North Cross School
  • WHO WE ARE
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The Upper School · Grades 9–12

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An outstanding faculty, over 80% of whom hold advanced degrees, deliver a demanding, creative, and innovative college preparatory curriculum culminating in college level work in every discipline. Indeed, academic offerings in the Upper School most closely resemble those of a fine liberal arts college: introductory, honors, and 18 Advanced Placement courses are available in English, computer science, math, the sciences, history, the arts, and world and classic languages — Spanish, French, and Latin. Students who have the benefit of a North Cross Upper School education find their advantages to be many when they head off to the finest colleges and universities in the country: their ability to read critically, write thoughtfully, and speak clearly and convincingly make the transition to college life a seamless one.

Outside of the classroom, the Upper School co-curricular program is a mix of required and optional activities and events, all intended to expand student experience, increase community feeling and identity, and provoke intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth. All students attend Thursday assemblies to which the administration brings speakers, presentations and dialogue that ranges from science discovery to human rights. The Upper School also gathers as community for assemblies in the Commons before lunch for community announcements and advisory lunches where groups discuss a “Quote of the Day” intended to provide thoughtful reinforcement of the School’s mission or commentary on current events. Students are also required to perform at least 12.5 hours of community service per year, but many of them exceed that requirement. On the field, students are required to participate in at least three seasons of team athletics, though most students participate in more—some, in the same season. No try-outs are required, yet our teams consistently place for or win their conference and/or state championship titles. ​

​DeHart speeches, a series of independent research presentations by each senior class member throughout the year, expose the entire Upper School student body to diverse topics and opinions, much like mini-lectures. By the time a freshman graduates from North Cross, they will have heard over 120 DeHart lectures. Also unique to the Upper School are three graduation distinctions that students can achieve in the field of Global Studies, STEM, and Fine Arts.

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Stephen Belderes
Director of Upper School, Director of Summer Programs
​St. Andrews University—B.A.
​Fayetteville State University—M.A.
Appointed 2006
​Morris Award 2012

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For a complete listing of the courses for each grade, download our Program of Study.

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Strength in Numbers

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4254 Colonial Avenue
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
540-989-6641 • (540) 989-7299 (FAX)

HOURS: M-F; 8AM-4PM

North Cross School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school founded in 1944 and governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees.

All contact information listed on this website is for official North Cross School business only. North Cross School does not accept unsolicited advertisements sent to school email addresses, phone numbers, or fax numbers listed on this site.

North Cross School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid or employment policies, or any other programs administered by the School. For more information, read our Inclusivity Statement.

​Accreditation
North Cross is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. North Cross School's Junior Kindergarten is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools who is recognized by the Board of Education pursuant to §22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Virginia Council for Private Education to accredit private nursery, preschool, elementary and secondary schools in Virginia
.

Memberships
North Cross is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, National Association for College Admission Counseling, and Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling, The Cum Laude Society and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

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Privacy Policy
Faculty and Staff Links
North Cross Shanghai
Employment Opportunities
  • WHO WE ARE
    • Vision & Values
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Building Character
    • Board of Trustees
    • Our Head of School: Armistead Lemon '95
    • Leadership Team
    • Key Contacts
    • Campus Map
    • In the News
    • Employment Opportunities
  • ACADEMICS
    • Lower School >
      • Early Childhood Program
      • First through Third Grades
      • Fourth and Fifth Grades
      • Meet Our Faculty
    • Middle School >
      • Sixth through Eighth Grades
      • Meet Our Faculty
    • Upper School >
      • Ninth through Twelfth Grades >
        • Global Studies Distinction
        • STEM Distinction
        • Fine Arts Distinction
        • Internship Program
      • Course Catalog
      • College Counseling
      • Meet Our Faculty
    • The Talfourd H. Kemper Library
    • CrossWalk for Learning Differences >
      • Meet Our Faculty
  • ARTS
    • Band
    • Chorus
    • Studio Art & Graphic Design
    • Theater
    • Friends of the Arts
  • ATHLETICS
    • Athletics Calendar
    • Teams & Schedules
    • Championships & Awards
    • Forms
    • Facilities
    • Meet Our Athletics Staff
    • Athletic Boosters
    • In the News
  • STUDENT LIFE
    • Dress Code
    • Extracurriculars
    • International Students
    • Boarding at North Cross
    • After-School Opportunities
    • Summer Programs
  • PARENT/Alumni RESOURCES
    • Log in to FACTS
    • School Calendar
    • Back-to-School
    • Student & Parent Handbook
    • Parent Opportunities
    • Key Contacts
    • Covid Protocols
    • Alumni >
      • Alumni Reunion Weekend
      • Awards
      • Athletic Hall of Fame
      • In the News
      • Class Notes
      • In Memoriam
    • Spirit Store >
      • Athletics
  • ADMISSIONS
    • What is an independent school?
    • Inquire & Tour
    • How to Apply
    • Tuition and Fees
    • International Student FAQs
    • Meet Our Team
  • GIVING
    • Make a Gift to North Cross
    • Annual Fund
    • Foundation Tax Credits Program
    • Planned Giving
    • Stock Gifts
    • The Legacy Campaign
    • Other Ways to Give
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Meet Our Team