Classes were first offered in November 1993 under the official name Horizon Bible Institute (HBI). HBI was granted a religious exemption by the State of California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education to allow it to continue operating as an unaccredited school. Many students who have completed HBI's program since 1993 are now in a variety of ministries and continue their education. HBI established a partnership with Azusa Pacific University's Haggard Graduate School of Theology in April 2000. Our graduates were then accepted into the university's accredited graduate programs. Many students took advantage of the relationship to earn their graduate degrees. In 2005, HCSD established a similar relationship with Bethel Seminary of San Diego and with Southern California Bible College and Seminary. Horizon University is a Christian-centered learning environment that allows students to gain critical thinking skills and broad knowledge. It also teaches them how to understand their vocation biblically so they can inspire servant leadership.