Dear Norfolk Christian Families,
Welcome Home! It is with great joy and anticipation that I welcome you to a new school year and into the Norfolk Christian Ambassador Family! Whether you ’ re joining us for the first time or returning with a new student, we are so glad you ’ re here.
At Norfolk Christian, everything we do flows from our deep commitment to being a Distinctly Christian School. Our mission is to equip students spiritually, intellectually, and physically to become Ambassadors for Christ, wherever God may call them This is more than a mission statement; it is the heartbeat of our school, shaping our classrooms, relationships, and daily rhythms
Each year, we unite around a school-wide theme that guides our community spiritually and practically The 2025-2026 theme is “We Serve, Because He Served” – Mark 10:45
It’s a powerful reminder that our lives as Christ-followers are meant to be led with humility, compassion, and service You’ll see this theme woven into chapels, class discussions, and our commitment to community service across all grade levels
This New Family Guide will help you navigate your first year with us Inside, you’ll find important details about schedules, student life, communication tools, and more While it’s filled with helpful information, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions We are here to walk alongside you every step of the way
Again, welcome home! We’re excited to partner with you in the journey ahead, and we ’ re praying for a year filled with growth, joy, and purpose as we serve together in His name
In His Service,
Alex Gispert Head of School
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.
II Corinthians 5:20a “For we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. ”
August 18
August 19
August 20
August 26
August 27
August 29
September 2
MS Locker Set-Up
HS Locker Set-Up
Lower Schools Supply Drop-Off
First Day of School (Half Day)
Norfolk Lower Parent Night
Beach Parent Night
Back to School Bash
Upper School Parent Night/
Mandatory Senior Meeting
Meet Royal! Meet Royal!
Royal is Norfolk Christian’s official mascot and represents the Ambassador spirit at sporting events and on our campuses throughout the year.
Our Lower Schools open doors at 7:50 am and dismiss at 2:50 pm. Parents may take advantage of our Extended Care program if they arrive prior to 7:45 am or need care after 3:10 pm. We recommend arriving no later than 8:10 am so that students can be in their seats and ready to learn when we begin morning routines at 8:15 in each classroom.
Families have several options when it comes to transportation Most parents use the convenient door-to-door service of our car drop-off/pick-up line We also offer a limited bus system with community bus stops in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake for an additional fee Older siblings are welcome to drop students off through the car line as well; families should be mindful of the earlier start time at the Upper School to ensure high school students are not late for their first block
Each Lower School has full-time, identifiable security personnel Parents and students will see these friendly faces on campus daily as they interact joyfully with students and staff Our Director of Security, Brian Capps, oversees security needs and operations at every campus and is continually working behind the scenes to keep our community safe and comfortable.
Lower School students may bring their own lunches (heating is not available) or may order chef-made food from our cafeteria menu
All classroom devices used by NCS students are equipped with either Jamf (Apple) or GoGuardian (Chromebooks) software These tools offer filtering and safety features to protect students while using the internet Teachers and administrators are diligent in helping our students navigate the internet safely, creating lifelong habits of healthy searching and learning Additionally, technology use in classrooms is limited and solely used to supplement and enhance learning opportunities.
alex gispert@norfolkchristianorg
bergethon@norfolkchristianorg
School starts promptly at 8 AM, with students allowed to arrive as early as 7 AM. Those arriving early should report to the cafeteria. Dismissal is at 3:05 PM daily. Students remaining on campus after 3:15 PM must report to Room M10 for Supervised Study Period unless they are participating in a designated after-school club, rehearsal, or sport.
Families have a few options when it comes to transportation The most popular is the car drop-off/pick-up line We also offer a limited bus system to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake for an additional cost Lastly, students with a drivers license may drive to school and park in the lots designated for their grade levels Students planning to have a car on campus should pick up a driving form from the front office
Upper School lunches are included for all students in grades 6 - 12 There will be two places to pick up food, the cafeteria and the concession stand in the athletic wing The cafeteria will serve the daily hot lunch option, pizza slices, salad bar, and drinks The concession stand near Smith Gym will serve grab and go items like fries, chicken tenders, mini corndogs, burgers and drinks Students can have lunch in the cafeteria or outside at the shoreline picnic tables They may also use the Dunlap-Garrick Student Center during lunch as a quiet place to study or hold club meetings that sometimes occur during this time Additionally, the Ambassador Gym is open for students to play basketball during the lunch period
Our IT Department is here to ensure a smooth and secure technology experience for every Upper School student. From setting up Dell Chromebooks to troubleshooting login issues and accessing digital platforms, our team is ready to help!
Each student will be given credentials to log in to NCSConnect, the platform forviewing assignments and grades.
Each student will receive a Norfolk Christian email address that must be checked daily. Starting in 8th grade, students are required to purchase a Dell Chromebook from NCS. Students may utilize the printer and copier available in the Dunlap-Garrick Student Centerwhen needed
All Chromebooks come equipped with GoGuardian Software This tool enables our teachers and administrators to oversee student activity during school hours, ensuring students remain focused and engaged Additionally, it offers filtering and safety features to protect students from inappropriate content while using their devices
Our Upper School operates on a modified block schedule, with Mondays being 8-block days and the rest of the week alternating between “A” days - blocks 1 through 4, and “B” days - blocks 5 through 8. On Mondays, students attend all eight classes for 45 minutes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are four-block days with club meetings and community groups added at the end of the day on Tuesdays and chapel on Wednesday mornings. Thursdays and Fridays are standard “A” and “B” days.
8:00 - 9:26 1/5: 8:00 - 9:37 2: 8:52 - 9:37 2: 9:30 - 10:53 Chapel: 9:30 - 10:10 2/6: 9:41 - 11:15
3: 9:41 - 10:26
4: 10:30 - 11:15 MS lunch: 10:57 - 11:27
5: HS 11:19 - 12:05 MS 11:53 - 12:38 HS lunch: 12:24 - 12:54
HS 11:41 - 1:04 MS 12:15 - 1:38 MS lunch: 11:19 - 11:49
lunch: 11:41 - 12:11 HS lunch: 12:57 - 1:27 MS lunch: 11:19 - 11:49 HS lunch: 12:08 - 12:38 4: 12:58 - 2:21
lunch: 1:08 - 1:38 4/8: 1:31 - 3:05
6: 12:42 - 1:27 Clubs: 2:25 - 3:05 8: 1:42 - 3:05
7: 1:31 - 2:15
8: 2:20 - 3:05
6 t h G R A D E
Bible 6 Earth Science Health and PE 6
English 6
Math 6 or Accelerated Math 6 US History II
One of the following year-long electives: Beginning/Intermediate Band, Chorus 6, Beginning/Intermediate Strings
Two of the following semester-long electives: Theater 6, Art 6, Drumline 6, Computer Science Explorations I or II, Logic, Debate, Robotics
Bible 7 Life Science Health and PE 7
English 7 or Honors English 7
Math 7 or Prealgebra Civic History
Two of the following semester-long electives: Theater 7, Art 7, Drumline 7, Computer Science Explorations I or II, Logic, Debate, Robotics 7 t h G R A D E 8 t h G R A D E
One of the following year-long electives: Beginning/Intermediate Band, Chorus 7, Beginning/Intermediate Strings
Bible 8 Physical Science Health and PE 8
English 8 or Honors English 8 Prealgebra or Algebra 1* World Geography
Elective options: choices must add up to a total of 4 semesters
Concert Band* (2 semesters)
Chorus* (2 semesters)
Theater Arts* (1 semester)
Art 8 (1 semester)
Drumline 8 (2 semesters - audition only)
Spanish I* (2 semesters) or Latin I* (2 semesters) or ASL I* (2 semesters)
Introduction to Computer Science* I (Fall) and II (Spring)
* Classes with asterisks are high school level and will be reflected on official transcripts
Norfolk Christian students take English, Social Studies, and Bible every semester of high school. They are also required to complete at least three high school credits in both Math and Science and may choose classes based on their ability and interests.
Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment (DE) classes require the approval of the teacher or Director of Academic Counseling
English 4 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Math 3 Credits
Social Studies 4 Credits
Bible 5 credit per semester
English 9 or Honors English 9
English 10 or Honors English 10
English 11 or Honors English 11 or AP Language
English 12 or AP Literature or Dual Enrollment
College Composition 1 & 2
Biology/Honors Biology At least two additional Science Electives
Algebra I
Geometry or Advanced Geometry
Algebra Functions & Data Analysis
Algebra II or Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry
Trig & Intro to Precalculus or AP Precalculus AP Calculus AB or Introduction to Statistics AP Calculus BC
World Studies I or Honors World Studies I
World Studies II or AP European History
US History or AP US History
US Government & Politics or AP US Gov. & Politics
Bible is required every semester while at NCS
Science Options After Biology (1 credit)
Chemistry or Honors Chemistry
AP Chemistry
AP Biology
Physics or Honors Physics
AP Physics 1
Oceanography
Honors Anatomy and Physiology
AP Environmental Science
Forensic Science
Earth Science
Health & PE ~ 1 Sports Credit to graduate
*Health I & II (05 credit each)
Functional Fitness (05 credit)(11,12)
HS Intramural PE (05 credit)
025 sports credits given per sports season
Dual Enrollment (additional cost)
DE World History (1 credit)
DE College Algebra (05 credit)
AP Psychology (1 credit)(11,12)
AP Human Geography (1 credit)
History of the Civil War (Fall 05 credit)
History of World War II (Spring 05 credit)
Sports Management (1 credit) (11, 12)
Public Speaking (05 credit)
*Economics (05 credit)(11, 12)
*Personal Finance (05 credit)(10-12)
Theater Arts (05 credit, may take multiple times)
Film Making I/II (05 credit each)(11, 12)
Internship & Professional Skills (Fall 05 credit)
Internship & Leadership Skills (Spring 05 credit)
Study Hall (1 per semester allowed, no credits)
Teacher’s Assistant (Application required)
Independent Study (Application required)
Arts (1 Credit) ~ 1 credit to graduate
Concert Band
Honors Wind Ensemble (Audition only)
HS Drumline
Chorus (Voce Deus) or Honors Chorus (Windsong)
Art I/II/III
3D-Art (Sculpture and Ceramics)
Technology 1 Credit to graduate
AP Computer Science Principles (1 Credit)
AP Computer Science A (JAVA) (1 Credit)
MakerSpace (05 Credit)
Robotics (05 Credit)
Intro to Computer Science I/II (0.5 Credit)
Digital Arts (can be Art or Technology Credit)
Digital Photography I/II (05 credit)
Graphic Design I/II (05 credit)
Publications (Yearbook) (1 credit)
Foreign Language (1 credit) 2 credits to graduate Spanish I/II/III/Honors IV
Latin I/II/III/Honors IV/Honors V
American Sign Language I/II/III
Online Courses (0.5 Credit & additional cost)
Dual Enrollment Courses through Liberty University (need Guidance pre-approval)
Tidewater Community College (need Guidance pre-approval)
HS Courses through NorthStar Academy
Liberty University Online Academy
Virtual Virginia
NCSOnline (Summer Only)
Health I/II
Economics
Personal Finance
HS Fitness (0.25 credit)
Upperclassmen have a variety of options for pursuing special interests, gathering real-world skills, and fostering relationships with local professionals.
Students who wish to continue in a discipline beyond our offered courses, or pursue a specialty area not offered at NCS, may do so through an Independent Study These specialized classes are student-driven and provide an excellent platform for advanced course material All Independent Studies require a faculty sponsor and the approval of Academic Counseling
Our Internship class engages students in a preparatory course that covers professional and leadership skills, exploration of career options, and self-assessment Students create resumes and hone their interview skills before being connected with seasoned professionals in the NCS community For the second half of the semester, they work off-campus with a mentor in their chosen field, gaining valuable experience and building foundational relationships
Led by Emmy-winning filmmaker Michael Bibbo, this magnet-school style class happens twice a week at Norfolk’s brand new Hurrah TV and Film Academy Students learn the artistic basics of film production, as well as dive into its many uses in our digital world, before creating their own original pieces from start to finish Transportation and lunch are provided
From classrooms to stages to athletic fields and everywhere in between, student interns are a vital part of many Norfolk Christian programs.
Through these specialty programs, recent juniors and seniors have been mentored and received internship credit in fields as diverse as Healthcare, Education, Architecture, Finance, Real Estate Development, Law, Marketing, Fashion Marketing, Sports Management, Social Media, Sports Broadcasting, and Athletic Training
At Norfolk Christian, our mission is to prepare students intellectually, spiritually, and physically for the future. Our alumni pursue a multitude of different paths, including attending college, entering the workforce, and joining the military. Academically-enriching classes prepare students for life after high school, and our curated college and career counseling puts Ambassadors on the best path to reach their unique goals. The dedicated professionals in our Academic Counseling office walk beside every family as they prayerfully seek their next steps after NCS.
Academic Counseling Services:
One-on-one guidance in helping each student achieve their post-high-school goals
Help selecting high school courses and meeting graduation requirements
Expertise and support in the college planning, application and selection process
Options for students with special requests (advancing in a subject, earning extra college credit, etc)
Student schedules, add/drop requests, 4-year plans for every student
Managing AP courses and testing, PSAT testing, onsite SAT/ACT testing, and National Merit recognition
Official school profiles, recommendation letters, and transcript fulfillment for seniors
Scheduling a variety of college and university on-site visits throughout the school year
Sharing information about college scholarship opportunities
Students in grades 8-11 are required to take the PSAT every fall Juniors and seniors may choose to take the SAT at NCS if desired, and juniors may take the ACT on campus in the spring
2025- 26 TESTING DATES
October 27
PSAT for Grades 8-11
Optional SAT School Day for Grade 12
March 16
Optional SAT School Day for Grade 11
April 13
Optional ACT School Day for Grade 11
All Student Services are conveniently located in the Dunlap - Garrick Student Center, across from the cafeteria, where our Student Services team is ready to walk with students through anything a day might bring.
Our Academic Counseling team handles everything from schedules and class changes to planning for college. They’re also your stop for transcripts and records Looking for scholarship opportunities? They can help with that too! Mrs Magnin is our Registrar who can help with scheduling Ms Hiilliard handles high school and college counseling and Mrs. Crapanzano is your go-to for middle school and career counseling
Norfolk Christian uses a platform called NCSConnect for all student information and communication Log in to see class schedules, find grades and homework assignments, and communicate with teachers You will also find the latest news posted on your News feed, and the Resources tab houses all student documents
Whether you want to talk through something you learned that didn’t make sense or you need someone to pray with, Mrs. Sandwell is ready and willing
Everyone could use a friendly face and a listening ear sometimes Mrs Cameron is our licensed counselor and she’s there to help students through the rough spots from a biblical perspective
International students will find Mr Chacko’s office in the student center, where he’s ready to help with anything you need From classes to home life to all the things that come with navigating a new country, let us help you make your Norfolk Christian - and U S - experience the best it can be.
Many of our students’ favorite activities happen outside of the classroom. With weekly clubs, community service opportunities, missions trips, countless sporting events and fine arts performances SCA theme events, and favorite traditions like Spirit Weeks, Homecoming, Powder Puff, and Prom, there is never a shortage of things to do
Stay in the know about Upper School student life by checking weekly campus and athletic newsletters, listening to morning announcements, and following our NCS social media accounts
Ambassador Athletics is a great way to be introduced to the school community and meet new people! We compete in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS), as well as Division II of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) for statewide play
Competitive sports begin in middle school, with some tryouts open to fifth graders as space allows
Cross Country
Cheer (Competitive & Sideline)
Field Hockey (club)
Football
Boys Soccer
Boys & Girls Volleyball
Boys & Girls Basketball
Cheer (Competitive & Sideline)
Indoor Track
Swimming
Wrestling
Scan the QR code to visit
Baseball
Golf
Boys & Girls (club) Lacrosse
Girls Soccer
Softball
Girls Tennis
Track and Field
Bound, our one-stop sports hub for Ambassador Athletics. You’ll find tryout and practice information, updated game schedules, and coach’s contacts
Inspiring students’ creativity and helping them use their talents to glorify God are hallmarks of the Norfolk Christian experience Curricular classes in the Arts are offered as electives beginning in fourth grade All students will participate in at least one performance art class by seventh grade, with Ambassadors choosing from Chorus, Concert Band, Drumline, Strings, Theater, and Visual Art
In addition to course offerings, special interest clubs like Jazz Band and Theater Club offer creative outlets outside of the classroom
Along with twice-yearly concerts, fine arts groups find numerous occasions to perform throughout the year, both at NCS and in the broader community The annual Spring musical and school-wide Art Expo are favorite highlights of each school year
Information about clubs and special events, including dates for auditions, will be announced through campus newsletters throughout the year
S t u d e n t C e n t e r
D u n l a pG a r r i c k
Dear Norfolk Christian Families,
Welcome to Norfolk Christian Schools! We are delighted that you have chosen Norfolk Christian for your family and we are excited to have you as part of our community
The Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) at Norfolk Christian is comprised of parent volunteers who desire to partner with teachers and administrators to grow and strengthen our school community. The administration, faculty and staff truly welcome parent involvement at all three of our campuses.
Check out the links below to learn more about the PTF at each campus
Again, welcome to NCS and we look forward to serving with you. It’s going to be a great year!
In Christ,
Courtney McDonald PTF President
TEACHERS RETURN FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (HALF DAY FOR ALL)
NO SCHOOL; LABOR DAY NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY
2ND QUARTER BEGINS
EARLY DISMISSAL; PROFESSIONAL DAY/ US SAT/PSAT
NOSCHOOL;CHRISTMAS BREAK 4 11
EARLY DISMISSAL
HS VIRTUAL; LS/MS CONFERENCE DAY NO SCHOOL; VETERANS DAY 24-28 NO SCHOOL; THANKSGIVING BREAK
NO SCHOOL; CHRISTMAS BREAK NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY
3RD QUARTER BEGINS
EARLY DISMISSAL; PROFESSIONAL DAY NO SCHOOL; MLK JR HOLIDAY
NO SCHOOL; PROFESSIONAL DAY NO SCHOOL; PRESIDENTS’ DAY
NO SCHOOL; SPRING BREAK 4TH QUARTER BEGINS
EARLY DISMISSAL; PROFESSIONAL DAY NO SCHOOL; GOOD FRIDAY NO SCHOOL; EASTER MONDAY
NO SCHOOL; MEMORIAL DAY LS LAST DAY
MS LAST DAY/8TH GRADE GRADUATION HS LAST DAY; EARLY DISMISSAL GRADUATION
