Hillcrest Academy

To me, the tuition increase is like everything else these days- things simply cost more !I certainly don't pay the same at the gas pump as I did a year ago. I am the parent of two students at Hillcrest and I am getting my money's worth. As a public school teacher, I have seen first hand the devastating effects of budget cuts. Classrooms are over crowded and programs like art, music and PE have been most significantly impacted and are virtually nonexistent. Hillcrest offers all three! In public schools today, teachers are lucky if they get to take their students on one, local, field trip a year. Conversely,students at Hillcrest participate in experiences that extend and enrich the classroom learning. For example, 4th grade students study California history then visit Sacramento and see first hand where gold was discovered in California. Those types of experiences are offered at all grade levels. I value the fact that my kids attend a school where a variety of programs are offered. Hillcrest has a several solid accreditations, the most well rounded program and a dedicated teaching staff. That is why I will pay more next year to send my kids to Hillcrest. You get what you pay for!
--Submitted by a parent

Apparently "great schools" removes comments that are negative, hence I wonder what what point of "school reviews" is?? Unless the only review posted, is the the positive ones. You are playing with the numbers at Hillcrest. Tuition did NOT go up 900, it went up 2000. It went from 7,000 to 9,000, math tells me that is 2000 dollars. What you did is instead of allowing parents to pay for those "extraneous fees" throughout the year, you rolled them up into the tuition, and THEN raised it 900 dollars. So please, dont play people for idiots, you raised the tuition 2000 dollars. Spin it any way you want. The education at that schools isnt worth that much more, considering all the other options have not raised their tuition to those extreme levels. This would also explain why your having to continuously run openhouses, becuase the staggering amount of the increase is taking people aback.
--Submitted by a parent

I am employed by Hillcrest and just want to comment on the "beware people of Hillcrest comment". The fact is that the tuition is being raised by $900 (about $5 a day) after no increase last year. As a non-profit school tuition goes directly into programs and salaries to enhance the education of the students.
--Submitted by a teacher

I agree, this school is phenomenal! My daughter has just entered middle school, the most informative years, and I cannot imagine her anywhere else. The leadership program is preparing her with confidence to speak publicly, work with her peers respectfully and connect with the community and world with purpose. She is presenting Power Point presentations on the One-to-One laptop program and never complains about having to go to school or do her homework... she loves it! She has a wealth of knowledge not only in her core subjects, but in the liberal arts programs provided. Most exciting is the integrated field trips such as Catalina, Pali Mountain, and later Europe. Additionally, my son graduated last year and has a 4.0 as a freshman. He is hard-wired from the 7 year education he received at Hillcrest to be driven in his studies and future and migrating towards like-minded kids. Of all the things I have invested in, I couldn't be happier that I put their education at Hillcrest as #1! For anyone looking into a better education and supportive community environment, I highly recommend you tour Hillcrest and do your homework... nowadays, kids need extraordinary opportunities!
--Submitted by a parent

Phenomenal School! This is the best school in the Murrieta and Temecula Valley! I spent a great deal of time searching for a school and cannot be more pleased. I have found the rigorous, dynamic academic curriculum with its family atmosphere exceptional. My daughter comes home everyday with new French words to describe things. In this day of budget cuts, Hillcrest continues to maintain low teacher-student ratios along with a great all around curriculum which includes English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and French. The school also maintains a close knit family atmosphere that makes everyday enjoyable for the kids and their families.
--Submitted by a parent

A+++++ - go see for yourself., Best academics in the area. Many alumni are at ivy league schools and credit the hillcrest academy foundation they had, as giving them the best academic schooling start
--Submitted by a parent

I toured this school as a prospective parent. I have to say this was by far the best school I have visited. I love that they start teaching foreign language (French) starting in Kindergarten. They seemed to have an excellent educational program.
--Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest is an incredible environment to grow a child into a balanced adult. With all the cuts to public education, children are the victims and will pay the ultimate price. At Hillcrest children receive a balance of art, music, physical education, foreign language and character building. They are rewarded for helping and thinking about others. The teachers and staff know all the kids by name and provide a safe and happy environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with my granddaughters' education, I cannot believe how much she is learning at such a young age.

Great school, great environment, awesome teachers and staff. They are very involved with students successes and looking for balancing academics with character.
--Submitted by a parent