FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much homework is given?
On average, middle schoolers should expect 30 minutes of homework per class each night. Upper schoolers should expect 45 minutes of homework per class each night. Classes do not meet every day therefore some nights there will be more homework than others. Longer reading assignments are sometimes assigned on nights when classes will not meet the following day to give students more time to complete assignments.
2. What athletics are offered?
Middle School
In the fall, Boys/Girls Soccer and Volleyball is offered. In the winter, we offer Girls and Boys Basketball. In the spring, all students may participate in Track and Field.
Upper School
In the fall, we offer Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, and Girls Volleyball. In the winter, we offer Girls and Boys Basketball at both the varsity and junior varsity level. In the spring, we offer Girls and Boys Track and Field, Girls Soccer, and Boys Baseball.
3. I am not great at sports. Can I still play on a team?
At Crossroads College Prep, we have a no-cut policy, meaning there are no try-outs for teams. On average, about 80% of our student body participates in at least one interscholastic sport. Our athletic program operates on a “personal best” approach and encourages players to develop skill, coordination and good sportsmanship at all levels. We also have a great Chess Team and Jazz Orchestra. All players are expected to work hard and try their best for their own growth as well as the growth of the team. Our teams are competitive and our players are dedicated to themselves and each other.
4. How long is the school day?
School begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. Students are allowed to arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and can be picked up as late as 6:00 p.m. Teachers are available after school until 4:00 p.m.
5. Is there a dress code at Crossroads College Prep?
Our emphasis is on academics, yet we are also a community. Part of being in a community is respecting all constituents of that community while maintaining individuality. Students are expected to dress appropriately and comfortably. Clothing that is offensive (including, but not limited to, material encouraging racism, sexism, homophobia, drugs and alcohol) will not be tolerated. Hair color must be that of one which occurs naturally on humans.
6. What is the academic program like?
Our upper school program is taught in a traditional college preparatory manner. We encourage hands on, student-centered learning and our teachers are dynamic and innovative. All seniors must take a college course on a college campus. Most students complete six years of science, math, English, and social studies, as well as five years of foreign language. Art electives are offered as well as activity periods which have included in the past things like journalism, yearbook, and song writing. Activities change as the interests of students and faculty change so there are a variety of activities offered each semester.
7. What about college counseling?
We have a college counselor who has been working with students at Crossroads College Prep in college placement for the past 18 years. 100% of Crossroads College Prep students go on to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation and beyone. The class of 2007 earned over $2.5 million dollars in merit based scholarships! Families begin working with the college counselor during the student’s junior year. At Crossroads College Prep, teachers and administrators are extremely familiar with each of the students. The college counselor knows each student’s strengths and weaknesses and possesses a wealth of knowledge about the different universities and colleges. Our students find the college process less stressful knowing that there is someone they can trust and who knows them well to counsel them through this time.
8. What are the faculty members like?
Our faculty members are dedicated individuals who possess a love not only for teaching, but also for learning. Our teachers are constantly attending workshops and conferences in their fields for enrichment and enjoy diversifying their teaching styles. They are interesting, diverse, and seek to educate the whole child. A number of our faculty members hold advanced degrees or are working towards it. All have come from strong undergraduate programs. Please refer to the personnel list and faculty bios for more information.
9. What is expected of me as a parent?
Parents are encouraged to be involved in the community. There are opportunities to volunteer for school events such as our annual Gala night, school field trips and outings, as well as opportunities to serve on various committees. There is a Parent Resource Organization that is active and serves all the constituents of the school community. Throughout the year, there are opportunities for parents to participate in various parent coffees, Open House, our multicultural potluck and other events hosted by different groups. Parents are also expected to contribute financially to our Annual Giving Campaign. Tuition alone does not cover the cost per child to attend Crossroads College Prep thus contributing in this manner is vitally important to the health and well being of the school.
10. What about students with learning disabilities?
Crossroads College Prep is committed to diversity in all areas including intellectual ability. We admit students from a range of different educational backgrounds. While we do not have a special education department, we have a learning specialist and teachers who are dedicated and prepared to work with certain modifications if a student has a diagnosed learning disability.
11. What if my child gets sick?
While we do not have a school nurse, we do our best to assist students who are not feeling well. If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she should report to the administrative assistant who will take the student’s temperature. If the student is running a fever, parents will be contacted to pick up the child. We request that you keep your child home if he or she is sick.