The Eagle's Call
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.
North Hills Christian Students Serve Hot Meals to Hurricane Victims in Bakersville
October 31, 2024
Salisbury, NC – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation in Western North Carolina, the small community of Bakersville has found relief and hope through the kindness of strangers. The Troyer family from Johnson City, TN, arrived just days after the hurricane struck, setting up a food distribution site to serve hot meals to those in need. After a school family heard about the Troyer family's relief efforts, they connected NHCS with the Troyers. Students and staff from North Hills Christian School (NHCS) in Salisbury have since joined forces with the Troyers, embodying the school's mission to "equip hearts and minds of students to impact the world for Christ."
"Serving alongside the Troyer family has been an eye-opening experience for our students," said Shari Evans, NHCS's Spiritual Life Director, who led the volunteer groups. "It's one thing to teach about leadership through service, but it's another to see our students actively engaging and making a tangible difference in people's lives."
Earlier this month, in back-to-back weeks, a small group of NHCS students and staff traveled to Bakersville to assist at the food distribution site. Together, they helped serve over 2,000 hot meals to members of the Bakersville community each day they served. The experience not only provided immediate aid but also offered valuable life lessons for the students involved.
"Our hearts were filled as we talked with those we served," Evans reflected. "These interactions have a profound impact on our students, helping them put our mission and values into action."
North Hills Senior and President of the Jr. Civitans, Eden Gilbreath shared that the trip was humbling and highlighted the importance of compassion and service. "Seeing the gratitude in people's eyes reminded me why it's so important to help others," Gilbreath said. "It's an experience I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
The school's commitment to service underscores one of its core values: leadership through service. Sophomore Penelope Lookadoo shared how witnessing the hurricane's impact firsthand emphasized the importance of this core value. "Seeing the devastation up close really drove home the need to step up and help," Penelope said. "It made me realize that being a leader isn't just about words, it's about living out our faith and making a positive difference in the lives of others."
The commitment of NHCS students and staff showcases the school's dedication to nurturing students both academically and spiritually. By continuing their support of the relief efforts in Bakersville, they are not only offering vital assistance but also living out their mission to impact the world for Christ.