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

My experience at Hillcrest is in sharp contrast to the negative reviews. Parents should be wary and decide for themselves. My child has done incredibly well at the aschool as have dozens of other kids I know. As for teachers and administrators, I have found both groups to be compassionate, caring and willing to listen. I have always received straight answers to my questions of administrators. They always take the time to listen and address my concerns. and they always provide an explanation for their decisions. Although it may not always be what I hope to hear, it is always well considered and clearly explained. As for the money, you get what you pay for and I am completely satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

It has been heartbreaking to watch Hillcrest implode over the last two years. Most of the teachers are exceptionally committed and highly capable, but the principal is self-serving and complacent. The new board appears to be making strides in addressing parental concerns, but so many families have already left (even mid-year) that I am wondering how the school will survive. If your child attends this school, be prepared to open your wallet, since the school will continue to ask for additional financial support from the parents who are sticking it out. Read the fine print in the contract you will be asked to sign, so you know exactly how much, in addition to the tuition, you will be paying for your child's education. There is definitely amazing potential at Hillcrest and, if it could return to its previous glory, there would be no better place to educate your child in Temecula. It just desperately needs some new leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to this school for several years. Overall, I am very happy with my decision to send them here and think the teachers care about my kids education and strive to give them the best one possible. The only weak link in the school seems to be the administration's attitude to parental concerns. If you can deal with being dismissed and made to feel insignificant by the principal, this school is an excellent school. I would send my kids here again.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a Hillcrest family for eight years now, and I have watched my son mature a little more each year, gaining confidence from the things he learned and the encouragement of his teachers. When he was diagnosed with ADD in second grade, he was never seen as a "problem child;" instead, the entire staff made great efforts to work with him on focus and time management skills. As he is about to graduate, I see that he has become a prolific writer (he hated writing before), a pretty good singer and a definite stage ham (we couldn't get him to sing or act when he was younger), and an overall well-rounded 8th grader, who loves science and math, and yes, even language arts! He will be attending public school next year, and I feel confident that he has been given the tools necessary not just to succeed, but to excel. I wouldn't change the last eight years for anything, and we will truly miss Hillcrest as we prepare to move into my son's next life phase.
—Submitted by a parent

Teaching staff and curriculum are fantastic. The students are challenged, but also develop a love for learning. They are well prepared for High School and beyond, excelling in everything they do.
—Submitted by a parent

This school not only focuses on academics but also on character building and leadership skills.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest Academy is great!! Great community with fantastic and dedicated teachers!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Hillcrest because the field trips and teacher are awesome!

Kids love to learn, participate and enjoy going to school. Teachers are compromise and everybody does their part to make this school simply the best!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the teachers and the study programs. Parent envolvement is especially important and something that keeps your child and you invested in the education process
—Submitted by a parent