As a parent, I enrolled my child in this Christian school with the hope of finding a true partnership--one that would nurture both spiritual and academic development. Sadly, that hope has turned into deep disappointment and frustration. From the beginning, the administration frequently spoke about "partnering with families" and "supporting every child," but our experience revealed these to be nothing more than well-rehearsed talking points. When real concerns arise--particularly when it comes to your child's individual needs--you quickly find that your voice as a parent is dismissed. The Head of School and Principal may smile and nod, but in practice, they act as though they know your child better than you do and are unwilling to make any meaningful changes that could actually help. There is also a serious lack of consistency at this school. Teacher turnover is high, and it's hard for students to build any real stability with constantly changing staff. In fact, most families tend to leave after preschool or first grade, and that speaks volumes about the experience many have here. Rather than address these retention issues, the school seems more focused on maintaining strong ties with families who are heavy donors--families who often seem to get preferential treatment and can pay their way into getting what they want. To make matters worse, the school appears more concerned with building a new gym than fixing the areas that truly need attention. Classrooms, curriculum, and student resources are outdated or lacking, yet fundraising efforts are aggressively geared toward facilities and image. It's hard to watch tuition dollars and donations go toward expansion projects while core needs are neglected. What made this situation even more infuriating was the transition to a new school. Once we left, we realized just how far behind our child was academically. After being assured for years that this school offered a higher standard of education, we were devastated to find out that was far from the truth. It felt like everything we had invested--financially and emotionally--was for nothing. Many and I mean many families when leaving Hillcrest will home school or go to another school and the first thing they say is I should've done it sooner!! This school promotes a beautiful mission on paper, but in practice, it falls far short. Unless you're part of the "inner circle" or a major donor, true partnership and support are unlikely. read more

Our daughter began attending Hillcrest in 9th grade. She has flourished with the love of Jesus Christ evident in the teachers, staff, and fellow students. The small class size and exceptional teachers help each child to thrive. Our family is grateful to be a part of Hillcrest Christian School. read more

Sometimes you don't understand the impact of a school and their staff until years later. Our son went to Hillcrest and we moved to Arizona half way through his Senior year during Covid. There was some drama with a transferring credit to his new school and Cathy Stuber took care of the whole situation and our son was able to graduate and enter GCU. At Hillcrest our son was an average student, probably because he was unorganized and didn't turn things in on time. But the education he got was outstanding because when he matured and started to care he actually knew the material the teachers were teaching and tested off the charts. To our shock he is a Biomedical engineer major, making the President's List every semester. We are so thankful for Cathy and Hillcrest! read more

This school is amazing. Highly recommend anyone looking for a preschool in the Ventura County area to give it a look. I've had all 4 of my kids in this program and it's been terrific to see how much more prepared they are for primary learning. My last preschooler will be heading into pre-k next year and I know he's truly excited. The teachers are amazing. read more

Hillcrest Christian School - My 3yr old during nap time. - Elementary Schools Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

My husband and I are so grateful for this School. We were not happy with last pre school but here , you can feel the love , feel the patience and love the teachers have for the little ones . My son is 3 but not potty trained so I was worried about what they were going to tell me , I don't want to pressure him . Miss Medrano is the coolest, most amazing woman . " he will when he is ready " she said as she gave my son aka heart a hug after meeting him once . At pick up he never wants to leave . Thank you Hillcrest School, MIss Medrano , Miss Guy , Principal Mrs Berg read more

As our two children were transitioning from homeschool into high school, we considered multiple Christian schools in the region. Thankfully, we (parents and children) chose Hillcrest. Each of our kids is very different and needed unique attention and motivation, and they both found it here. The teachers cared for them and did a great job preparing them for university. More importantly, they provided an atmosphere that encouraged growth as young adults and in their faith. We will be forever grateful to the teachers and administration at Hillcrest. read more

Our daughter was instantly included, loved, and made to feel a part of the Hillcrest family. She is challenged in her classes, has many friends from families with values like our families values and is thrilled to be playing competitive sports. Christian teachers are pouring into her each day. Such a great value! read more

Was going to enroll my child for the Fall semester, back in August, right in the middle of the first Covid-19 wave. But as we went through the various orientations and visits to the school we noticed nobody was wearing masks. But the clincher was when we were sitting in the admissions office waiting for our son who was taking a placement test for kindergarten. During the entire time that we were sitting there (30-40 minutes) not a single person entering or leaving was wearing a mask. This is not an exaggeration. The receptionist, administrative staff, the teacher doing the evaluation, other parents, students, even the of coach, nobody wore a mask, and nothing was said out loud. Remember, this was at the height of the political polarization going on in the country, with one group dismissing the dangers of Covid and the other taking every precaution, and here this school administration was taking a silent but obvious stand. Now they will tell you that they went to great lengths doing other things, and to be fair they did. They spent over a million dollars on high tech alternatives: A/C units with UV lights, techy cameras with thermometers. But it was obvious that they were going out of their way to NOT to use masks. Except as we require by the pesky Ventura County, and the State. Come on! This is a Christian school. For all those great "alternative" precautions, their actions spoke volumes. We were torn, we had our hearts set on Hillcrest, and had been planning to come here for years, and the teacher we were going to have was the most amazing teacher I have ever seen. But, I expect a Christian school to be apolitical (not to mention take every precaution to protect our children). Incidentally, last time I checked, masks are still the elephant in the room, the alternative they offered was to open windows for fresh air. I assume they expected this covid nonsense would be over before Winter set in, right? The kicker however was their bragging about the policy they wrote that students would not be allowed to make fun of other kids that choose to wear masks. Peer pressure much? read more

We were searching for a small private high school for our son who would be entering the 9th grade this fall. My husband & I scheduled a tour of Hillcrest Christian School (in Thousand Oaks) with the admissions director. The school itself is very small with what seemed to be a ratio of around 15 to 1. We observed two high school classrooms in session. Both teachers spent 10 minutes lecturing to the kids with no interaction and no pausing. There was a small area for lunch a beautiful oak tree but with artificial grass. The sports facilities are off campus because they do not have the space. I believe they use the facilities at a public school located in Simi Valley. My husband and I were immediately skeptical when after almost an hour tour (both walking and sitting in the admission directors office) they did not ask a single question about our son or our family. We continued the enrollment process in hopes that our first impression was incorrect, but the experience went progressively in the wrong direction. No follow up. It was as if they were doing us a favor. If you are looking for a school that is accommodating with a collaborative approach to learning; this in not one - keep searching. read more

How in the world I'm The second one to write a review? We also moved from another county and from a Christian based school. I was terrified to say the least about a "new" place for my then 2 1/2 yr old and my 10 yr old. I meet Mrs. Berg Summer of 2016 to enroll December 2016. Yes it took me a few trips and at least a dozen phone calls, Trish probably had enough of my questions however gracefully she answered with a pleasant welcoming attitude always, I knew this was the place God had intended for us. Loving staff, loving friends and I can only say We love Hillcrest!. My little one is running into their arms every morning and that says a lot! Cinthia B. read more

Hillcrest Christian School is a very special place. Pre-school thru 12th grade, each and every child is seen and nurtured. I speak as a parent whose kids have been a part of this sweet place for 15 years. My younger son came as a pre-schooler and is now a junior in the high school. My older son was there from second grade through 12th. He is currently pre-med at university. Hillcrest's curriculum is outstanding, and even more now, with pubic education going south. Character and emotional intelligence are fortified, whilst always remembering this school is college preparatory and they do an excellent job at all three! The curriculum from science to bible ,reflects a biblical world view, the sports program is fantastic too! The school stands on the firm foundation of Christ and on the essential christian doctrine. Serving families from all different denominations, yet unyielding on the truth of Christ. And, be sure the kids have fun too! Worship service every week, field trips, service trips and retreats. The camaraderie is sweet. Building up young men and women who will go out in the world standing firm on who they are, and who's they are. read more

My son is 4 and the other day his teacher gave him and his classmates a mini chocolate chip cookie. When I picked up my son, my 2 year old daughter was with me. My son pulled the cookie out of his pocket, broke it in half, and before his teacher could finish asking him, "you still have that?", he shared it with his sister. His teacher didn't miss a beat and responded, "God sees your kindness, and it makes Him smile." I've replayed that scene in my mind so many times, and am just filled with gratitude for all the moments like that that happen for my kids at Hillcrest. They are loved, cared for, and pointed to Jesus every day. If you're looking for an environment where your kids will be loved, encouraged to grow in character and not just academics, and allowed to play outside even when it's cold and wet, this is the place for you! read more

We have had our son at Hillcrest Preschool for a little over a year. Prior to Hillcrest we tried two other schools and each experience was bad. Our son has flourished at Hillcrest. It took only a week and a half of being there for him to come home and start telling me what he learned. I was so impressed and happy with our decision to enroll him in Hillcrest. Beyond his amazing education, I know he is truly loved by his teacher and the other staff. I only recommend Hillcrest for preschoolers: read more

There is so many great things about Hillcrest Christian Preschool. The teachers are amazing shout out to Ms. Nichol Myers and Miss Lewis. This school is worth every penny. The staff treats you and your children like family and gives your child the highest quality of education you could ask for. read more

How in the world am I the first to post a reveiw for Hillcrest Preschool? This place is fabulous! Very much centered on Christ and also very focused on education and having fun. The parents are really involved and help with many of the activities. Clean, well organized, and the director (Ms Berg) is really, really nice. My son transferred here after we moved from out of county and I was concerned about all the normal things parents fret about. He has come home every day bubbling over about what he worked on and who he played with and what he learned. Solid five stars! read more