Admissions FAQs

We are looking for students who exhibit a natural curiosity about the world in which they live, and students who love to learn and to be in the company of others who love to learn. Crossroads students need the ability to focus, work hard, and be an involved member of the community.

Submitting an application is not necessary before your visit.

Individual campus visits are scheduled throughout the year. Additionally, we offer Discover the Difference open house events and Intro to Kindergarten programs several times each year. Please contact admissions@crossroadsacademy.org for more information.

No, we do not require a standardized admissions test. We ask for results of standardized tests taken at the current school to be sent to Crossroads. Our admissions process looks closely at the whole child — his or her academic, social, and emotional development. We use observation, class visit, and recommendations to help us understand your child as best as we possibly can.

We administer admissions screenings/placement assessments to all students. Kindergarten applicants are encouraged to participate in our Intro to Kindergarten Little Explores Winter Session. Those that do, will have their screening activities for school readiness on the last day of the program. If you are unable to attend, a morning visit to Crossroads for time in the kindergarten classroom/screening can be scheduled once an application is completed. Candidates for first through eighth grades visit for the day and can be tested during the visitation or families can opt to schedule a return visit for a one to two hour admission testing session. The admissions screening consists of tests in reading, reading comprehension, a writing sample, and a math placement test.

At Crossroads, world language instruction begins early. History is the backbone of our program, and through history we have many opportunities to expose our students to languages spoken around the world. We seek and implement ways to augment the international component of our program through occasional lessons presented by native speakers.

Both French and Spanish instruction begin in Kindergarten. In fourth grade, students choose one of these languages to focus on in more depth through eighth grade. Crossroads students gain confidence and facility in French and Spanish through lively class activities. Students acquire a clear sense of French and Spanish culture while learning the basic structure of the language.

Yes, we feel that student attire reflects a sense of self-esteem and concern for others, creating a respectful learning environment. You can review our dress code policy for the 24-25 school year on our website.

As a nonprofit institution, Crossroads is guided by its mission and governed by a voluntary board of trustees. Being an independent school, it retains the right to choose its own curriculum that is academically challenging and enriched by the arts.

With teaching assistants in the Lower School and academic grouping in several classes in the Middle School, class sizes tend to be smaller than those in public schools. For more information about independent schools, check out the National Association of Independent schools NAIS or the Independent Schools Associations of Northern New England ISANNE.

For a young school, we have an outstanding placement record. About half of our eighth grade graduates go back to their local public school. They often place in the honors sections. Our graduates have been accepted in some of the finest independent secondary schools in the country. The secondary school placement office works closely with all our families to assist in the search and application process for secondary schools.

Yes, all Crossroads Academy students participate in community service projects in their classrooms. Students in our Lower School learn about stewardship, compassion, and generosity through our Core Virtues Program. Each class seeks to find ways to give back to the school, the local community, and the larger world community. In the Middle School, our character education classes encourage students to participate in community service both at school and at home. The Penny Drive in December raises money for holiday gifts for The Haven, a shelter for families needing temporary housing.

Financial aid is available but finite and is always need-based. You can learn more by viewing our Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid section. While Crossroads Academy has a generous financial aid program, the budget is limited and we sometimes receive more requests for aid than we can meet. We encourage families to apply for financial aid only after they have determined that, after considering all of their family resources, they will still be unable to pay the full cost of a Crossroads Academy education.

Materials for academic classes (including books, art supplies, etc.) are included in the cost of tuition. Families should expect extra costs from the lunch program, the After Care Program, computers for fifth grade and Middle School students, and the Middle School end-of-the-year trips.

Our students actively participate in the recreation departments in their local communities. As well, club soccer programs through Dartmouth College, the Ford Sayer Ski Program at the Dartmouth Skiway, and gymnastics, AAU basketball, and ballet offer a host of opportunities for children to participate at all levels of athletic ability.

Students at Crossroads Academy come from approximately twenty different towns in the Upper Valley. Parents have found that their children are able to join in and participate in the Crossroads community and remain a part of their town community by participating in town recreational activities, religious organizations, and local clubs. About half of our eighth grade graduates go back into their local public schools. They find the transition relatively easy if they have been involved in after school activities in their towns.

We have students enter our community at every grade level. Typical entry level for Lower School is kindergarten and for Middle School is the sixth grade.

There are many ways we support children and families new to the community. In the Lower School, teachers and assistants work closely with each new student and the family to ensure a smooth transition. All teachers offer office hours on Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00-3:30 p.m. for extra help sessions. Students in the Middle School are assigned an advisor upon entry to Crossroads. Advisors serve as the main contact for families and develop strong relationships with their advisees.