Private School Review - Established 2003

Hillcrest Academy

5.00 (3 reviews)
1421 540th Street SW Kalona, IA 52247
Tel: (319) 656-2073 Ext. 200
www.hillcrestravens.org

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 197 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $13,400
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Hillcrest Academy Photo #1 - During the first week of school, our students have a fun day out at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. Students get to participate in chapel, play group games, enjoy small group activities, hike through the woods and eat lunch outdoors.
Hillcrest Academy Photo #2 - Our smaller class sizes allow students to go out for drama, participate in all sports and clubs, sing in choir, play in the band and more. Our sports teams have made numerous trips to state. We enjoy celebrating our students accomplishments as seen above.
Hillcrest Academy Photo #3 - Chapels are part of our daily schedule. We have a variety speakers, hymn sings, skits, testimonials and other events. Chapels are lead by our chapel committee which is made up of several teachers and students. This is one of the many ways students can be a part of our school.
Hillcrest Academy Photo #4 - Learning "outside" of the classroom. Hillcrest Academy has a wonderful 17 acre campus and we like to use every square inch of it. This fall one of our science classes and FFA Club participated in planting fruit trees extending the size of our orchard.
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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 197 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $13,400
  • Acceptance rate: 98%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Hillcrest Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
Most sports offered
Extra-curric.
Most extracurriculars offered

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Other school association(s)
Religious Affiliation
Mennonite
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Students By Grade

Distribution of Students By Grade

GradeHillcrest Academy
629
730
822
938
1030
1123
1225
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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1945
School Calendar
View School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 20, 2027
Campus Size
40 acres

Student Body

Total Students
197 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 16%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
25%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
ChemistryEnglish
GovernmentMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsPhysics
StatisticsUS History
Average ACT score
24
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$13,400
View national tuition avg.
Tuition Notes
High School Tuition- $13,400 Middle School- $11,200 Incoming families received $7826 from the state for their ESA (Education Savings Account). Families can apply for additional financial aid if they need more help then what the ESA can provide. www.hillcrestravens.org
% on Financial Aid
65%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,187
Acceptance Rate
98%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Rebecca Beachy Miller
Application URL
Online Application

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art ClubBoard Game Club
Chapel CommitteeCompassion Club
FFAMath Club
National Honor SocietySilver Cord
Y-CoYearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
ChoirDrama
Pep BandPraise Band

School Notes

  • Hillcrest Academy, in partnership with family and the church, offers students an academically excellent, Christ-centered education rooted in an Anabaptist perspective. Within a caring community, Hillcrest prepares students for lives of Christian discipleship, peacemaking and service.
  • School Mascot: Ravens
  • Located just south of Iowa City off of Highway 1, Hillcrest Academy offers students a quality high school education. Hillcrest is a private Christian high school open to all qualified students regardless of race, creed and ethnic background.
  • Why Hillcrest Academy
  • Christ-centered environment
  • We follow the teachings of Jesus
  • Emphasis on living out faith, peacemaking and service to others
  • Academic excellence
  • 91% of Hillcrest graduates attend a post secondary institution
  • ACT composite score of 25, state average is 22.3
  • AP courses offeredAP Index rank: 22nd out of all public and private schools in Iowa
  • Student opportunities
  • Sports*, music, drama, FFA, student government, Compassion Group, National Honor Society, yearbook, chapel committee and others
  • S.A.L.T. (service and learning term) every other year service learning opportunities
  • Supportive, community environment
  • 5:1 student to teacher ratio
  • Safe environment
  • Strong community support seen through attendance at fundraisers and sports and drama events
  • *Sports- football, tennis, wrestling and swimming, we partner with local public schools to provide our students with these opportunities
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hillcrest Academy cost?
Hillcrest Academy's tuition is approximately $13,400 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Hillcrest Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hillcrest Academy is 98%, which is higher than the national average of 87%.
What sports does Hillcrest Academy offer?
Hillcrest Academy offers 14 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Hillcrest Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Iowa for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Hillcrest Academy?
The application deadline for Hillcrest Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
All three of our children have attended Hillcrest Academy. The quality education they received prepared them well for college. The smaller school size gave them opportunities to participate in all extra-curricular areas of interest. We found the teachers to be very interested in the success of our children on many levels - academically, socially and spiritually.
- Posted by
5  
IMS provides a different than "normal" high school experience. It is strong academically, has a variety of extra-curricular activities, and has personable faculty and staff. The small class sizes facilitate an advantageous learning environment for the student. Faculty and staff also encourage growth in the students' Christian faith journeys. IMS is a place where students can truly enjoy their high school experience!
- Posted by
5  
Our children have grown academically, socially, and spiritually. The student body is diverse and welcoming. We would recommend any parent who is looking for more than an excellent education for their child to check out Iowa Mennonite School!
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Johnson County, IA is $13,623 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Johnson County, IA is 93% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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