Improving Communication at North Cross

Having systems which are user-friendly, efficient, and interconnected benefits you, our families, and us, the School.  Over the past year, our team has looked for ways to make your interactions with North Cross more convenient and less complicated.  

We’ve found a company who will make things more efficient, more convenient, and more integrated than our current approach. Beginning this July, rather than deal with three different entities, we will partner with FACTS Management Company. FACTS will replace onCampus (managing admission, parent resources and student records such as homework and grades), Smart Tuition (student billing and account management), and School and Student Services (financial aid and Tailored Tuition).  ​

FACTS is used by over 7,000 schools nationally and internationally and has an excellent reputation for both integrating parent, student and school services and providing customer service. FACTS and its Family Portal will help you with your North Cross student account and billing, academic records, and financial aid programs. Through the FACTS Family Portal or FACTS Family App, you will even be able to pre-order student meals from our cafeteria as well as view a line by line list of items purchased.
As a parent, you will now only need just one username and password to interact with us. You can access FACTS by phone, online, or through your smart device via the new FACTS app.We’ve anticipated questions you might have: 
How safe is FACTS? 
FACTS is SSAE 18 audited. The Statement of Standards for Attestation Engagement is an audit standard designed for third-party service organizations. The SSAE 18 results of vendor service organizations are used in audits of many institutions, and they address all aspects of the service organization’s control environment. FACTS is SSAE 18 Audited on an annual basis. FACTS is also PCI DSS Level 1 validated. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS, or more commonly, PCI) are a set of standards set forth by the four major card associations to protect cardholder data. All merchants and processors need to have physical, electronic, and procedural controls in place to ensure that cardholder data is stored and handled securely at all times. FACTS is PCI Level One Compliant.

When is the transition taking place? 
We are working on this now and on July 1, we will be using FACTS.

Will I receive information with instructions telling me what I need to know and do? 
Yes, in the next few weeks you will be receiving information on how to sign in, complete the setup of your account and where important information can be found.

Is all my current information being moved to FACTS?
Yes, we’re transferring information from each of the current systems to FACTS. Your contact information and student information are being moved, by us, to FACTS. 
When you first log in to FACTS, you will need to verify the information that has been transferred is accurate.  For example, you may need to update your address, email, or phone numbers if they have changed.  

Your Smart Tuition account will still be available to you for the next 2 years if you need to refer to it; however, it will no longer be active for billing, tuition or account payment.

Is there any of my information that won’t be transferred to FACTS? 
Yes, there is information we will not transfer. We will not transfer your bank account, credit card, or payment information. You will have to set these up. You will also need to set the frequency of payments and payment dates. Remember, if you choose the 10 or 12 payment plans, you will pay a $175 per family convenience fee for these payment options.

If School and Student Services (SSS) is being replaced and I wish to apply for Tailored Tuition (TT) next year, do I use FACTS?  
Yes. In fact, you will see the link to apply for financial aid on your FACTS home page. Just follow the link provided to apply. Your history from SSS will not be imported, but for those who are currently on Tailored Tuition, we have a summary of your current application on file along with a copy of your current signed TT agreement.

When do I need to set up my account? You will soon be notified when it is time for you to set up your FACTS account. You will be given instructions on how to do so. You will need to complete your set-up by July 10th.

If I have questions, who do I call? 
FACTS is available (7:30am-8pm) to handle your account set up questions. The FACTS phone number is 1-866-441-4637 FACTS is able to be accessed online and through your smart device.  Chat is also available and may be your quickest way to get the help you need. For help with Financial Aid Application, please call 1-866-315-9262.For school-related issues, such as viewing your child’s grades, schedule changes, or non-financial matters, you will still call your North Cross contacts.