CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Hillcrest Childrens Academy
Hillcrest Children's Academy in North Austin
Hillcrest Children’s Academy offers a faith-filled learning environment sponsored by Hillcrest Church, focusing on the spiritual, academic, and physical development of every child. The program utilizes a play-based curriculum designed to foster kindergarten readiness in a loving atmosphere. With age-specific classrooms and a central, secure outdoor playground, the academy provides a structured yet nurturing space for children to explore and grow. Director Katherine Olinger oversees a program that extends beyond standard childcare to build a genuine community for families. From the specialized infant program starting at 6 weeks to the engaging after-school care for elementary students, the academy emphasizes character formation rooted in biblical values. Parents are welcomed into the fold with unique touches like 'Free Coffee Mondays' and invitations to family-friendly seasonal events, creating a supportive network for Austin families.
What Parents Say
2 reviews from parents
This is a new childcare academy, featuring top of the line quality for care and developmental education!!!
My son went to Hillcrest's Mother's Day Out for 3 years. He enjoyed the teachers, environment and learned many things. They have a great outdoor playground that is in the center of their property and is very secure and my boy enjoyed many days playing there. The director, Margaret, is a pleasure to work with. She is very involved in making sure the children are well taken care of plus lessons and activities done daily. I'd recommend this MDO program to anyone looking!
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns found. As of January 2026, there are no recorded violations, accidents, or legal issues for this facility in the Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) database (License #1825596). News reports of an incident at a 'Hillcrest Academy' in 2023 refer to a different entity in Ohio and are not related to this Austin location.
Parent Reputation
The facility has an emerging reputation as it opened in August 2025. Early parent discussions on community forums like Reddit show it is being considered alongside established local options, and the program is recognized for its affiliation with Hillcrest Church.
Staff Insights
No formal employee reviews were found on Glassdoor or Indeed. Community mentions from late 2025 include one report of high teacher satisfaction from a staff member's relative, and the director, Katherine Olinger, stated an intent to hire staff with experience in Texas Rising Star programs.
Quick Information
Varies by age and schedule
