KALONA

Hillcrest Academy has been a part of the Kalona community since 1945. Over the decades, the school has steadily expanded, but a major turning point came after the 2023–2024 school year.

Before the 2023–2024 school year, Hillcrest Academy only served grades 9–12. That changed when the school added a sixth-grade class, expanding its reach to include both middle and high school students. The result was a major enrollment jump — from 59 students in 2022–2023 to 105 the next year.

The momentum continued into the 2024–2025 school year, when Hillcrest introduced seventh and eighth grades, bringing total enrollment to 164 students. This fall, the academy saw yet another increase, reaching 178 students — 99 in high school and 79 in middle school.

According to Hillcrest Director of Advancement, Jeremy Ours, “Adding middle school grades has brought fresh energy and excitement to campus. Younger students bring life and activity, which strengthens the overall school culture.”

Hillcrest Principal Nate Miller said that the positive culture among teachers and students greatly influences the overall school experience, which in turn plays a key role when families consider sending their children to Hillcrest.

Ours also noted that the academy’s 2019 rebranding from Iowa Mennonite School (IMS) to Hillcrest Academy helped reshape public perception. Once viewed primarily as a school for Mennonite families, Hillcrest is now seen as an excellent option for families of all faith backgrounds seeking a quality, faith-based education.

Miller also noted that over the past 6 to 8 years, the school has worked to highlight its mission and values as part of a broader effort to strengthen and expand its marketing for the academy.

While private Christian education can be expensive, the State Education Savings Account (ESA) program has made it more affordable for families to choose schools like Hillcrest.

Students at Hillcrest are thriving in a supportive environment where they’re encouraged to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. There’s a strong sense of belonging both on and off campus, and word is spreading across the Washington and Iowa City areas about what makes Hillcrest unique.

Families seeking a Christian education for their children have shown renewed interest. Miller explained that many are willing to dedicate their time and resources to ensure their children have this valuable opportunity. Miller also was grateful that the school is growing. With the school growing, it allows the academy to have space for the classroom, a board which has supported bringing in more staff along with donors, who give the school the financial support to allow all of that happen.

The academy also offers a variety of athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, track and field, and volleyball — many of which are co-ed.

When Hillcrest first opened, it was known as Iowa Mennonite School and did not have a mascot or nickname. That changed in 2019 when the school adopted the Ravens name and brand identity.

Hillcrest Academy Principal Nate Miller and Director of Advancement Jeremy Ours generously took the time to discuss the school’s recent success.

For more information about Hillcrest Academy, visit hillcrestravens.org or call (319) 656-2073.