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A Global Community
North Cross prides itself on being a globally-oriented academic community. Students become global citizens not only by learning about the world beyond their backyards but also by personal interaction with people from various backgrounds. Our international student population enriches the cultural experiences available at North Cross and makes international exposure much more than taking a Global Studies Certificate course or a family trip to a foreign country. 

Our students from ages 3 through grade 12 include almost 600 bright minds from many backgrounds including students from 15 different countries. We are an inclusive community who enjoys and welcomes differing perspectives, celebrates what makes each of us unique and who believes that a community that is more representative of the world at large helps prepare all of our students to make positive and thoughtful contributions to their communities when they leave. With two campuses in Shanghai, China and a sister school in Mendoza, Argentina, our students are able to exchange ideas (and passport stamps) with their counterparts on another continent.

​The Horace G. Fralin Program for Global Studies encourages intellectual and personal growth through travel abroad, guest lectures and a curated set of curriculum requirements. Students who complete this program in the Upper School receive a Global Studies diploma in addition to their North Cross diploma during Commencement.

Scholars from Beyond our Borders

Since 2001, North Cross has hosted students from a variety of countries including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. The international student program at North Cross School offers a college preparatory educational experience for those students who wish to receive an American education in a small, supportive, and challenging environment. Our program produces students who are prepared and eager to succeed and excel at any top-tier college or university.
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Students from over a dozen different nations arrive on campus for orientation.

The Benefits of Attending North Cross as an International Student

Earning admission to an American university is about much more than good grades. Students are asked to define who they are and identify the things that are important to them. Leadership, collaboration, initiative, and personal growth are essential components as well. 

Being an international student at a small school like North Cross pulls you into the fold. The three-season sports requirement ensures that you challenge yourself, develop discipline, and create bonds with teammates and coaches. Our small class size gives you the opportunity to find your voice and share your opinions. Teachers recognize your strengths and weaknesses and work with you to make you the best version of yourself. Opportunities to join the newspaper or yearbook staff allow you to delve into the fabric of our North Cross community while exploring a passion for art, photography, and storytelling. 

Ms. Nicki Dabney, our Director of International Operations, offers additional individual academic support to students and works with faculty members to ensure that international students are succeeding in the classroom. Ms. Julie Aavatsmark, Director of College Counseling, is available to guide all students through the college application process, while Mrs. Sarah Cocowitch, our Upper School Counselor, and is available to students to ensure that all students are given the academic and emotional support necessary to excel inside and outside of the classroom. 

International Campuses

The school also has an international footprint, with two campuses in Shanghai: North Cross Jing’an Campus and North Cross Baoshan Campus. Courses are taught by a faculty composed of both domestic and international staff. For students who wish to seek admission to American universities and colleges, the AP track provides the option to take a rigorous academic course load similar to what American high school students take. These students take courses in Global Studies and U.S. History to meet North Cross graduation requirements. Students seeking admission to schools in the UK have the option to study in the A Level track. Students studying on both tracks have weekly opportunities to participate in clubs and sports.

Prepared

Integrated

Supported
One hundred percent of North Cross students graduate and all attend a college or university prepared to succeed. Our students are fully engaged in a variety of enriching academic, athletic, and artistic endeavors and they achieve because they have been challenged, encouraged, and instructed throughout their time with our experienced faculty and staff. After they receive their diploma, every North Cross graduate goes to a college or university prepared to succeed.

We offer 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 39 of our students this past year were honored as AP Scholars. AP courses include: English Literature and composition; English Literature; Calculus AB; Calculus BC; Computer Science A; Computer Science Principles; Statistics; Latin; Spanish Language and Culture; French; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Comparative Government and Politics; Human Geography; US History; World History; and Studio Art 2-D Design.
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Many of our students are enrolled in and will earn a Global Studies Scholar designation on their diploma from the Horace G. Fralin Program for Global Studies. In this exceptional program, students take required courses, attend seminars and lectures, write papers and reflections, experience foreign travel, and meet with faculty regularly to discuss global issues. Those who have an eye for engineering and design can also follow our STEM Certificate track where students take a number of required courses, participate in co-curricular STEM activities (like Coding or Robotics Clubs) and complete their senior year with a Capstone Research Project and presentation.
​With a student body of approximately 500 (from age 3 through 12th grade) and a campus with strong athletic, theater, and art facilities, our students know one another and are known personally by our faculty and staff. Our average class size is 14 students, and our student to teacher ratio is 8:1. In other words, our environment stresses the value of close relationships—with teachers and with other students. 

We believe in and provide every student with a well-rounded student experience. While we stress academic rigor, we encourage every student to take full advantage of our variety of interscholastic sports, ongoing fine and performing arts, clubs, and community service opportunities, which are both school-sponsored and student led. Students who engage beyond the classroom have a richer and more rewarding education; and they develop lifelong bonds with their fellow classmates.
You want your child to be in an environment that is comfortable, gives them a place to study and rest, and one that introduces them to the American lifestyle so they may be ready for an college in the United States if that is your and their goal.

North Cross is affiliated with the Wilson Boarding Program which provides an exceptional boarding experience to international and regional domestic students, as well. Living in a historic downtown dormitory, students have the advantage of being close to school, and the excitement of living in an active and vibrant downtown location, close to restaurants, museums, and other features such as the farmers’ market and shopping.  

​As with any learner, occasionally, our international students may need additional support. When students have questions about classwork, or need extra help, our faculty are accessible to students during, before, and after class. In addition, for longer periods of help, our on-campus Learning Center is available if tutoring, e.g. for English proficiency or subject-specific instruction, is requested. We also have a full-time guidance counselor who is available to all students.​

Heard in the Halls

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Kamen Petkov '25
"I really like the teachers here. They are very friendly and motivate us to do better. I also like that there are students here of every age that you can form connections with, and that we are able to learn something from each other. We don't have that back home in Bulgaria."

How to Apply

To make sure our classes are full of bright and aspiring individuals, our applicants need to demonstrate solid academic scores, receive strong teacher recommendations, and show co-curricular and community interests. To succeed in our classrooms requires students to possess a command of the English language—both oral and written.  
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In order for the North Cross admissions team to get to know our International applicants better, we offer online interviews via Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. If you would like to schedule an interview, please email Matthew Gilliland, Director of Admission & Financial Aid, at [email protected]. 

The interview will give you an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to our admission team and is an easy way to conduct an interview for applicants unable to visit our U.S. campus.