Marion W. Cross School

MCS is an excellent school with committed teachers and a focus on education that is beyond cramming as many facts into the child as possible. I pity the children of the parent reviewers who criticise the school's lack of elitism and hot housing! (And there is competition in the school, so not sure where that comes from...) Our only criticism is that the music program is very weak and fails to inspire. Let's hope this is on the list of the new principle.
--Submitted by a parent

I am truly amazed by and completely grateful for this school. High goals are set for students, and teachers put in a great deal of effort helping everyone reach them. Emphasis is also on educating the whole child, and the school walks the walk when it comes to lessons of social responsibility. Arts and Nature instruction are a bonus, though the music program is weak.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent and former student of this school I have seen how far it can take you-- fantastic
--Submitted by a parent

Disappointed, beyond words. The school's primary focus is making everyone 'feel' special. If your child excels, beware! -they will be bored by social feel-good activities and assignments reviewed over and over until everyone gets a good grade. No sport activity allowed in PE -someone's feelings might be hurt. Zero challenge, zero growth. Avoid at all costs!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Marion Cross has wonderful parents and kids, resources, a rich history of school traditions, and some outstanding teachers. All of the teachers are kind and truly care about children. Overall, though, it's a disappointment with some weak teachers who are allowed to do a barely adequate job. The principal is a good disciplinarian but an uninspired leader for staff and is only minimally responsive to parent feedback. Parents looking for academic challenge in the lower grades, and even basic crowd control strategies for the younger children, will be frustrated unless they have extremely good luck and avoid the weakest teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

My family came to Norwich because of the school. Both of our children have done extremely well since we moved here. The school is a positive environment for children with many opportunities to excel. The main problem in Norwich is the hyperfocus some parents have on their children's education. Over the long run, Norwich students do wonderfully in middle and high school. We could not be happier having our kids here! I would advise anyone looking in the Norwich area to visit the school and talk to people in the town. The school is open to discuss parent concerns (which in a town with this many doctors, lawyers and professors, it had better be open), and continues to work with parents and the community to make MCS the best it can possibly be.
--Submitted by a parent

Our decision to relocate to the Upper Valley was cemented after a visit to the Marion Cross School. We have not been disappointed. The multilayered, integrated curriculum is delivered by a talented, nuturing faculty and has addressed the different learning styles of our children. Art, Music, Information Technology, French, P.E., Library Skills, while strong programs on their own, are also woven into and support the the core academic subjects. Under the leadership of our energetic, committed Principal, the recently adopted school philosophy and mission statement is a good example of not only parental involvement, but of interest and involvement of the greater community of Norwich. Is the school perfect? No, of course not, but a recent survey of parents and teachers have helped focus what issues will be worked on over the next year. In an era of growing dissatisfaction with public schools, Marion Cross is what a great school can be.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to the area, as do many people, on account of MCS's reputation. However, we have been sorely disappointed. While there are a select few outstanding teachers (and two of them are leaving to create their own private school), the quality of education is poor. If your child is an average student for whom you feel social development trumps academic development in importance, then perhaps this school will be a good match. However, unless you want to join the ranks of all those parents who now prop up the school's mediocrity (at best) with $60/hour private tutoring, you may want to look elsewhere to promote a strong educational future for your children.
--Submitted by a parent