Bethany Christian School plans for merge in 2026
On Jan. 10, Bethany Christian School [BCS] , a kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Thousand Oaks, announced a plan to merge with Hillcrest Christian School [HCS], a kindergarten through twelfth-grade school, at the start of the 2026-27 school year. The decision made by the school’s church elders will permanently close the BCS campus, but continue to hold services in the campus’ church. Many have referred to this change as abrupt, and have complained that their families will be left searching for a new school district, due to the increase in cost of tuition from BCS to HCS. All staff members at BCS are being offered positions at HCS to help with the transition and BCS students are being offered priority enrollment.
At first, parents and families expressed concerns as they were left with only a few weeks to enroll their children into new schools, resulting in the transition being pushed back from the 2025 school year to 2026. However, many also consider this a positive change, as both schools have a deep history and will be able to merge and grow because of their connection. Julie Shannon, head of BCS, along with BCS administration, encouraged families to attend HCS following the closing of the BCS campus. “This news has been challenging because not all families are choosing to remain at Bethany for next year, but we are excited for those who choose to stay,” Shannon said.
A current eighth-grade student, Victoria Gonzales, has attended BCS since kindergarten. “It took some time to accept the thought that [BCS], the school I grew up in, was not going to be a school anymore,” Gonzales said. Although she will be moving onto high school next year, it still comes as a shock to her as all the memories and moments spent at the school will be in the past.
Keira Overbeck, alumna of BCS and sophomore at NPHS, was surprised to hear about the merge. “The school meant a lot to me growing up and it is really sad that other kids will not be able to be blessed like I was,” Overbeck said. BCS works to provide a place for biblical based learning and help to raise money for multiple Chrisitan causes.
With much change ahead, BCS hopes to provide a great education for all who chose to stay. “The school administration, faculty, staff, and families are thrilled to be able to continue the wonderful 51-year educational and spiritual legacy of the school,” Shannon said. With everything that has happened with the school, Shannon was able to hold onto the memories made at the school and is ready to keep her options open as the transition begins.
