ADMISSIONS GUIDE 2024
ABOUT NORFOLK CHRISTIAN
History
Norfolk Christian was the sixth Christian school established in Virginia and is the oldest K-12 Christian school in Hampton Roads Founded in 1952, its purpose was to provide a school for Christian families that offered exceptional academics while reinforcing their Biblical values and beliefs This commitment to academic excellence drove NCS to be one of the first Christian schools in the region to pursue and obtain accreditation Our long legacy of academic and programmatic excellence, grounded in a Gospel-centered worldview, has made Norfolk Christian one of the most esteemed Christian schools in the country.
Mission
It is the mission of Norfolk Christian Schools to equip students spiritually, intellectually and physically to love God and serve Him as Christ’s Ambassadors in the world
Student Body Statistics
Number of Students: 765
Girls: 52% Boys: 48%
Diversity: 26%
Average Class Size: 12
Total Faculty - Student Ratio: 9:1
Home Cities: 11
Home Churches: 176
Accreditation
Norfolk Christian is one of the few K-12 Christian schools in the state of Virginia to earn accreditation with the Virginia Association of Independent Schools VAIS requires a rigorous accreditation process which examines programming, curriculum, classroom techniques, faculty, and leadership to ensure the highest level of excellence
We are also honored to be one of the earliest schools offered Member of Council status with the faith-based Council on Educational Standards and Accountability. CESA is a national organization whose mission is “ …to hold accountable Christian schools that aspire to superlative academic standards and institutional best practices ” NCS remains the only school in Virginia with CESA membership
2023 Accreditation Findings
Our most recent VAIS Accreditation Review in Fall 2023 praised many aspects of NCS. Major comments from the Accreditation Team were:
* Clear commitment to the NCS mission by all stakeholders; Committee Chair had never seen such mission intentionality throughout
* Teachers’ genuine love for students makes learning successful Students themselves said their favorite thing is their teachers
* “Blown away ” by students who were kind, polite, and excited to initiate conversation
* Teachers and administrators are dedicated to finding the best path for every student, providing excellent academic training with enrichment and support as needed, and caring for students’ social/emotional wellbeing.
* NCS exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere where students are clearly known and deeply cared about by staff. The Team noted that “It truly feels like a family.”
ADMISSIONS STANDARDS
What We’re Looking For
NCS exists to provide a top-tier, college-preparatory education from a Christ-centered worldview. Biblical values are our foundation and are integrated into every activity.
With that in mind, we consider students and families for admission who are committed to partnering in a Biblically-centered education Admission is based on prior academic performance, work ethic, testing, demonstrated Christian character, and a clear desire to attend
Spiritual Behavioral
*At least one parent must be a professing believer in Jesus Christ, provide a written testimony of his or her relationship with Him and be committed to a lifestyle in agreement with our Statement of Faith.
*Active Church Community Involvement form should attest to at least one parent's regular attendance and commitment in a local church that teaches in agreement with our Statement of Faith
*Applicant transcripts and testing should show at least average to above average understanding of grade level material and a desire to work to the best of their abilities Academic
*Teacher evaluations should show that applicants can succeed independently in a traditional classroom setting.
*Teacher recommendations should testify to a student’s willingness to exhibit Godly character and have a positive influence on the classroom environment
*Applicants must be free of disciplinary action resulting in suspension or withdrawal within the last calendar year
*Students and parents must be in good standing with previous schools and not have exhibited disruptive behavior
Financial
Financial
*Families coming from another private school must be in good financial standing and have fulfilled their obligations before their applications will be considered
*Need-based financial aid is available each school year for full-time K-12 students Aid is not available for preschool.
Norfolk Christian Schools Statement of Faith
There is one God eternally existing in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Scriptures are verbally inspired by God and are our only infallible rule of faith and practice Jesus Christ died, shedding his blood for our sins, and was bodily raised from the dead for our justification. He will return visibly and bodily with power and great glory. Man is by nature and practice a sinner separated from God and can become God’s child only by faith in Jesus Christ and submission to the will of God as revealed in the gospel Those who are thus born into God’s family have eternal life, and those who are not remain in spiritual death and will be separated from God forever in hell The Holy Spirit lives in the believer and enables him to walk in purity of life and submission to the will of God All believers are united in the body of Christ
Norfolk Christian Schools admits students of any race, color national and ethnic origin to all the rights privileges programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school It does not discriminate on the basis of race color national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies admissions policies scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs
How to Apply APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
Visit norfolkchristian o or scan the QR code h an account, complete Application, and subm
Upload all items requested in your Checklist Please note applications cannot be considered until all items in Checklist have been received
Attend Testing as sche School, or schedule te with link in Checklist fo for ISEE testing are pa
Attend Family Intervie Campus Administrator by the Admissions Tea
Financial Aid
To be considered for Financial Aid, families must first submit applications for Admission Our third-party vendor does not consider Aid applications without a verified application for enrollment
Please ensure that all documents are uploaded as requested on the FA application.
For further assistance, please contact financialaid@norfolkchristian.org.
FAST FACTS
State of the Art Facilities
Norfolk Christian’s Upper School campus is home to state-of-the-art athletic, academic, and community spaces. Added in 2017, Moore Family Field is the only turf field in Southeast Virginia with organic infill, and is a sought-after venue for community and collegiate events after school hours. The Smith Gym is one of the largest gyms in Tidewater and is a frequent host for state and conference tournaments Renovations are currently underway outside the Upper School to create an outdoor learning and leisure area with a covered classroom, floating dock, amphitheater, wetland walkway, and multiple recreational spaces The first phase of the Outdoor Learning Center will open in the spring of 2025.
Three Campuses
NCS operates out of three campuses: two Lower Schools in Norfolk and Virginia Beach serving children in Pre-K3 through Grade 5, and an Upper School in Norfolk with separate divisions for Middle School (6 - 8) and High School (9 - 12)
Highly Trained Faculty
All Norfolk Christian teachers hold four-year degrees in education or in their specialty area of teaching Over 60% of our faculty carries one or more advanced degrees
Transportation
Optional transportation is offered from bus stops in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, including a bus that runs from our Virginia Beach Lower School to Norfolk and back each day for families with students at multiple campuses
DAILY ROUTINE - LOWER SCHOOLS
School Day Hours
Full Day
Half Day Preschool
8:15 am - 2:50 pm 8:15 am - 11:45 am
Extended School Day Care
Additional Fee assessed per student per day
Morning: 6:45 am - 7:45 am
Afternoon: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Lunch
Norfolk Christian's Executive Chef and kitchen staff prepare optional meals for all NCS campuses, which students may purchase for an additional fee Lower School students may order ahead from a menu and hot lunches are delivered to their campuses daily Milk is available daily for every student
Dress Code
NCS students choose from a broad list of clothing styles and colors, detailed in the Lower School Dress Code. Scan the QR code to visit.
Schedule and Resources
Each class begins the day with a Morning Meeting to intentionally foster community and allow each child to be seen, heard, and loved. Small group instruction throughout the day at all levels meets the needs of diverse learners, and students' learning is amplified through collaborative experiences Beyond core content, students participate in Chapel, lunch, recess, and enrichment classes Students in grades 4 and 5 choose expanded enrichment classes through an elective model
Christian Deeper Learning
Through our CDL framework, students ask big questions about real challenges for God’s people and His kingdom They integrate their learning across disciplines to find solutions they can implement with classmates to impact people locally and across the globe.
DAILY ROUTINE - UPPER SCHOOL
School Day Hours
8:00 am - 3:05 pm
Lunch
Norfolk Christian's Executive Chef and kitchen staff prepare optional meals for all NCS campuses, which students may purchase for an additional fee. Grab and go breakfast is also available every morning and milk is available at lunch daily for any Upper School student
Dress Code
NCS students choose from a broad list of clothing styles and patterns, as detailed in the Upper School Dress Code Scan the QR code to visit
Schedule
Our Middle and High Schools run on a modified block schedule Mondays are eightblock days in which every class meets for 45 minutes The rest of the week is split into fourblock A days and B days, with each class meeting for 80-90 minutes twice per week.
Chapel & Community Groups
Weekly chapel and community groups are built into the Upper School schedule Chapel happens on Wednesday mornings; Community Groups meet on Tuesday afternoons and include many options for both middle and high schoolers These range from special interests like Sports Broadcasting and Chess to small group Bible studies All students participate in both chapel and Community Groups
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Lower School Extra-Curricular Activities
Both Lower Schools offer an extensive variety of afterschool programs to help students expand their knowledge and skills and develop new hobbies. These include fundamentals training in multiple sports, fine arts activities, science and technology pursuits, and special interests like dance.
Upper School Athletics
Competitive athletics begin in Middle School Upper School sports offered include:
• Baseball
• Girls & Boys Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Competitive Cheer
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Boys Lacrosse
• Indoor Track
• Girls & Boys Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Girls Tennis
• Track & Field
• Girls & Boys Volleyball
• Wrestling
Upper School Student Life
Our Middle and High Schools are filled with excitement long after the school day ends From clubs, athletics, and fine arts, to mission and service trips, school dances, and SCA spirit activities, there is always something happening to build Ambassador community Homecoming and Prom are highlights of the year, while playing and cheering in the annual Powder Puff game is a legendary rite of passage for upperclassmen Along with the fun, a variety of small group Bible studies and prayer groups allow students to challenge each other and grow deeper in their faith
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES 2020 - 2024
Abilene Christian University
AMDA College of the Performing Arts
American University
Appalachian State University
Arizona State University
Barry University
Barton College
Baylor University
Belmont University
Berry College
Binghamton University
Bluefield University
Bridgewater College
Boston College
Boston University
California College of the Arts
Calvin University
Campbell University
The Catholic University of America
Cedarville University
Charleston-Southern University
Chowan University
Christopher Newport University
Claflin University
Clark Atlanta University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
College of the Ozarks
The College of William & Mary
Colorado State University
Columbia College Chicago
Coppin State University
Covenant College
Dalhousie University
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas College
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
Eastern Mennonite University
Elon University
Embry-Riddle University
Emerson College
Emory University
Emory & Henry College
Ferrum College
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida-Southern College
Fordham University
Geneva College
George Mason University
The George Washington University
Georgetown College
Georgia Institute of Technology
Gordon College
Grand Canyon
Guilford College
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampton University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Houston Baptist University
Howard University
Indiana University
Indiana State University
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
John Brown University
Johns Hopkins University
Lancaster Bible College
Lees-McRae College
Liberty University
Limestone University
Longwood University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Chicago
The King’s College (NYC)
Mary Baldwin University
Maryland Inst College of Art
Marymount University
Messiah College
Methodist University
Miami University
Michigan State University
Mid-Atlantic Christian University
Millersville University
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Moore College of Art & Design
Morgan State University
Mount St Mary’s University
Newberry College
Nevada State University
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University
The Ohio State University
Old Dominion University
Olivet Nazarene University
Pace University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Patrick Henry College
The Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
Pfeiffer University
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
Queen’s University of Charlotte
Queensland University of Technology
Radford University
Randolph-Macon College
Regent University
Roanoke College
Rollins College
Saint Francis University
Saint Louis University
Salisbury University
Savannah College of Art & Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of Visual Arts
Sewanee: The University of the South Shenandoah University
Shorter University
Sierra Nevada University
Southeastern University
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
Stanford University
Suffolk University
SUNY: Binghamton University
SUNY: Brockport University
SUNY: Maritime College
SUNY: Stony Brook University
SUNY: University at Buffalo
Syracuse University
Texas A & M University
Texas Christian University
Union University
The United States Naval Academy
The University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of British Columbia
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Georgia
University of Florida
University of Illinois, Chicago
University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Mary Washington
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Melbourne
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of New Mexico
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Washington & Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Waynesburg University
West Virginia University
Wheaton College
Wichita State University
William Peace University
Wilson College
Wingate University
Wofford College
Xavier University
York College of Pennsylvania
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
University of the Pacific
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas, Dallas
University of Texas, Tyler
University of Toronto
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Tech
Virginia State University
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Wake Forest University
TUITION RATES 2024 - 2025
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Pre-K3: 3 Half Days
Pre-K3: 3 Full Days
Pre-K3 & Pre-K4: 5 Half Days
Pre-K3 & Pre-K4: 5 Full Days
Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 Hybrid: 3 Full/2
MWF Full T/Th Half
LOWER SCHOOL
Kindergarten
Grades 1 - 5
UPPER SCHOOL
Grades 6 - 7
Grades 8 - 12
Chromebook Purchase
Technology Fee
OPTIONAL SERVICES
Transportation
TUITION * NOTES
$ 4 830
Includes Before School Care
Includes Before & After School Care
Includes Before School Care
Supervised Study Program, Grades 6 - 12
Before & After School Care
Grades K - 5
$ 15 after 4pm
$ 6 morning
$ 10 3-5pm
$ 750 5-6pm
$ 35 half day
Per child per day
Per child per day
$75 per child annual registration
New Student Fees
& ENROLLMENT
Application & Testing Fee PK - Grade 5
Application Fee Grades 6 - 12
Applicant Testing Fee Grades 6 - 12 paid directly to testing vendor
New Student Enrollment Fee, waived after 3rd child
*Tuition includes textbooks, classroom resources and activities, class retreats, local field trips, and graduation.
Fine Arts performance groups and athletic teams may require the purchase of additional uniforms
One yearbook per family is provided at no cost; additional yearbooks may be ordered for $60 each through February 1, 2025
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2024 - 2025
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
TEACHERS RETURN FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
NO SCHOOL; LABOR DAY NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
2ND QUARTER BEGINS NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY
HS VIRTUAL; LS/MS CONFERENCE DAY NO SCHOOL; VETERANS DAY NO SCHOOL; THANKSGIVING BREAK
DECEMBER
EARLY DISMISSAL NO SCHOOL; CHRISTMAS BREAK
NO SCHOOL; CHRISTMAS BREAK NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY 3RD QUARTER BEGINS
EARLY DISMISSAL; PROFESSIONAL DAY NO SCHOOL; MLK JR HOLIDAY
MARCH
EARLY DISMISSAL; PROFESSIONAL DAY NO SCHOOL; PRESIDENTS’ DAY
NO SCHOOL; SPRING BREAK 4TH QUARTER BEGINS NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY
MAY
NO SCHOOL; GOOD FRIDAY NO SCHOOL; EASTER MONDAY
NO SCHOOL; MEMORIAL DAY LS LAST DAY MS LAST DAY/8TH GRADE GRADUATION HS LAST DAY GRADUATION
EARLYDISMISSAL-(LS-11:50AM;US-12PM)
