[6] Groundbreaking took place in November of that year, with a needed bond referendum passing in December 1966 to cover construction of an addition, even before the school was opened.

[10] The early 1970s at Hillcrest saw a number of racially motivated incidents as the demographics of the school's attendance area began to shift.

[18][19] Hillcrest sponsors over 35 extracurricular activities ranging from academic competition and performing arts to cultural and special interests.

[5] Hillcrest competes in the South Suburban Conference (SSC) and is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), which governs most sports and competitive activities in the state.

The school sponsors interscholastic sports teams for both men and women in basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, tennis, track & field, and wrestling.