Our kids are our greatest gift; they are our legacy for future generations.
How will you invest in that legacy?
How will you invest in that legacy?
For 44 years, Hillcrest Christian School has provided exceptional education to thousands of alumni who have gone on to excel in the colleges of their choice. Our 95% college/university acceptance rate average is a great testimony to the high quality learning experience provided by our dedicated faculty.
HCS provides an outstanding Christian education, enabling students to excel academically, while building confidence through the nurturing, safe environment that reinforces character and service over self. Leadership and responsibility are enhanced through the wide variety of enrichment and student leadership opportunities, throughout Hillcrest Christian’s exceptional extra curricular programs, accentuated by competitive sports and fine arts. |
At every grade level Hillcrest Christian provides an atmosphere that equips each child, enabling them to reach their full potential academically and spiritually. HCS’s positive environment encourages students to discover and enhance their God given creative talents and abilities, while guiding students to seek their individual destiny and make a difference in the lives of others.
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Program Expansion & Improvements
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About Head of School
Karen Winter is the Hillcrest Christian School’s Head of School. She guides the administrative team on both the Preschool and Main Campuses. She is responsible for overseeing the academics, discipline, extra and co-curricular activities, and programs involving the students in both the preschool programs and the transitional kindergarten through twelfth grades.
As our Head of School, Karen provides an unparalleled level of commitment to offer a distinctive Christian education. This is reinforced over 35 years of experience serving as Head of School, both in independent and church-related schools. |
She is devoted to maintaining the highest standards within our academic, extracurricular, and spiritual programs while recognizing that each child is a precious individual to God. At Hillcrest, she partners with our parents and dedicated faculty to help each child reach their full potential in Christ so that they can develop their God-given talents and gifts. Her experience, paired with the rich history of Hillcrest Christian School, brings an outstanding and strong vision for the school that will serve the community of Thousand Oaks as a beacon of faith, service, and academic excellence.
Karen has 38 years of leading and growing schools. Her experience includes facilitating nine major school building projects with high tech, state-of-the-art technology programs and expanding school enrollment from 250 to 1750 students. She has developed and expanded multiple academic, spiritual and extra-curricular programs including 24 hour student-run radio station, orchestra, one-to-one technology programs, student orchestra, and much more.
She has been elected to the ACSI Accreditation Commissioner for Northern and Southern California for over 20 years and to the ACSI Board of Directors. Mrs. Winter served for 18 years on pastoral leadership and the superintendent of schools and spent over 30 years as ECE representative for Christian schools. She has led over 100 seminars nationwide and was nominated for several awards including Best School in Bay Area and Best Schools in the County (for 5 years running), Best School in Covina and in Claremont, National Administrator of Year, Distinguished Schools Award, and the National Award for Top Growing School in the nation by President Bush.
Karen has 38 years of leading and growing schools. Her experience includes facilitating nine major school building projects with high tech, state-of-the-art technology programs and expanding school enrollment from 250 to 1750 students. She has developed and expanded multiple academic, spiritual and extra-curricular programs including 24 hour student-run radio station, orchestra, one-to-one technology programs, student orchestra, and much more.
She has been elected to the ACSI Accreditation Commissioner for Northern and Southern California for over 20 years and to the ACSI Board of Directors. Mrs. Winter served for 18 years on pastoral leadership and the superintendent of schools and spent over 30 years as ECE representative for Christian schools. She has led over 100 seminars nationwide and was nominated for several awards including Best School in Bay Area and Best Schools in the County (for 5 years running), Best School in Covina and in Claremont, National Administrator of Year, Distinguished Schools Award, and the National Award for Top Growing School in the nation by President Bush.
Education
EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Turlock Christian Schools (Preschool to High School), Superintendent: Turlock, CA 2013-2019
Increased enrollment from 500 to 725. Raised ACSI teacher certification from 5% to 95%, and raised teacher pay 125%. Raised $10,000,000 for facilities and programs. Developed summer academic enrichment and camps for 260 students and established an International program. Built a new state-of-the-art elementary school facility with video tech film, science, robotics, labs, and computer. Secured a non-profit loan saving $2,800,000 over seven years. Instituted technology one-to-one program for Preschool to 12th Grade. Added one-to-one K-12 online curriculum and web-based curriculum. Voted Best of “209” covering seven counties, four years in a row; Best Private School, Best Christian School, and Best Preschool. Increased Niche school score from “C” to “A,” added AP, honors, and dual credit courses. Developed community outreach programs such as adding Pastor Appreciation events, Adopt a City Leader, and Grandparents events for Preschool to 12th Grade. Developed extensive marketing strategies, including videos, web, marketing brochures. Added online courses and college credits, which has allowed students to complete up to 1.5 years of college. Added Biblical leadership program courses, worship teams, and Bible electives
Hyde Park Schools (Preschool to High School), Head of Schools: 2012-2013
Increased enrollment to 600, which was a 20% increase. Completed a $16 million low-interest bond. Established an Annual Fundraising $440,000, plus cash commitment of an additional 1 million (anticipated year-end result $1,675,000). Expanded spiritual emphasis, adding devotions, student-led worship, chapel coordinators, developing more comprehensive Bible courses, “Adopt a Pastor,” and “Community Leader” programs (prayer-outreach to city leaders)
Western Christian Schools (Preschool to High School), Superintendent: Claremont, CA 2007-2011
Enrollment expanded enrollment from 1300 to 1550. Established multiple campuses for Preschool-High school and including Independent study. Expanded International program from 35 to 135. Founded an Infant Center. Added additional Preschool center, football fields, new middle school facility, and expanded additional facilities. Negotiated $13,000,000 bond financing for the purchase of the school’s first high school property in 95 years and negotiated sale at half the appraised value. Expanded outreach programs, extra-curricular programs, and Fine Arts programs. Created marketing strategies. Established Annual Fund and enhanced Capital Campaign programs. Established PTF and Booster organizations
Vacaville Christian Schools (Infant to High School), Superintendent: Vacaville, CA 1990 – 2007
Founder of High School and Infant center. Expanded enrollment from 200 to 1,750. Established multiple campuses, expanded, and funded facilities through 9 building programs. Negotiated a $16,000,000 bond for a new high school expansion. Created Summer and Academic Enrichment programs (33 to 400 students plus 150 ECE). Created extra-curricular programs, including 68 sports teams. Established a 24-hour radio station, a high tech video and film broadcast program. Expansive computer labs, Wi-Fi access in all classes, with smart boards. Established K- 12th grade band and strings program. Created parent organizations, Annual Fundraisers, and a Capital Campaign. Established department chapels, community outreach, and parent/staff training. Installed web and technology programs, listed as #1 Bay area school. Established dual accreditation Preschool through 12th grade. Created Exemplary School Awards Programs. Elected ministerial officer 16 years. Raised salaries and benefits over 100%
Trinity Christian School (Preschool to High School) & Trinity Bible College, Superintendent: Norwalk, CA 1986 – 1990
Expanded the facilities and expanded enrollment from 450 to 600. Professor at Trinity Bible College. Founder of Early Childhood Education College Teacher Training Program and a member of the pastoral staff. Established extra-curricular program 1st-8th grades. Expanded fine arts, academic courses, electives, and extended care. Established summer programs. Established parent organization and Biblical training program for parents
Chico Christian School, Administrator: Chico, CA 1984 – 1986
Founder of Neighborhood Preschool and a member of the pastoral staff. Expanded enrollment from 250 to 350. Established extended care and extra-curricular programs in Music and Fine Arts. Established sports programs, strings program, parent teams, and enhanced academics
Sonshine School (Preschool to Secondary), Administrator: 1975 – 1984
Founder of Sonshine School. Member of the pastoral staff and Sunday School Superintendent. Raised enrollment from 0 to 300 with a population of 3,100. Established curriculum programs. Established extra-curricular programs, parent training, community involvement, and mission outreach. Facilitated several facility expansions and creation of multiple campuses
- General Education, Biola University, La Mirada, CA
- B.A., Liberal Studies/Education, Chico State University, Chico, CA
- M.A., Education, Chico State University, Chico, CA
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Turlock Christian Schools (Preschool to High School), Superintendent: Turlock, CA 2013-2019
Increased enrollment from 500 to 725. Raised ACSI teacher certification from 5% to 95%, and raised teacher pay 125%. Raised $10,000,000 for facilities and programs. Developed summer academic enrichment and camps for 260 students and established an International program. Built a new state-of-the-art elementary school facility with video tech film, science, robotics, labs, and computer. Secured a non-profit loan saving $2,800,000 over seven years. Instituted technology one-to-one program for Preschool to 12th Grade. Added one-to-one K-12 online curriculum and web-based curriculum. Voted Best of “209” covering seven counties, four years in a row; Best Private School, Best Christian School, and Best Preschool. Increased Niche school score from “C” to “A,” added AP, honors, and dual credit courses. Developed community outreach programs such as adding Pastor Appreciation events, Adopt a City Leader, and Grandparents events for Preschool to 12th Grade. Developed extensive marketing strategies, including videos, web, marketing brochures. Added online courses and college credits, which has allowed students to complete up to 1.5 years of college. Added Biblical leadership program courses, worship teams, and Bible electives
Hyde Park Schools (Preschool to High School), Head of Schools: 2012-2013
Increased enrollment to 600, which was a 20% increase. Completed a $16 million low-interest bond. Established an Annual Fundraising $440,000, plus cash commitment of an additional 1 million (anticipated year-end result $1,675,000). Expanded spiritual emphasis, adding devotions, student-led worship, chapel coordinators, developing more comprehensive Bible courses, “Adopt a Pastor,” and “Community Leader” programs (prayer-outreach to city leaders)
Western Christian Schools (Preschool to High School), Superintendent: Claremont, CA 2007-2011
Enrollment expanded enrollment from 1300 to 1550. Established multiple campuses for Preschool-High school and including Independent study. Expanded International program from 35 to 135. Founded an Infant Center. Added additional Preschool center, football fields, new middle school facility, and expanded additional facilities. Negotiated $13,000,000 bond financing for the purchase of the school’s first high school property in 95 years and negotiated sale at half the appraised value. Expanded outreach programs, extra-curricular programs, and Fine Arts programs. Created marketing strategies. Established Annual Fund and enhanced Capital Campaign programs. Established PTF and Booster organizations
Vacaville Christian Schools (Infant to High School), Superintendent: Vacaville, CA 1990 – 2007
Founder of High School and Infant center. Expanded enrollment from 200 to 1,750. Established multiple campuses, expanded, and funded facilities through 9 building programs. Negotiated a $16,000,000 bond for a new high school expansion. Created Summer and Academic Enrichment programs (33 to 400 students plus 150 ECE). Created extra-curricular programs, including 68 sports teams. Established a 24-hour radio station, a high tech video and film broadcast program. Expansive computer labs, Wi-Fi access in all classes, with smart boards. Established K- 12th grade band and strings program. Created parent organizations, Annual Fundraisers, and a Capital Campaign. Established department chapels, community outreach, and parent/staff training. Installed web and technology programs, listed as #1 Bay area school. Established dual accreditation Preschool through 12th grade. Created Exemplary School Awards Programs. Elected ministerial officer 16 years. Raised salaries and benefits over 100%
Trinity Christian School (Preschool to High School) & Trinity Bible College, Superintendent: Norwalk, CA 1986 – 1990
Expanded the facilities and expanded enrollment from 450 to 600. Professor at Trinity Bible College. Founder of Early Childhood Education College Teacher Training Program and a member of the pastoral staff. Established extra-curricular program 1st-8th grades. Expanded fine arts, academic courses, electives, and extended care. Established summer programs. Established parent organization and Biblical training program for parents
Chico Christian School, Administrator: Chico, CA 1984 – 1986
Founder of Neighborhood Preschool and a member of the pastoral staff. Expanded enrollment from 250 to 350. Established extended care and extra-curricular programs in Music and Fine Arts. Established sports programs, strings program, parent teams, and enhanced academics
Sonshine School (Preschool to Secondary), Administrator: 1975 – 1984
Founder of Sonshine School. Member of the pastoral staff and Sunday School Superintendent. Raised enrollment from 0 to 300 with a population of 3,100. Established curriculum programs. Established extra-curricular programs, parent training, community involvement, and mission outreach. Facilitated several facility expansions and creation of multiple campuses
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Christian School Consultant, Paidea
- College Professor/Leader of Early Education Departments, Trinity Bible College
- Instructor at Bethany University and Trinity Bible College
- Professor for Early Education/Teacher Training, Solano College
- Mentoring Teacher/Trainer for more than 30 years for various school districts and colleges
- Seminar Leader for more than 30 years
Consult Christian schools on a variety of topics that help accomplish their prayerful visions through strategic planning, raising the bar of excellence, thriving in a very competitive market, effective ways to grow your school, increasing outreach and community support, funding the vision, expanding programs, as well as facilities, through a process based on Biblical goals
Accreditation leadership experience
- Southern and Northern California Commissioner (elected Position), nine years
- Served on the National Committee to review the accreditation process and new documents
- Served and chaired on numerous accreditation committees for more than 30 years
- Served on National ACSI Early Education Board committee review for accreditation standards
- Served on National ACSI ad hoc board committee for the new format of accreditation rubric standards
- ACSI International Board of Directors (over 20,000 schools internationally)
- ACSI Northern California Representative for 6 Years
- ACSI Early Childhood Education Representative for 30 Years
COLLEGE PROFESSOR AND STUDENT TEACHER SUPERVISOR EXPERIENCE
Solano Community College |
Professor - Mentoring Teacher Program |
Trinity Bible College |
Professor - Teacher, Supervisor, founder ECE Program |
Vacaville School District |
Student Teacher Supervisor |
National University |
Student Teacher Supervisor |
Phoenix University |
Student Teacher Supervisor |
Chapman University |
Student Teacher Supervisor |
Bethany University |
Student Teacher Supervisor |
Credentials
California Supervisory and Teaching Licenses: Preschool through College
ACSI Principal's and Superintendent's Credentials
ACSI Principal's and Superintendent's Credentials
Professional Awards and Positions Held
Woman of Distinction Award 2011 Cal. 63rd Dist. Senator B. Sutton
Paideia National Administrator of the Year Award – 2007
“Best of Covina” Award for Western Christian Schools – 2008
“Best of Bay Area” Award for Vacaville Christian Schools – 1999-2007
ACSI International Board of Directors – (Elected)
Accreditation Commissioner for ACSI, Northern and Southern California – (Elected)
ACSI Early Childhood Education Representative for 31 years - (Appointed)
ACSI Northern California Representative for 6 Years – (Elected)
Secretary, Vacaville Christian Ministerial Association for 16 years – (Elected)
DMA certified in Marketing & Development, level I and II
National ACSI Accreditation Review Committee – (Appointed)
Council on Educational Standards & Accountability Academic Review Committee (Appointed)
ACSI Spiritual Formation Committee – (Appointed) National Ado
“Top Women in the County” – Solano County – 2005, award and article in Solano County magazine
“Top Growing School in Nation” Award from President Bush, White House – 2004
“25 Key Leaders in Solano County” – 2005, awarded by, Solano County magazine
COPART National Scholarship board member 2006 to Present-$10,000,000 disbursed
Paideia National Administrator of the Year Award – 2007
“Best of Covina” Award for Western Christian Schools – 2008
“Best of Bay Area” Award for Vacaville Christian Schools – 1999-2007
ACSI International Board of Directors – (Elected)
Accreditation Commissioner for ACSI, Northern and Southern California – (Elected)
ACSI Early Childhood Education Representative for 31 years - (Appointed)
ACSI Northern California Representative for 6 Years – (Elected)
Secretary, Vacaville Christian Ministerial Association for 16 years – (Elected)
DMA certified in Marketing & Development, level I and II
National ACSI Accreditation Review Committee – (Appointed)
Council on Educational Standards & Accountability Academic Review Committee (Appointed)
ACSI Spiritual Formation Committee – (Appointed) National Ado
“Top Women in the County” – Solano County – 2005, award and article in Solano County magazine
“Top Growing School in Nation” Award from President Bush, White House – 2004
“25 Key Leaders in Solano County” – 2005, awarded by, Solano County magazine
COPART National Scholarship board member 2006 to Present-$10,000,000 disbursed
Publications and Seminars
- “Do I Belong In A Christian School?” - ACSI International Magazine-Publication
- “Outreach through Pastor Appreciation Day” – ACSI Magazine-Publication (Awarded School of Distinction for the best program)
- “Creating a Student Postal Service among Classrooms” – ACSI Magazine-Publication (Awarded School of Distinction for programs)
- “Effective Evaluation of Your School Administrator” Co-Author – ACSI Publications
- Seminar Leader – More than 100 seminars presented at ACSI, Nationally at Christian Schools, Institutions and Churches
Professional Affiliations
Paidea-Consultant, Seminar Leader
Member Chambers of Commerce
Member of the National Association of Religious Professions
Listed with Who~ Who among Outstanding Americans, Who's Who in Schools
Who's Who in Business & Professional Organizations
Who's Who in American Women Leaders
Member of Rotary
Member Chambers of Commerce
Member of the National Association of Religious Professions
Listed with Who~ Who among Outstanding Americans, Who's Who in Schools
Who's Who in Business & Professional Organizations
Who's Who in American Women Leaders
Member of Rotary
What Parents Are Saying...
After a set of circumstances, our three high-schoolers transferred from a giant local private school with an impressive appearance to Hillcrest Christian who actually lives out their name. HCS has its STUDENTS/families (not its appearance) at its heart. If you're looking for an environment where your student will learn what it means to be a recognized part of a family, HCS is that place. |
We are new to Thousand Oaks and California. This is our three children's first year at Hillcrest Christian School. We love the family atmosphere and all of the activities, Christian emphasis and Christ centered education . We highly recommend Hillcrest Christian School. |