The school was founded in 1942 as a not for profit day and boarding school for children of missionaries and other children as able. Today a majority of students come from Nigeria, with a good number of expatriate students. Admission is open for all. The school is owned and operated by a board of governors representing the Christian cooperating bodies involved in Hillcrest.
Hillcrest is headed by a Superintendent, and is divided into three schools, each with a principal. Elementary School is Kindergarten through 5th grade. Middle School is 6th through 8th grade and High School is 9th through 12th grade, and offers Advanced Placement classes. Annually, almost all graduates are admitted into the western university or college of their choice, in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, or New Zealand.
