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Thousand Oaks

Two Premier Conejo Valley Private Schools Unite for Stronger Future

Two of the Conejo Valley’s leading private schools, each with more than 50 years of history and extensive local constituencies, have decided to merge beginning this fall, creating a single entity to better serve the area’s Christian families.

Starting in August 2025, Bethany Christian School (BCS) and Hillcrest Christian School (HCS) will operate as Hillcrest Christian School, a ministry of Bethany Bible Church, with operational governance overseen by the HCS board. The newly-combined school will be located at Hillcrest’s present campus and will build on the strengths and legacies of both institutions, say leaders.

“This partnership brings together two schools with rich histories of faith and academic excellence, creating a stronger foundation for the future while remaining deeply committed to honoring God, nurturing students, and serving families,” leaders of the schools and the church said in a combined statement. “We are excited to build on the strong foundations established by both schools and take this partnership as an opportunity to expand, innovate, and grow. … We believe this transition represents not just a continuation of our legacies but a bold step forward into a brighter, more impactful future.”

The move is motivated by both opportunities and challenges. For one, BCS was running out of space. Occupying property zoned as a church, the school and church had outgrown their shared campus and faced hurdles to plans to expand and modernize. On Sundays before the worship service, many adult members attended classes in rooms with chairs and desks intended for children. The sharing of the sanctuary required repeated set-up and tear-down of various configurations of chairs, risers and musical instruments.

The church’s elders, who oversee the school, say they “carefully reviewed multiple options” including purchasing the former La Reina High School property before deciding on the present path.

Hillcrest, meanwhile, had moved to a spacious campus on Wilbur Road near Moorpark Road in 2020 and have plenty of large classrooms and labs, a playground, a coffee shop and plans to add new Early Education playgrounds and enhanced car lanes and parking. But as an independent Christian entity, Hillcrest wanted to fortify itself against potential challenges posed by government policies to religious freedoms, parental authority and bodily autonomy by coming under the protective covering of a church.

The newly-combined school will retain Hillcrest’s name but operate as a ministry of Bethany Bible Church and will embody the identities and traditions of both schools. “Branding, storytelling, and events will highlight the combined legacy, reinforcing connections with alumni and the community,” they said in a statement. “The leadership recognizes the significance of both Bethany Christian School and Hillcrest Christian School and their shared legacy in the region. The goal is to honor the history and reputations of both institutions while also reflecting the unity and tradition that the unified school will represent.”

John Spach is president of the Hillcrest Christian Board and a parent of children who attended both HCS and BCS.

“I am grateful for both these institutions and how they contributed to fostering a Christian worldview and offered high-quality curricula that laid a foundation for their later years of education,” Spach
 says. “My family fondly recalls chapel sessions, singing and acting recitals, athletic events and community service outreach to name a few. But ultimately it was the impact the devoted teachers had as they planted seeds of faith and cared for our children beyond expectation. As board president of HCS, I am expectant that the Lord will bless the coming together and strengthening of all the families represented now and in years to come.”

The schools have already begun to merge their leadership, governance and operational processes in a season of “joint events, and gradual alignment of academic programs and staff roles,” according to information provided by the schools. They promised “clear communication, strategic planning, and exciting events to build trust and enthusiasm” which will include open forums for questions, campus tours and meet-and-greet gatherings.

“We envision a thriving institution that develops students both academically and spiritually, empowering them to impact the world for the Gospel,” the church’s elders wrote in a letter to families. “As we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we see His guiding hand leading us to this partnership.”

Elizabeth Mathis, a Hillcrest graduate and now associate head of school at BCS, says she feels “privileged to serve Bethany Bible Church by helping to unify these two schools. Our deepest desire is to be a school that partners with parents in raising children with a strong faith, fostering academic excellence and discipling them to become the next generation of leaders.”

All BCS staff members will have a position at HCS and will be integrated into roles aligned with their skill sets. Student-teacher ratios will remain the same or improve.

One change for BCS families will be the switch to what is called a “covenantal admissions model” which requires at least one parent to profess faith in Christ and maintain active church attendance. As for enrollment, current BCS students will receive priority and have plenty of opportunities to tour the campus and shadow students at Hillcrest before the next academic school year begins.

“We’re excited for this next chapter of ministry,” says Paul Twiss, teaching pastor at the church. “Under the leadership of Bethany Bible Church, we believe the new school will create more opportunities for the gospel in the Conejo Valley. Our goal is to offer a truly Christ-centered education that will benefit our children and families for generations.”

Leaders believe the union will enhance educational programs, create greater influence and stability in the local Christian community, and give the new institution financial power to significantly upgrade classrooms, sports fields and other facilities. Already, a multi-purpose gymnasium, which also will host chapel services and arts performances, is being expedited for completion for the 2026-27 academic year.

Dan Vande Pol, Hillcrest’s Head of School, says students of the new school will also benefit from Hillcrest’s dual-enrollment option for college credit through Azusa Pacific University. Dual enrollment and AP courses provide an opportunity to earn up to a year of college credits while in high school on our campus. As a fully accredited school, we are pursuing launching an accredited homeschool hybrid program in 2026 for elementary school students that will complement our existing secondary hybrid program.

HCS and BCS began informing their staffs of the merger in early January and planned a public announcement for January 10, 2025. Leaders of both entities are bringing the communities together to integrate their distinct values and cultures.

Adrian Medina, chairman of Bethany Bible Church’s elder board, says the leaders of each institution believe the partnership is “a step of faith and obedience to God’s calling, ensuring that Christian education remains deeply rooted in biblical values.”

“Together, we are establishing a vibrant community committed to raising up students who are spiritually grounded, academically prepared and ready to serve God and others with excellence,” Medina says.

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