Hillcrest Christian School

I would think twice about placing my child in this school or at least speak with the parents at Bethany who have fled Hillcrest. The academic talent is adequate, but the administration staff is arrogant & unprofessional. They do not always seem to have the best interest of the children at heart but just interested in exercising their power & intimidation Enrollment is dwindling because of the unfriendly staff who admittedly do no relate well to children & show open hostility to parents, regarding them as enterlopers.

I absolutely love Hillcrest Christian school. My kids have been blessed with the best teachers. Mrs. Davis is an outstanding teacher who is helping to shape and mold my son to be the leader that God intends him to be. Mrs. Hawisher understands the different learning styles and teaches in a way that the children can learn according to the way they learn. My children have been here since preschool and will continue to go through high school it is God's will. Great Christian teachers!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Two years ago, after a last minute decision to relocate to Westlake Village, I was frantically searching for the right preschool for my son. I had two weeks to tour, interview, and register before moving up to Westlake Village and before school started. My preschooler and I made an all day trip up and we visited five schools. My friend had recommended Hillcrest, but I was sure that no school would really compare to the great preschool environment he was attending. The first school I toured was HIllcrest, and the moment I walked in the doors and met the current director, I had great peace with putting my son in this God-loving, nurturing environment and with this director who was energetic and filled with God's love. I visited the other four schools, but they all paled in comparison to the truly Christian environment at Hillcrest. My child prays for the family at the dinner table, sings praises to the Lord, has memorized numerous bible verses, and has a voracious appetite to learn about the Lord. He is excelling in his academics and made some amazing friends in all grades. My younger son now attends the preschool program and I could not be happier with my decision.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest Christian School Preschool has been amazing for our daughters. Leaving your children for the first time can be a traumatic experience for both parents and children. From the first day we went to visit the school we were blown away by the caring and nurturing teachers and staff. The pre-school director is energetic and fun and our girls have loved their teachers over the last two years. At first we were just looking for a preschool with the thought of sending them to public school once kindergarten begins (as we have great public schools in our area). After watching them grow spiritually, socially, and academically, we are hooked on keeping them in a Christian education at Hillcrest Christian School. I can't say enough about the nurturing and safe environment they are in each day and they really enjoy going to school. They have great friends at school and every day they talk about God and Jesus when they come home. It really hit me when one day my daughter pulled me outside to look at a beautiful sunset. Her comment was..."Dad...look what god made for us." That moment was priceless for me and we are so thankful to have our children attending this preschool.
—Submitted by a parent

This school does not compare to what they actually show on the outside when you go for a tour Teachers in preschool have changed greatly because of lifestyle of Director alot of people have left. we were there for several years thought for sure that iis where our kids would have gone all the way through 12th grade. When you say your a Christian school and you pay $$$$ for it you want to make sure the life styles of all teachers line up with Godly Principles most staff are 2 faced and Honor God with theier lips but some hearts are wicked.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm saddened to see how this school had dealt with heavy issues. The bullying at this school has been constant and not dealt directly with children involved. The school lives in a bubble and it stems from the leadership of the school. When there are issues they are not put in the student's file and aren't followed according to their school policy manual.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Hillcrest for the past 5 years. My family has been so blessed here. The teachers are excellent, the academics are top notch, but above all these things, the Lord reigns here. This is a special place and if its the Lord's will my children will attend here til the day they graduate high school. I really can not say enough. If you are considering this school may I encourage you to take a tour. I believe that you willl be well pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest is an excellent school. The staff and education are exceptional. The Truth is taught here, so yes,if you do support abortion as certain political parties do, and additionally think that human life began in some other way other than what the Bible states, then this is definately not the place for you. However, if you are a bible believing christian then you will appreciate Hillcrest in so many ways.
—Submitted by a parent

The preschool program is outstanding! The teachers have Christ like characteristics and truly love my children. The director is amazing. She just so full of joy! The environment is loving and nurturing and safe. My children recieved a well rounded experience. The preschool is Spiritual, developmental,, highly academic, and so so loving. I love Hillcrest Christian Preschool!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have grown and blossomed at Hillcrest. My children have been going to Hillcrest for 5 years. They teach Bible in every subject! Surely they have peer issues but not as bad as I have seen in the public schools that my children had been in. All my childrens teachers have been loving, supportive, and they have great communication. You will be blessed to come to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

A certain type of family will absolutely love this school. We were not one of them. Our daughter attended 7th and 8th grade a few years ago. We are Christian and very active in our protestant-denomination church. However, our child was accused by the other students of not being a true Christian because we are Democrats. An administrator told me that I can't be Christian and believe in evolution. At the parent open house, the science teacher proudly informed us that a thrust of his class was "teaching the students how to respond to an evolutionist". Our child got very little true science. The 8th grade trip was an indoctrination on how this country was formed by people making a stand for Jesus. Seems that money and power didn't really play a role. It was all about standing up for Jesus. You get the drift. I will say that the teachers are very kind and loving, and the students are nice. The academics other than science were acceptable. We will not consider sending our other children there.
—Submitted by a parent

Hillcrest Christian has been a great blessing to our family. It has a small home-like atmosphere for students who need more 1 on 1 teacher time and less distraction among their peers. My daughter just completed the 8th grade. This was our 1st experience in a private school and WOW, what a difference in her academic, social, emotional and spiritual outlook from a year ago. Having teachers who believe in and support students as well as peers whose families share our core values has made all the difference in the world. Thank you Hillcrest!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the most amazing school. My daughter has attended for the last 7 yrs and I couldnt be happier about the love, structure and education she has been receiving. The staff is awesome and the administration great!! My child has benefited in ways I cant express by being raised in this school. We have been beyond blessed!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had three children attend Hillcrest. Two from K-12 and one from K-8. All three received excellent educational and spiritual foundations. HCS offers a challenging environment where students can excel, and become part of the community. Our kids went on to USC, Notre Dame and TCU. The small school experience is very valuable in many ways and I encourage you to look carefully at this great resource. Don't be fooled by facilities; $30 mllion in buildings won't buy you a great experience or admission to top notch schools.
—Submitted by a parent

School is a very nurturing environment for children with a very strong Christian emphasis. It is a small school that I believe would be better served to function as a pre-k through 6th grade school as it just doesn't have the facilies and space needed for middle school and high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our sons both had an excellent and outstanding experience at Hillcrest Christian Middle and Senior High School. They were academically prepared and challenged to their highest abilities. Honor and AP classes. They both had the opportunitiy of being in and in one case leading the Worship Team as guitarist and vocalists. The weekly Chapels, Bible Classes and Retreats are powerful in their lives. And both were able to participate in several sports at a Varsity level and student leadership through ASB so their High School and Middle School experiences were very well rounded. They participated in school trips to Washington DC and Europe, Mission trips locally and to Mexico. Parent involvement is welcomed and happens at a high level! We believe it takes a team to raise kids today and to work with parents and teachers with our same values was wonderful! The leadership of Adminstration is one of integrity! Awesome Experience!
—Submitted by Kathleen Brooks, a parent

This was a really good school where I learned alot about God and how He is an important part in our lives. Tare great teachers there like the bible teacher Mr. Hove and the history teacher Mrs. Logan. i miss it a lot. it was a lot of fun too.
—Submitted by damien weinand, a former student