October 29, 2024
When I came to Crossroads for a demonstration lesson in 2000, it was immediately clear to me that this was a place where students could truly be themselves. Right away, they were calling me by my first name, and I felt that sense of ease and openness that has only grown over my 24 years here. I knew back then it was the right place for me, and that hasn’t changed.
One reason I’ve stayed is the real autonomy Crossroads gives teachers with our curriculum. This flexibility allows us to shape learning experiences that meet our students’ strengths. Lately, I’ve been exploring ways to give students more choice and agency in how they show what they know. In a recent assessment, about 35% of my students chose creative, non-traditional ways to demonstrate their knowledge, which was great to see. If a student does their best work artistically, there’s room for them to express themselves that way, just as there is for those who prefer traditional tests and notes.
Crossroads isn’t just a place for high achievers or any specific type of student; it’s a school for everyone. I’m often asked if Crossroads is for kids with special needs or for students who don’t fit in at other schools. I tell them, no, it’s a school for all kinds of kids. Our students feel accepted here and comfortable enough to be who they are without feeling like they need to change.
At the heart of Crossroads is the idea that you don’t have to be anyone but yourself. Our students sense that it’s not just a slogan—it’s real. I’ve seen kids come here and thrive, kids who might not have felt accepted elsewhere. They find their place without needing to fit a certain mold, whether they’re athletic, artistic, academic, or a mix of all three.
Crossroads is special because it combines all the advantages of an independent school—academic rigor, small classes, and freedom—with genuine acceptance and kindness. It’s a community where kids feel known and valued, a place where they can truly be their best selves.
We’re all looking forward to another 50 years of Crossroads, and I’m looking forward to embracing everything I love about this school for the rest of my teaching tenure.