North Cross School
| North Cross School | |
|---|---|
| Motto | Veritas Vincit |
| Established | 1944 |
Academic staff | 64 |
| Students | 462 |
| Location | Roanoke, Virginia, USA |
| Mascot | The Raiders |
| Website | www.northcross.org |
North Cross School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in Roanoke, VA that serves children from age three through twelfth grade. The school was founded in 1944 in Salem, VA and is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The headmaster is Christian J. Proctor, Ph.D. He was appointed in 2011.
School Stats
489 students
45% Faculty with advanced degrees
8:1 Student-to-faculty ratio
13 Average class size
21.5% Students of color
o International students
22% Students receiving financial assistance
77 Campus acres (310,000 m2)
9 Buildings
3 World Languages taught age 3-grade 12
4 Full days devoted to community service
31 Senior speeches to be delivered this year
1 Honor Code
28 Interscholastic sports teams, 6-12
100% College matriculation
Accreditation
North Cross is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
Memberships
North Cross is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admissions Counseling, the Cum Laude Society and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
Athletics
The North Cross School athletic program is based on the knowledge that a well-exercised, competitive young person can learn about himself or herself on the athletic field in a way difficult to match in other areas of school life. The development of the complete person is the goal of both the faculty and the students at North Cross and that goal is enthusiastically pursued in our athletic program.
North Cross School is a charter member of both the Blue Ridge Conference (BRC) for our girls’ teams and the Virginia Independent Conference (VIC) for our boys’ teams at the JV and varsity levels. The varsity football program is a member of the Old Dominion Football Conference (ODFC). North Cross School is also a member of the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association (VISAA). VISAA is the state governing body for independent school athletics and sponsors all state playoffs for varsity sports.
Carter Athletic Center
The Carter Athletic Center (CAC) is a 62,000-square-foot (5,800 m2) facility that offers something for everyone, including swimming lessons for four-year-olds to exercise classes specifically for senior citizens. The CAC is home to the CCA Marlins, a nationally recognized USS swim team.
The CAC originated as the vision of Beirne Carter, the parent of a North Cross School graduate and a member of the Board of Trustees for many years. With the gracious support of Mr. Carter, a well-appointed center was designed with the purpose of providing North Cross School and the surrounding community a facility that promoted the values of healthy competition and physical fitness to the development of well-rounded citizens.
AMENITIES INCLUDE:
• Three basketball/volleyball/badminton courts
• Indoor track
• Cardio equipment
• Heated six lane, 25-yard indoor pool
• Squash and racquetball courts
• Free weight room
• Cybex strength training equipment
• Over 20 group exercise classes per week
• Spacious group exercise studio
• Outdoor tennis courts
• Clinical Exercise Specialist on staff
• Free fitness orientation with membership
• Nationally certified personal trainers
Going Green
North Cross School students and their families, along with the faculty and staff, have embarked on an ambitious effort this year to reduce the School’s "carbon footprint" and increase "sustainability" by “going green.”
The Environmental Action Committee (EAC) began its work over the summer and has developed an extensive plan that involves the entire School community and focuses the School’s energies on a coordinated program. The program has three components: recycling, energy conservation, and education.
In addition to the EAC, three student groups are helping to run the program: SAVE (Students Actively Volunteering for the Environment), the middle school Environmental Club, and the lower school SCA.
One of the first changes the School made in its efforts to “go green” was the transition to environmentally friendly supplies and materials across campus – in classrooms, common spaces, and the Lemon Dining Hall. Additionally, recycling containers are now located in dozens of places across campus.
The Athletic Department has doubled up off-campus game schedules to reduce the number of miles buses travel.
On Nov. 13, 2008, Seeley challenged the entire School to reduce the amount of electricity and natural gas consumed by 10 percent between the first day of the Winter term, Dec. 2, and the last day of April. Other elements of the challenge include reducing the amount of solid waste sent to landfills and instituting school-wide “Grey Days,” in which a concerted effort to turn off unneeded lights will be encouraged. Also on the horizon is a composting program in the Lemon Dining Hall, run by middle school students.
Adding to the educational component to the program, the lower, middle, and upper school each have a special “Green Board,” where energy use, solid waste and recycling numbers is posted, and information about energy issues and programs is displayed. The Boards will be maintained by the student groups involved.
Fundraising Events
Big Flea
Each year, North Cross School holds its annual Big Flea event. This is one of three Red and White fund raising events which supports the mission of North Cross School while increasing important outreach and service to the greater Roanoke Valley. Red and White events consist of three annual events designed to bring the community together to raise awareness about campus resources.
This enormous “yard sale” held for the last 30+ years, sells clothing and household goods donated to North Cross School by families, friends, and local businesses. At the conclusion of the sale, all unsold items are donated to local charities. Proceeds from the Big Flea help support the educational programming at North Cross School.
Field Day
Field Day is the annual “Red and White Festival” that supports the School’s programs. Attended by hundreds of students and parents, plus members of the local community, the two-day event includes an art show, family picnic, athletic competitions, games, music, a food court, bake sale and raffle.
Games and booths, such as a moon bounce, bungee run, cake walk, and face painting are set up for children. Homemade foods like casserole and individually wrapped treats are available for purchase, along with a garden shop with a variety of plants. There is also a raffle drawing each year, giving away prizes like gas cards, jewelry, grocery gift cards, and cruises.
Coordinates: 37°13′33″N 80°00′01″W / 37.225836°N 80.0004°W