Dear Prospective Parent,

Thank you for your interest in Crossroads Academy. On the chance I might provide you with some small insight, our Head of School, Jean Behnke, asked me to write a letter touching on my experiences as a parent and Trustee. I merely hope my exuberance doesn't undermine my credibility.

As parents of three girls, my wife and I are in our ninth year at Crossroads Academy. Each of our girls has prospered from their first days in kindergarten with Heidi McPherson and Donna Mills. In the early years, we were merely delighted by the enthusiastic faculty, the engaging curriculum, and the bright-eyed peer group. We loved the Egyptian museum in first grade and the clever songs such as "Ibn Batuda, Muslim Explorer." I can remember many proud tears during Friday Assembly as our daughters boldly presented from memory the "Gettysburg Address" or performed "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

But it wasn't until our eldest daughter Ellen reached Middle School that I recognized the powerful cumulative effect of a Crossroads education. The sequenced curriculum created for Ellen a tapestry of knowledge that still impresses me. Also, in these critical adolescent years, I believe the virtues curriculum enriched Ellen's awareness of the moral components of individual choice. Now, having just finished her first year at St. Paul's School with distinction, I am very confident that Crossroads not only provides our students outstanding preparation for a rigorous secondary school program, but prepares them to be wonderful, independent people.

I wish I could measure or properly explain the manner in which I believe Crossroads will shape your child. No doubt it affects all children differently. But I do believe that Crossroads Academy's sequenced curriculum, rich content, virtues program, engaging faculty, committed parents, and wonderful student peers all intermingle to create an incredibly fertile soil for young minds.

Crossroads is also blessed with a talented and dedicated Board of Trustees. In recent years we have been focused on an ambitious capital campaign and the construction of our new northern campus. Through the incredible generosity of our parent community, we completed construction of the Bancroft Campus Center in 2006, which houses our performing arts center, gymnasium, music room, art room, and library.

Thank you again for considering our school. Please do not hesitate to give me a call if I can answer any questions or brag further about my children. I can be reached at 802-785-3100 during the day, 802-785-4001 in the evening, or by e-mail at mark.richardson@valley.net.

Cordially,

Mark B. Richardson
President Emeritus, Board of Trustees
Crossroads Academy