Department believes that every student can be successful and can learn to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems. We provide students with high quality, differentiated instruction to make learning possible for all learners.We challenge our students to be actively engaged in the learning process by asking questions, making observations, and connecting learning to their own lives so they can appreciate all that God has ordered and designed. In addition to daily lessons and practice in the classroom, our students have the opportunity to come in for extra support from their teacher both before and after school.
science
Teacher(s): Julie Thatcher, Janell Webb
Department Overview:
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so what is seen was not made out of things that are visible”. - Hebrews 11:3
The Hillcrest Science Department provides a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum with engaging high-quality instruction that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with real world connections. Understanding science is a necessity in the world today. We challenge our students to be actively engaged in the learning process by asking questions, making observations, and connecting learning to their own lives so they can appreciate science and math, and persevere in an ever-changing world. With a wide variety of science courses including Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, and Sports Medicine, students are offered a supportive and collaborative learning environment in order to cultivate an excitement and appreciation for science as a dynamic and fundamental discipline.
technology
Teacher(s): Doug Gonce
Department Overview:
The HCS technology department is highly motivated to bring the best service and teaching to our students. We strive to provide a challenging, engaging, and fun atmosphere where students can effectively learn about the various components of computer science. They explore the history of computers, the evolution of technology, an introduction to basic computer programming, and security and safety issues. We also look at the intricate hardware components of computers and how they work, such as the touch screen. Each class spends time keyboarding (typing), a necessary skill for all to learn. In addition, each grade, students work to become proficient in MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint), and the Google and Apple application equivalents as well. The upper grades will be learning Cyber Security, Java scripting and we are offering an AP course in Computer Science.
Course Descriptions:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
- 95% of HCS graduates accepted into the College or University of their choice
- Educational Trips - International Program - Advanced Technology - Intro to Engineering & Robotics - Competitive Robotics - Dual Credit Courses - Google Classroom - Academic Competitions
DEDICATED STAFF
- ASCI & WASC Accredited - Nurturing Environment - Passionate to shape young lives - Challenging students to EXCEL
AP COURSES / FULL AG PROGRAM
- AP Language and Comp. - AP U.S. History - AP Spanish Language - AP Statistics - AP Computer Science
ALL SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
- Musical & Drama - Family Groups - Rallies - Dances - Senior Trip - School Retreats - March Madness - International Travel - Small Group / Class Competitions - Formal Homecoming Events
DEVELOPING LEADERS
- Leadership Development Opportunities - Christian Character Development - Worship Band - Leadership Retreats - Competitive Athletics - Internship Opportunities - Weekly Chapels & Guest Speakers - State and International Mission Trips - Retreats for Spiritual Development
EXCEPTIONAL A - G FINE ARTS
- Praise & Worship Band - Digital & Visual Arts - Drama / Musical Productions - Instrumental Music - Film
GET IN TOUCH
We welcome the opportunity to show you around our campus and share with you all the things that make Hillcrest Christian School so special.
Please sign up for a Campus Tour. You may also call our admissions director Nancie Blumenthal at 805-497-7501 Ext. 1005.