About HPA

One of Florida's largest private virtual cover schools.

Hillcrest Private Academy began as Hillcrest Academy Free School in 2010. Since then, the school has grown into one of Florida’s largest private virtual “cover” schools. Over the years, we have evolved in many ways beyond a name change, expanding both our offerings and resources.

Today, HPA provides multiple curriculum options along with a wide range of supportive resources. We are a Florida Department of Education–registered and recognized private school, offering affordable homeschool cover and services to students in Florida, across the United States, and internationally.

We support home-educating families, students, and tutors by helping manage the documentation required for education compliance. Enrolled students have 24/7 online access to official forms and documents, as well as a robust collection of online resources for homeschool families.

Hillcrest Private Academy is committed to supporting families in their educational journey by equipping students to grow, succeed, and excel. We advocate for educational freedom and serve the homeschool community with integrity, guidance, and resources that nurture both academic and personal development.

Excellence in Education. Freedom in Learning.

HPA maintains compliance with the following state private school statutes in the State of Florida:

  • 1002.42(2)(b)
  • 1012.32
  • 1002.01
  • 1003.23(2)
  • 1003.22(1)(2)
  • 1003.01(13)
  • 1003.21(1).

Our mailing address is:

Hillcrest Private Academy
7150 Tippin Avenue #11456
Pensacola, Florida 32504 United States
850-972-8099
850-739-7877

Enrollment at HPA fully satisfies Florida’s compulsory attendance laws. Our office is located in Escambia County, Florida (school district number 01650). The school district code is 57-5568, and the Florida DOE State ID number is 5568. Our CEEB number is 457283, and our NCES ID is A2392082.

Helping Homeschool Students in Florida and Around the World

While HPA students reside primarily in the State of Florida, USA, we have students worldwide. Like many homeschooling families, most HPA students are taught primarily by their parents. However, we also have an articulation agreement with Florida Virtual School’s online education program. Parents and students of HPA enjoy the freedom to choose the curriculum that best meets the needs of their families.

Florida Options for Compulsory Attendance Laws

There are three options in the Florida Statutes for families who wish to educate their children at home. All three options legally meet the state’s compulsory attendance laws:

  1. Enroll in a non-campus-based private school that is, a private school that facilitates home education and follows the procedures set by the school.
  2. Establish a home education program with the state, as defined in the statutes: Florida State Statutes
  3. Establish a private tutoring program.

Please refer to the Florida School Choice page for further information: floridaschoolchoice.org

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an Umbrella School?

    An “Umbrella” or “Cover” School is the name often given to non-campus-based private schools, in other words, schools like HPA that exist to support homeschooling families. These schools are called this because they provide legal cover to the families enrolled in them.

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  • How much is tuition?

    One-Time Registration Fee Monthly or Yearly Costs* HPA Scholarships and Sponsorships We have a tuition assistance/sponsorship program for those in need. Please see the application process to qualify for the tuition assistance program. If you’d like to donate tuition to the scholarship fund, please visit our donation page. Sponsorship will get you or your business mentioned

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  • When do you accept enrollments?

    HPA is a year-round school, meaning our school term is 365 days from September 1st – August 31st. We accept students at any point during the year. We offer monthly and yearly plans. If you are enrolling late in the year, please remember that our school year does not end until August 31st. If you

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