North Cross School

Our daughter attended North Cross from junior kindergarten through sixth grade, and our overall experience was excellent. My perception is that most schools in Roanoke have a few good teachers, maybe an excellent teacher or two, and quite a few mediocre ones. North Cross' elementary school teachers start at very good, and finish with what have to be the two best fifth grade teachers in the valley. For the most part, the teachers actively engage differentiated learning strategies, challenge each student, and provide a nurturing environment where students participate in the learning process. There are certainly drawbacks at the school, including cliquey students and a high cost of tuition, but the positives far outweigh the drawbacks. Looking back, we would certainly make the same choice again.
--Submitted by a parent

this was the best decision for our son we've made in our lifetime, not only did he improve academically, he excelled athletically.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is quite amazing. My daughters went to this school for there elementary years. Then we unfortunatly moved not to complete middle and high school there as well. In a higher grade you are given the oppurtunity to go to either France or Spain to have further learning on that langauge. You start learning Spanish in first grade and start French in fourth. When you get to sixth grade you may pick which langauge you wish to contine learning. This school is overall very productive and organized. I have only named a few of its outstanding features.
--Submitted by a parent

My child entered North Cross in tenth grade after being in public schools up to this point. The new headmaster is well-respected by students and parents. The attention provided by the teachers is exceptional. There is a wide range of degree of difficulty of classes in the upper school, so you can chose classes accordingly. The school and parent community is very welcoming to newcomers.
--Submitted by a parent

My child entered North Cross in tenth grade after being in public schools up to this point. The new headmaster is well-respected by students and parents. The attention provided by the teachers is exceptional. There is a wide range of degree of difficulty of classes in the upper school, so you can chose classes accordingly. The school and parent community is very welcoming to newcomers.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love North Cross School. It has great opportunities involving sports, and extra curricular. It is just the perfect size so that you feel that your child is getting enough attention, yet not being zeroed in on 24/7. It is an excellent school and I hope you send your child here!!!
--Submitted by a student

Best decision my wife and I have ever made regarding our childs education.
--Submitted by a parent

We were excited to put our child in North Cross for PreK and were assured that she was not among the youngest in her class. We felt preesured by the admissions staff to secure her spot in the early Spring because they could not gurarantee her one unless we gave them a deposit and signed a contract immediately, which we did. (only to learn that there were 21 spaces left at the time). When we learned that our child was among the youngest, we withdrew her (in June) and were told, by the Headmaster, that we would be held accountable for the FULL tuition for the year in which she would not attend. This is predatory and corrupt. Be warned....
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter was in public schools before we moved her here and it made a tremendous difference. She has come out of her shell and is able to engage in any activity/sport that she wishes. If the student is not doing the work you should expect a call. The advisors meet with the student to get progress reports and report back to parent by email or phone. We are kept abreast of good as well as areas that might need help. There is a lot of parent involvement which I find encouraging compared to our previous county school. We are starting the college application process next yr and have already had meetings with the counselor and had recommendations on the process and what help she may be. Much more help when only 20-30 students involved than a class of 400 in the public sector.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a small school and the attention given to the students is great. The honor code is not taken seriously by students, but is strictly enforced by an Honor Council, a group of students who's job is to enforce the Honor Code. The headmaster's of old had great reputations, the one in place now has almost single handidly brought the school to lower standards of expectation. The small atmosphere, again, is great, with close realationships between the lower-classmen and upper-classmen. Overall, it's a good school.
--Submitted by a student