Hillcrest Academy, a subsidiary of Chapel on the Hill, was birthed in the hearts of Elders Genius Wells, Neville Wisdom, Lionel Sands and Board Members of Chapel on the Hill. They then sought the Ministry of Education’s approval by seeking permission for Mrs. Judith Dawkins to be seconded to spearhead the operation of the school as Director/Principal.
The school opened its doors on September 16th 1996 at 7:30 a.m. The total enrollment on that morning was four students, Brandon Happy Anderson, Archelous Pennerman, Denisha Penerman, Dylika Adderley, three teachers Miss. Sheena Collins, Miss Bridgette Ferguson, Miss Anishka Ferguson and two nursery attendants Mrs. Lavern Rolle and Miss Sheryl Marsh along with our Principal, Mrs. Judith Dawkins.
On September 23rd six other students were added. The student body continued to grow throughout the term.
In October 1996 we officially opened the school on a Sunday after our regular church service and in attendance were the Director of Education, Mrs. Zelma Dean, Assistant Director, Mrs. Elma Garraway, Pastor & Mrs. Dave Cash, Elder & Mrs. Neville Wisdom, Elder & Mrs. Genius Wells, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dawkins, the School Board members, teachers and members of Chapel on the Hill.
When we returned from our Christmas holiday in January 1997 the school’s
student count increased to twenty three. At the end of the 1997 school year we closed with a total of 52 students. For the last ten years we have begun
our new goal of building the new primary division. To date we have completed the first floor and continue to press forward in completing the seconded stage in short order.
As we enter our 20th year of Christian education in The Bahamas as of September 2015 with a total of 170 students presently attending, a staff of 16 trained and experienced teachers, three nursery attendants, two custodians, a kitchen staff, two administrators and our Principal, Mrs. Judith Dawkins, we give all glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Mission Statement
Hillcrest Academy will provide children with the opportunity to share, discuss and interact in a meaningful and purposeful atmosphere that is Christ centered as well as Child centered.
Philosophy
The principal element of Hillcrest Academy is to make JESUS, Lord and Soon Coming King. Based on this premise the school’s climate will allow children to grow spiritually, to socialize unselfishly, to construct, to inquire, to experiment and to create artistically. It is hoped that such avenues will foster physical growth, improve coordination, and stimulate the thought process as well as provide an opportunity for individual choices.