Girl Students

What Sets Hillcrest Apart

Why Families Choose Hillcrest Lutheran Academy

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is a Christian boarding high school designed for families who want more than a typical education. Parents choose Hillcrest because it reinforces the values they've already invested in at home while preparing students for what comes next.

In a small, mentorship focused environment, students are known personally, challenged academically, and guided to build a faith that is thoughtful, grounded, and their own. Every part of the Hillcrest experience is intentionally built to support both intellectual growth and spiritual formation.

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Campus Life

Experience Life at Hillcrest

Teachers and Girls

Built for Growth in Every Area

A School Where Students Grow With Purpose

Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is a Christian boarding high school for families who want more than just academics. Here, students are personally known, challenged to grow, and guided to develop both strong thinking and a grounded faith. Every program is designed to build confidence, character, and purpose.

  • Small class sizes with personal attention
  • Academic rigor with college preparation
  • Faith integrated into every subject
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Teacher

A Different Approach to Education

Hillcrest teachers use a strengths based approach that helps students understand how they are uniquely designed.

Students don't just learn what to believe — they learn how to think, reason, and build a faith that lasts beyond high school.

Trusted by Students. Valued by Parents.

Voices of Hillcrest

All four of our kids have attended Hillcrest Lutheran Academy over the past seven years, and we are so grateful for the impact it's had on our family! Hillcrest is more than a school—it's a Christ-centered community. The teachers don't just teach, they mentor and walk alongside students in their faith and growth. Our kids have thrived academically, spiritually, and through quality athletic programs that focus on teamwork and character. And as parents, we've found a family-like community that supports, encourages, and prays with one another. We couldn't imagine a better place for our kids to learn, grow, and be surrounded by such incredible people!

Parent
Samuel Nash

I had a daughter graduate last year and I have two sons there now. I am thrilled with Hillcrest. In the classroom they are challenged to think, not just learn. Think about that! Many students can learn in the classroom but HLA teaches students to learn how to think. How to think critically, how to think Biblically… How to view the world, events, and people through a Biblical lens. They are preparing students for life after high school.

Parent
Brandon S. Pangman

Hillcrest is amazing in so many ways. They are intentional about having a thread of the gospel through everything they do whether it be academics, sports, or other extra curricular activities. The level of academic and spiritual experience offered to those who attend is a great value. The faculty is known for not only their academic competence but also for how they invest in the students in and out of the classroom.

Parent
Peter McKnight

We love the Classical Christian Education Curriculum, our kids have grown so much in their relationship with the Lord, and we can't say enough about their teachers!

Parent
Julie M. Stender

Best decision we ever made, couldn't ask for a better learning environment for our youngest! We are so confident that she will be better prepared academically, and be stronger in her beliefs because of her experience here. A big THANK YOU to all the staff and families involved at Hillcrest! It's evident they truly care about the students and making this a wonderful, positive learning experience for everyone!

Parent
Leanne Voss Wiertzema

I love Hillcrest! My time here as a student in 1984 was transformational and I loved working in the resident dorms in the 80's and 90's (and in 2003)! I am honored to serve as President in this institution of faith, learning and mentoring!

Alumnus & Current President
Brad Hoganson

All four of my kids went here. So thankful for the community, the diversity in the student body, the teachers, and the leadership. Especially thankful for Christian education!

Parent of four alumni
Heidi Harmon Konynenbelt

We are so thankful for the Christian education our children received at Hillcrest. Now we have the privilege of being here when our grandchildren are attending.

Parent & Grandparent
Marilyn Ewan

Your Path to Enrollment

What Happens Next

Submit your
inquiry

Schedule a call
or tour

Begin the application process

Meet with admissions for an interview

Receive your enrollment decision

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Still Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hillcrest Academy?
Hillcrest is a classical Christian boarding and day school in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, serving students from preschool through 12th grade for over 100 years. Our boarding program welcomes domestic and international students in grades 10–12, drawing families from across the country and around the world to a Christ-centered community where faith and learning go hand in hand.
Who is Hillcrest a good fit for?
Hillcrest is built for families who want their high schooler to be discipled — not just educated. We partner with parents who have invested in their child's faith and want a school that will reinforce those convictions through academic rigor, biblical worldview, mentorship, and a community of like-minded peers. Many of our families come from Christian homes, homeschool backgrounds, or settings where they're seeking a stronger spiritual and academic environment for their student's final years before college.
What grades does the boarding program serve?
On-campus housing is available for students in grades 10–12. Most boarding students join Hillcrest for their junior or senior year, though sophomores are welcome as well.
What does "classical Christian" mean at Hillcrest?
Classical Christian education trains students how to think, not just what to think. Our Upper School students engage with rigorous academics, sound logic, deep reasoning, and apologetics — all rooted in a biblical worldview. The goal is graduates who can defend their faith, think clearly about culture, and live with wisdom and grace.
How much does it cost to attend Hillcrest?
Tuition is structured by program: $14,153 for local day students in grades 9–12, $26,528 for domestic boarding students (room and board included), and $35,128 for international boarding students (room, board, and international package included). Discounts are available for families in full-time Christian ministry, and scholarships are available to all students. Visit our Cost & Financial Info page for the full breakdown.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Hillcrest offers scholarships for all students, referral incentives, and meaningful tuition discounts for families in full-time Christian ministry. Affordability is a deciding factor for many of our families, and we work with you to make Hillcrest accessible.
What does the admissions process look like?
The path is relational from start to finish: Inquiry → Interview → Application → Enrollment. Families begin with a personal phone call, video call, or in-person tour. From there, a school representative guides you through the application, followed by a video or in-person interview with our administration to ensure Hillcrest is a strong fit for your student and family. Once accepted, students complete enrollment paperwork and begin connecting virtually with classmates and roommates before orientation week in August.
When should I apply?
We aim to have applications in place by August 1 for the upcoming school year, but the earlier you start, the better — particularly for boarding placement. We encourage families to reach out as soon as they're considering Hillcrest so we can begin the conversation.
Where do Hillcrest's boarding students come from?
Everywhere. Our boarding community brings together students from across the United States — including the East Coast and California — and from countries throughout Africa, Asia, and Central America. The result is a diverse, globally-minded student body grounded in shared faith.
What is dorm life like?
Dorm life at Hillcrest is genuinely communal. Students live alongside peers and adult mentors who invest in their spiritual growth and daily lives. Roommates connect virtually before arrival, and the dorm becomes an extension of the classroom — a place where faith, friendship, and character are formed together.
How does Hillcrest approach technology and AI?
Thoughtfully and intentionally. We have a robust framework for how technology is used in student life and academics, with the goal of forming students who use these tools wisely rather than being shaped by them. It's one of the conversations we welcome with prospective families during the visit and interview process.
What does Hillcrest offer beyond academics?
Plenty. Our Comets compete in athletics across multiple seasons, and students participate in fine arts including music, drama, and choir, along with student leadership opportunities and service. Our philosophy is that students grow through friendships, worship, and play just as much as through coursework.
What sets Hillcrest apart from other Christian schools?
Three things our families consistently point to: the depth of mentorship between teachers and students, the strength of our classical Christian academic approach, and the feeling of being genuinely known. Hillcrest is intentionally smaller and more relational — a place where students are seen, supported, and equipped to launch into adulthood with a strong foundation of faith and clear thinking.
How do I learn more or schedule a visit?
The best way to experience Hillcrest is to visit — in person or virtually. Submit the form on this page and our team will reach out to set up a personal tour, video call, or virtual walkthrough of campus.

Give Your Child a Strong Foundation for Life

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year.

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