The Eagle's Call
NHCS serves in Costa Rica for third consecutive year
February 09, 2026
At the end of January, North Hills Christian School returned to Costa Rica for the third consecutive year to serve alongside Rice and Beans Ministries, continuing a partnership rooted in long-term gospel impact. A team of ten, six students and four adult leaders, traveled to serve local communities through Vacation Bible School, food distribution, and prayer.
Rice and Beans Ministries has been faithfully serving in Costa Rica for nearly 20 years, ministering year-round in the same communities. This consistent presence allows mission teams to join an ongoing work rather than a temporary project, reinforcing trust and relationships already established.
“Our desire is not just to expose students to missions and the world, but to invite them into what God is already doing, putting the school’s mission into practice by impacting the world for Christ,” said Ray Carter, Spiritual Life Director at NHCS. “Rice and Beans doesn’t just visit communities, they walk with them year-round. That consistency shows our students what faithful, gospel-centered ministry truly looks like.”
Each mission day followed a purposeful rhythm. Mornings were spent in local communities hosting Vacation Bible School programs, reaching upwards of 90 children across two different neighborhoods. Through Bible lessons, worship, games, and crafts, students shared the message of Christ in joyful and relational ways.
Senior, Sarah Barringer noted, “Seeing the kids’ excitement and joy made me realize how little it takes to make an impact. They were so happy just to be loved and noticed.”
In the afternoons, the team packed and delivered food bags to families in impoverished neighborhoods. These bags had been decorated and prayed over by NHCS lower school students before the trip, creating a powerful connection between campuses and communities. The food served as a tangible expression of care and a doorway to prayer and gospel conversations with families in their homes. “Food opens doors,” Carter explained. “But the gospel is always the goal. These moments, praying with families, listening to their stories, are where students see their faith come alive.”
For many students, the trip proved deeply transformative. Several shared how the experience reshaped their perspective on joy, contentment, and faith.
“I thought we were going there to bless others,” Senior, Layla Bush said. “But I realized we were the ones being blessed. Their joy didn’t depend on what they had, and that really challenged me.”
This year also marked the second consecutive mission trip for mother and daughter Michelle and London Droddy. Michelle, a physical education instructor and coach at NHCS, returned to Costa Rica alongside her daughter to continue building relationships formed during last year’s visit. “Coming back a second time allowed us to see the lasting impact of this ministry,” said Michelle Droddy, physical education instructor and coach at North Hills. “Watching London reconnect with people she met last year reminded me that these trips are about relationships, not just service projects.” London, a senior, shared how meaningful those reunions were to her.
“Getting to see the two sisters again was unforgettable,” London said. “They remembered me and were so happy to see us. It showed me that this isn’t just a one-time trip; what we do here really matters.” As North Hills Christian School reflects on its third year serving alongside Rice and Beans Ministries, the impact continues to reach far beyond the trip itself, shaping students’ hearts, strengthening their faith, and reminding the entire school community that the gospel is lived out through humble service and enduring relationships.
Faith and excellence: The academic strength behind NHCS
November 07, 2025
North Hills Christian School has earned a strong reputation for its Christ-centered education and biblical worldview. What is sometimes less known, however, is the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the measurable results that come with it.
Recent standardized testing data reveal that North Hills students not only perform above national averages, but that those who have been part of the school community for several years, known as legacy students, demonstrate especially high levels of academic achievement.
Legacy students are defined as those who have been enrolled since early foundational years: beginning in Junior Kindergarten for today’s 1st–2nd graders, Kindergarten for 3rd–4th graders, and 3rd grade for students currently in 5th–12th grades.
“We believe the combination of a nurturing Christian environment, consistent curriculum, and strong teacher relationships builds momentum over time,” said Rebecca Pierce, Coordinator of Curriculum & Assessment. “Legacy students benefit from years of cumulative academic growth that aligns with our mission and methods.”
The numbers tell a compelling story.
By the end of 7th-grade, the majority of North Hills students, both legacy and non-legacy, were scoring well above the national average, which is measured at the 50th percentile. Among 8th graders, legacy students tested approximately a full grade level above their peers in both English and Math.
In high school, that growth continues to accelerate. Ninth-grade results show both groups performing significantly ahead of national norms, with general students scoring in the 82nd percentile for English and the 72nd percentile in Math. Legacy students performed even higher, at the 83rd percentile in English and 79th in Math.
By senior year, legacy students continue to lead the way. The most recent data places 12th-grade legacy students in the 88th percentile for English and 78th percentile for Math, a strong indicator of college readiness. Even general students, who joined North Hills later in their academic journey, outperformed national averages with scores in the 63rd percentile for English and 54th percentile for Math.
“We’re proud of all our students,” said Dr. Crabtree, High School Principal. “These results show that a Christ-centered education and academic rigor aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re mutually strengthening.”
And today, that Christ-centered education is more accessible than ever. Thanks to the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship, families across the state, regardless of income, now have the opportunity to choose a private Christian education for their children.
“The Opportunity Scholarship has been a game changer,” said Jeannie MacKay-Ogg, Admissions Director. “It’s allowing families from a variety of backgrounds to experience an education that nurtures both faith and excellence. We’re seeing lives changed, not just through academics, but through the gospel lived out in our classrooms.”
Faculty believe the consistency of the school’s academic philosophy, along with small class sizes and personal relationships, allows students to flourish both spiritually and intellectually.
“Our goal has always been to equip hearts and minds to impact the world for Christ,” shared Maria Lowder, Executive Director. “Strong academics are part of that mission. When students grow up in a culture of excellence, rooted in truth, they leave here ready to lead.”
At North Hills, the data makes one thing clear: faith and scholarship go hand in hand. And for students who grow within that environment from an early age, the results speak volumes, not just in test scores, but in character, confidence, and lifelong impact.
North Hills Embraces Innovative Academics with Tailored Support and Collaborative Teaching
January 09, 2025
North Hills continues to strengthen its reputation for academic excellence through initiatives that emphasize collaboration, teacher training, and comprehensive support for every student, all within a strong Biblical worldview. These efforts underscore the school’s commitment to continuous growth and innovation while serving the whole child; mind, body, and soul.
One of the most notable and recent changes is the debut of an organic online curriculum platform that enables teachers to share lesson plans, track student progress, and adjust instruction collaboratively across all grade levels. “Our teachers have an incredible opportunity to learn from each other and streamline their approach,” says Rebecca Pierce, the recently appointed Curriculum Coordinator and Upper School AIM director. “By working together, we’re able to support each student’s spiritual and academic development more intentionally.”
To further enhance instruction, North Hills has introduced a robust teacher training initiative and ongoing instructional coaching. One popular feature is “Popcorn” Days, when teachers can “pop in” to colleagues’ classrooms for informal observations, gleaning fresh ideas for improved lesson delivery. Teachers also meet in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for deeper discussions about challenges, refining curriculum, and aligning educational goals.
Academic assessment remains a key priority, with students taking the nationally recognized IOWA tests to measure their progress. Pierce also shared, “Our legacy students, those who begin at North Hills by third grade or earlier, are consistently performing one to two grade levels above the national average. That growth trajectory continues into high school, where 75% of our students are already at or above grade level, and a remarkable 90% reach proficiency in English Language Arts. These outcomes showcase the effectiveness of our holistic approach.” North Hills also offers Honors-level classes starting in the 5th Grade, an early opportunity for students to aim high. “Being able to start an Honors Math class in 5th Grade really inspired me,” says fifth-grade student Mattie Austin. “It’s challenging, but I love knowing my teachers and classmates are there to support me.”
A critical part of North Hills’ individualized approach is the Doris Plummer AIM (Academic Individualization and Modification) program, named after the program's originator and long-time former NHCS Instructor. This program assists students who need extra help in English and Math. Beginning in Kindergarten, each student in AIM receives an individualized profile, detailing learning needs and accommodations. Advisory times are also available for tutoring, test retakes, or extended study. For students requiring more significant academic or developmental support, the Victors Program offers a full-day track in Kindergarten through 12th Grade, balancing specialized instruction in small groups with opportunities to join peers in subjects like music, art, and physical education. “Our Victors Program empowers students to tackle academic and developmental challenges in a way that meets them where they are,” says Jessica Wright, Lower School AIM Director. “By providing small-group instruction and individualized support, we see tremendous growth in both their life skills and their confidence.”
By implementing these initiatives, an organic curriculum platform, teacher collaboration, early Honors courses, and the AIM and Victors support programs, North Hills is equipping every student for success, both academically and spiritually. With a renewed focus on innovation and shared learning, the school remains firmly committed to equipping the hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ.