Financial Aid Philosophy
As a Christian school, we have a responsibility to make the Hillcrest Christian experience available to talented and dedicated students. These students can either be new to the Hillcrest family, or long time members.
By creating the Hillcrest Christian School Financial Assistance Program, opportunities arise to attract academically talented, highly motivated student leaders that contribute positively to the makeup of our student body. These outstanding students are positive representatives of our school. Through their accomplishments, Hillcrest’s reputation as a leader in Christian education and as a college preparatory school can only be accentuated.
Financial Aid is money that is given to help students pay for their education. The financial aid fund was created at Hillcrest to benefit new families who wish to enroll, but to also provide financial assistance to our existing families. The funds are finite, so the amount of financial aid awarded is limited to just the amount available in the program. Hillcrest does not guarantee that it can meet the needs of any student simply because they qualify for financial assistance.
We make every effort to provide financial assistance to qualified students. In turn though, we expect the families to make a commitment to their child’s education. They bear the primary responsibility to finance the child’s education, and have an obligation to pay for the educational expense of their children to the extent of their ability.
Students who request financial assistance will not receive aid until they have been accepted into Hillcrest Christian School through the admissions process. The application for financial assistance has no bearing on admissions into the school.
Students are accepted into Hillcrest based on academic performance and personal qualities. The process of determining admissions and financial assistance are separate.

About the Program
Tuition assistance is awarded to students whose families do not have sufficient financial resources to afford the tuition at Hillcrest, but want their child to have a Christian education.
Tuition assistance is only available to students in grades 1st – 12th.
All applicants must complete our admissions / re-enrollment process before they can file for assistance.
Tuition assistance covers tuition only. Assistance amounts vary from case to case.
Applicants need to understand that they will be responsible for a portion of their child’s tuition.
Tuition assistance is for one year only. Applicants must re-apply each year.
Applicants apply for aid through School & Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) located in Princeton, NJ.
When determining eligibility, the family’s financial situation and personal circumstances are considered. The student's academics and character are examined as well.
Recipients of tuition assistance must adhere to the rules and regulations of Hillcrest and display positive character and leadership at all times.
All information remains confidential at Hillcrest and should remain confidential within the applicant’s household.
The HCS Financial Aid Committee is responsible for reviewing and making a determination in each case.

How do I apply?
1. If you are new to Hillcrest Christian School, you should first begin the admissions process.
2. If you are an existing member, contact the Hillcrest Christian School Admissions Office to schedule an interview and receive the required financial aid packet. School & Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) provides this packet. The forms you will be completing are commonly referred to as the SSS forms.
3 Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) that is found in the SSS packet and make a copy for your files.
4. The Hillcrest Christian School SSS Code is 2087. This code must be included on the application.
5. Mail the original PFS form and a check for the applicable fee payable to SSS. An envelope is provided.
6. A personal letter, stating why you and your family have a need for financial assistance and your reasons for wanting your child(ren) to attend Hillcrest Christian School, must be submitted to the HCS Admissions Office. The letter must be in our office before assistance is considered.
7. SSS will evaluate your information and send a copy of their report to the HCS Financial Aid Committee. The committee will review your case and contact you with the results.