THE CROSSROADS DIFFERENCE
Your Child Here
1ST DAY OF SCHOOL
Our children’s experiences at Crossroads have been transformative. Never have we encountered such an intentional and successful balance of challenge and compassion. Students at Crossroads are taught to dig deeper on subjects and collaborate in all that they do, and all of it is undertaken with genuine kindness. —Fifth and Seventh Grade Parent
WE ARE SCHOLARS
WE ARE COURAGEOUS
WE ARE CROSSROADS
KLEE BUILDING
Home of our kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms
TREEHOUSE CLASSROOM
A breakout space for all grade levels
Here, you’ll also hear our strings students practicing throughout the day
NHAS LAB
The New Hampshire Academy of Science (NHAS) is hosted on the Crossroads campus
TORTI FAMILY PLAYGROUND
FANGER CENTER
Home of our sixth through eighth-grade classrooms and state-of-the-art science lab
140 Acres for Students to Grow
HEWES
BROOK & HOOPES
LOOP
TRAIL
BANCROFT CAMPUS CENTER
of
co-curricular classes
Knowledge and virtue help children grow as curious students and kind human beings.
The Core Knowledge Sequence
builds a strong foundation of academic fluency in geography, history, literature, math, and science.
Crossroads Academy was the first independent school to implement the Core Knowledge Sequence.
Our Core Virtues Program
cultivates lifelong habits of the heart that enhance our human experience as caring individuals.
Developed at Crossroads Academy in 1992.
Core Knowledge
The Core Knowledge sequence is the foundation of the Crossroads Academy curriculum. It presents a detailed outline of the content and skills to be taught throughout all grade levels. Our teachers adapt their own unique and engaging methods to teach the subject matter while following the specific content that is outlined and builds from year to year.
Context Specific
Teaching content in a context-specific way means that ideas, people, geography, and sayings are taught in the context of the time period or domain. Students make connections to prior knowledge, other subjects, and real life.
Content Rich
Our curriculum engages students by introducing them to the world, past and present. It also communicates high expectations. In each grade, the sequence covers language and literacy, mathematics, history and geography, science, visual arts, and music.
Cumulative
The curriculum spirals from basic to advanced content to ensure that knowledge builds within and across grade levels.
Core Virtues
During each month, we focus on a specific set of virtues which are explored through a morning gathering, the posting of inspiring definitions in classrooms, the daily reading of literature, and community service.
As defined by our founder, Mary Beth Klee, Core Virtues are traits of character that define human moral goodness. At Crossroads, we strive to foster these character traits through discussions, illustrations in literature and history, through intentional reflection, community service, and through the ethos and tone of conduct in our school and our playgrounds.
Unity of Academic and Moral Virtues
We believe that virtues such as perseverance, intellectual honesty, and courage are both academic and moral virtues. This belief is reflected in the school motto, “Scientia Virtusque,” or Knowledge and Virtue. The virtues create an ethos of responsibility and caring that fosters a disciplined, passionate, and cooperative pursuit of our program. As students master the content and practice of the virtues, they gain an appreciation of who they are and who they aspire to be.
Lower School (Grades K–5)
Virtues are integrated by reading picture and chapter books as well as reflections on virtues found in history and language arts. Teachers often ask students to reflect and write about the virtues during lessons.
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Character building is an essential part of everyday life in Middle School. Through class meetings, social interactions, community service, leadership opportunities, literary character analysis, and character development discussions, students are dedicated to emphasize the importance of being good people.
September
Respect: Treating others politely, kindly, and with high regard
Responsibility:
Doing our part for the groups that make us whole
October
Hope: Finding light in the darkness and trusting in right endings
Joy:
The fullness of spirit that blooms from the loving heart
Wonder:
To stop and say, “Wow!” The first step towards knowledge
November
Gratitude:
Thankfulness for the gift of life and the gifts in life
Stewardship:
Caring well for the gifts given to us: our life, our world, our talents, and those entrusted to our care
December
Generosity: Giving without the thought of getting
Service:
Helping others with a cheerful heart
January
Courage: Doing what is right even in the face of fear
Humility: Avoiding the temptation to exaggerate our own abilities or underestimate those of others
February
Diligence: Doing what needs to be done with devotion, dedication, and determination
Perseverance: Pushing on despite difficulty and hardship, and sticking with things even when you would rather give up
March
Integrity:
Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking
Justice: Giving others their due
April
Self-Control: Stopping to think about our actions before we enact them
Self-Discipline:
Giving the best of ourselves, and saying, “no” to our weaknesses
May
Compassion:
Feeling what others are feeling and trying to help them with their feelings
Forgiveness: Freeing ourselves from anger and others from guilt
June
Wisdom: Knowledge of the things that matter
Loyalty: Being faithful and true to our duties, relations, and ideals
Discover the Crossroads Difference
A Crossroads education inspires and encourages children and adolescents alike to be kind and well-educated people—to think of others and to act with respect, compassion, and generosity.
STRONG MINDS SCIENTIA V
Advanced Curriculum
Crossroads teaches advanced reading, writing, and math and enriches these with studies in history, geography, science, literature, art, languages, PE, and music. Through cross-subject and content-based education, students gain a deeper understanding of all aspects of their education.
IRTUSQUE V
KIND HEARTS
Service Learning
We believe that demonstrating acts of kindness and compassion are necessary when learning what it means to be a responsible citizen of the world.
Educating the Whole Child
Crossroads teachers infuse Core Virtues into each and every unit of study. Students are taught to use their gifts for the good of those around them, and to be thoughtful and respectful people.
Learning the Crossroads Way
Crossroads begins building for success in our lowest grades. Our small class sizes allow for each teacher to fully know each child, and understand their needs. Whether we are learning at a desk or at the brook, students feel free to ask for help, to challenge themselves, and to strive for greatness each day.
Academic Support
6:1
Teacher Ratio
Learning experiences are designed based on how the brain learns best. Crossroads’ pedagogy is neuroscience-informed. Teachers provide active engagement, multisensory input, and varied assessments that guide students toward success in all areas–both academically and socially. Our individualized instruction amidst an academically rigorous curriculum is designed based on what we know about how the brain develops, learns, and thrives.
Student:
Unique Instruction
World Languages, Art, Music, Strings, Library, and Physical Education all offer opportunities for cross-subject teaching. Students dive deeper into their core subject units within their co-curricular classes
Two-Year Kindergarten Program
Classroom-ready four year olds are encouraged to apply for our two-year kindergarten program. Young learners, who experience two years in kindergarten, experience a jump start on their learning journey at Crossroads, ensuring a strong foundation in essential academic and social skills.
Math Track Placement
Depending on ability, students are placed in a math class just right for them.
Students have the opportunity to advance to our accelerated honors math track.
Outdoor Learning
Our Treehouse and Outdoor Classrooms, Hewes Brook, and the Hoopes Loop Trail all offer room to explore outside the classroom and learn in new and exciting environments
Small Class Sizes
Individualized instruction that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and mastery. Students in each class thrive in a tightknit environment capable of moving at the pace that fits them best.
Students of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Crossroads students are inspired by their teachers and peers to be curious students, compassionate friends, open-minded thinkers, respectful humans, and diligent workers.
Advanced Early Literacy Program
At Crossroads, literacy starts early.
Children master the fundamentals through a structured phonics program, joyful read-alouds, and hands-on practice. Students practice spelling, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills each and every day.
Commitment to Accelerated English
As they grow, they are guided into more complex texts where they don’t just decode words—they unlock meaning, ask questions, and connect ideas across subjects.
Developing Proficiency in Composition, Grammar, Diction, and Syntax
Students support one another and grow in confidence, helping them to succeed in school and beyond.
Each kindergarten and first-grade student is assigned a fifth-grade buddy at the start of the school year. Buddies meet weekly to participate in group activities, and provide one-on-one support both inside and outside the classroom.
“I learned that challenges that may seem impossible at first, can be accomplished if you trust in yourself and persevere even when it’s hard.” –Fourth Grade Student
Building Skills for Success
From their first days in Kindergarten, to their graduation in eighth grade, students spend a significant amount of time learning and fine-tuning their public speaking skills through numerous onstage performances.
Students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and build upon the Core Virtues that are woven into the Crossroads Academy curriculum.
At Crossroads, world language learning begins in Kindergarten!
Our youngest students explore French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish while discovering the cultures, traditions, and holidays of more than 20 countries across every continent.
By third grade, students dive into Spanish and French, choosing their focus language by fourth grade—and continuing their journey through hands-on activities, cultural exploration, and growing fluency all the way through eighth grade!
Middle School Science and STEM
The New Hampshire Academy of Science (NHAS) and Crossroads Academy have implemented a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Certificate to acknowledge Crossroads’ student achievements in STEM.
STEM Track students learn directly from NHAS professional scientists through experiments in the NHAS labs and produce a capstone project.
Students simultaneously receive a fulfilling Middle School STEM education, enhanced with math and science extracurricular and leadership activities with Crossroads’ math and science faculty.
These students ultimately graduate with a STEM Certificate from Crossroads Academy.
Co-Curricular Strategic Learning
Crossroads Academy proudly offers co-curricular options in addition to each student’s core classroom learning experience.
Learning Creatively
Music
Whether in music class, strings lessons, or chorus ensemble practice, students at Crossroads are exposed to a wide variety of techniques and skills. Students in first and second grade are introduced to the violin with weekly strings lessons. Once in third, fourth, and fifth grade, students will advance to the string ensemble or choose to be a member of the chorus ensemble. Students take part in a variety of formal and informal performances each year.
Performing Arts
After having developed performing skills through countless plays, speeches, and other performances in Lower School, Middle School students participate in Performing Arts classes, culminating with a spring show for the broader community. Students may choose to participate as members of the tech and lobby crew, learn to work the sound and/or lights systems, create engaging backdrops and scenery, or perform on the stage!
Visual Arts
Our visual arts program allows students to explore their creativity while linking projects to timely academic units in their core classes. This provides a perfect blending of historical context and a stronger understanding of ideas and methods for student artwork.
Taking Care of Ourselves
Physical Education
P.E. classes are based on key components of healthy living while reinforcing Core Knowledge and Core Virtues. While students are studying Ancient Greece, they will practice some of the first Olympic games during P.E. class. Units are built specifically to foster an in-depth understanding of the student experience across all subjects.
Health
Health class is offered to students in sixth through eighth grade. In class, students learn about living healthy lifestyles, the importance of taking good care of our bodies through diet and exercise, and about mental health. It is a time for students to ask questions and grow in their confidence as young adolescents.
Literacy Learning
In order to fully comprehend our Core Knowledge units, students are taught the fundamentals of reading and research early on.
Our library holds over 12,000 books for kindergartners through eighth-grade students. Lower School students spend time in the library each week.
WE ARE DYNAMIC
WE ARE LEADERS
Crossroads Academy’s personalized placement process guides families through the many options available to them.
From Advanced High Schools
Brooks School
Brewster Academy
Burke Mountain Academy
Cardigan Mountain School
Choate Rosemary Hall
Concord Academy
Concord-Carlisle High School
Deerfield Academy
Emma Willard School
Georgetown Day School
Graf-Munster-Gymnasium
Groton School
Hanover High School
Hartford High School
The Hill School
Holderness School
Holton-Arms School
The Hotchkiss School
Kent School
Kimball Union Academy
The King’s Academy
Landon School
Lebanon High School
The Loomis Chaffee School
Maret School
Middlesex School
Milton Academy
Miss Porter’s School
Northfield Mount Hermon
The Northwest School
Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Exeter Academy
Plymouth Regional HS
Pomfret School
Portsmouth Abbey School
Proctor Academy
Proof School
The Putney School
Rivendell Academy
To Prestigious Colleges and Universities
Alfred University
Amherst College
Babson College
Bates College
Bayreuth University
Biola University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Bucknell University
Carleton College
Clark University
Clarkson University
Colby College
Colgate University
College of William & Mary
College of Wooster
Colorado College
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dalhousie University
Dartmouth College
Davidson College
Denison University
Duke University
The Sharon Academy
Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket
St. Albans School
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Paul’s School
Tabor Academy
The Taft School
Thetford Academy
Valley Forge Military Academy
Westminster School
Woodsville High School
Eckerd College
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Fordham University
Georgia Tech
Georgetown University
Gordon College
Harvard University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Ithaca College
Keene State College
Kenyon College
Lehigh University
Loyola Marymount University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Middlebury College
Montana State University
Mt. Allison University
Mt. Holyoke College
New York University
Northeastern University
Northern Vermont University
Northwestern University
Notre Dame University
Oberlin College
Parsons School of Design
Princeton University
Rice University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Stanford University
St. John’s University
St. Lawrence University
St. Michael’s College
St. Olaf College
Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth
Tufts University
Union College
United States Naval Academy
University of California at Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Connecticut
University of Georgia
University of Maine
University of Michigan
University of Montana
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina
University of Oklahoma
University of Pennsylvania
University of Puget Sound
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of St. Andrews
University of San Diego
University of Southern
California School of Cinematic Arts
University of Tampa
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Washington and Lee University
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Wheaton College
Williams College
How to Apply
1. Submit the Online Inquiry Form: www.crossroadsacademy.org/inquire.
2. Schedule a Campus Visit: admissions@crossroadsacademy.org
3. Apply Online: www.crossroadsacademy.org/apply
Please be sure to complete all checklist items along with the application.
• A recent photograph of the applicant (not required, but strongly encouraged).
• The application fee, which can be paid online by credit card.
• School records and teacher recommendations.
• Parent Questionnaire
Applications are processed on a rolling basis in the order they are received. If you need assistance, please contact our Admission team at (603) 795-3111 or email admission@crossroadsacademy.org.
Eighth graders ring the bell on their graduation day.
Kindergartners ring the bell on their first day of school