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Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is a premier Christian boarding high school in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, known for elevating students academically, spiritually, and personally as they prepare for their next step in life.
Intentional faith formation and discipleship are at the heart of the Hillcrest experience, with students shaped in Christ-centered identity, character, leadership, and service-forming habits that extend far beyond graduation.
Academic excellence with purpose defines Hillcrest's approach, pairing rigorous coursework with a classical Christian worldview that equips students to think clearly, live faithfully, and engage culture with discernment.
Recognized as a top-ranked school, Hillcrest is consistently highlighted by external organizations for its strength as both a Christian and boarding school, reflecting the depth and quality of its educational and residential programs.
Niche rankings place Hillcrest among the top boarding and Christian schools in Minnesota, including #2 Best 51³Ô¹ÏÍø K12 School in Minnesota
#3 Best Christian K12 School in Minnesota, Additional statewide and national rankings across boarding and faith-based categories.
Private School Review recognizes Hillcrest within the top 20% of private schools in Minnesota, noting the breadth of opportunities and student development offered through its programs.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø School Review highlights Hillcrest as one of the top 20 boarding schools for least expensive tuition, affirming the school's commitment to providing exceptional, accessible Christian boarding education.
National and worldview-focused recognition further affirms Hillcrest's reputation as a school that not only achieves strong outcomes, but intentionally forms students of faith, character, and conviction; ready to lead, serve, and thrive wherever God calls them next.
Quick Facts (2026)
Grades: (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students) 10-12
Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
Enrollment: 200 students
Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $19,475
Acceptance rate: 70%
Average class size: 13 students
Application Deadline: Sep. 1 / Jan. 10 / rolling
Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 276 schools) for:
Hillcrest Academy is a private Christian college preparatory boarding high school for grades 9-12, with a local day school grade school. Hillcrest enrolls students from around the world.
Hillcrest is located in west-central Minnesota on 25 acres of the Ottertail River. Being tucked away in the city of Fergus Falls, Hillcrest is only 45 miles east of Fargo, North Datoka and 150 miles from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Athletic facilities include one full-size gymnasium with a weight room, a full-court soccer field, and a lighted football field.
Hillcrest was founded in 1935 after a group of churches called for a school where their students could process the Christian life. Through the rigorous academic program, students at Hillcrest are directed to engage in the world through the various mission and study-and-mission programs offered.
The Men's and Women's dormitories equip students by encouraging self-directed discipline in their studies. Should a student struggle, the dormitory staff directs, encourages, and mentors students to embrace their responsibilities as young men and women.
Over the past 5 years, 98% of Hillcrest students attend private and state Universities, colleges, or world-mission organizations.
Hillcrest Academy is accredited through the Minnesota Nonpublic Schools Accrediation Association. Hillcrest is also an active member in the Minnesota Independent School Forum and Association of Christian Schools International.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae: G.T. Gunhus - Four-star Army Chaplain, notable during the 9/11 attacks.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy accreditations: Cognia and Minnesota Nonpublic Schools Accrediting Association (MNSAA)
School Motto: Equipping students in a Christ-centered Bible-based environment for lives of eternal significance
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy's tuition is approximately $19,475 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy?
The acceptance rate of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is 70%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
What sports does Hillcrest Lutheran Academy offer?
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Hillcrest Lutheran Academy's ranking?
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Least expensive tuition.
When is the application deadline for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy?
The application deadline for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy is Sep. 1 / Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Sep. 1 / Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Hillcrest is full of history, a legacy of education and impact has already been established. Being a part of this historical and impactful institution gives you a sense of belonging and purpose for something great. . .
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy combines a unique blend of classical Christian education in a rural American setting yet with a dynamic multicultural student body. A dormitory in a community this size is quite unique and provides. . .
Hillcrest is a Christian classical education boarding school. They teach students to think critically about the things they hear.The teachers care about the spiritual growth and faith of their students.Hillcrest’s school building looks like. . .
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