BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE 2026 2026 - 2027 2027
Welcome,
s r o d a s s a b m A
Dear Norfolk Christian Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! To those joining us for the first time - it is with great joy that I welcome you to the Ambassador family. For our returning parents and students, welcome to a brand new year at Norfolk Christian. This Back-to-School Guide is full of information to help you navigate the year well. Inside, you’ll find details about schedules, student life, communication, dress code, and more. We hope it provides a handy resource with everything you need in one place. You will also find this guide and all of its individual components on the Resource tab of NCSConnect. Please note that any previously-released information, like dress codes and calendars, has not been changed. It is simply included again for convenience. Over the next few weeks, we will be completing the final stages of summer program and building enhancements, and excitedly preparing to welcome students and staff back! I look forward to meeting our new families at the Ignite event on August 6th, and to kicking off the year with our entire community through dinner and prayer on August 15th. It is a privilege to partner with you in this new year ahead. We pray for a year filled with growth, joy, and eternal impact, as we seek to fulfill our calling of equipping Ambassadors for Christ.
You can quickly RSVP for both events below.
RSVP FOR ”IGNITE” NEW FAMILY NIGHT ON AUGUST 6TH
In His Service, RSVP FOR ALL-SCHOOL COMMUNITY DINNER ON AUGUST 15TH
Alex Gispert Head of School
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table of contents BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
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BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST
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HOW WE COMMUNICATE
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HOW TO GET INVOLVED - PTF
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LOWER SCHOOL INFORMATION
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UPPER SCHOOL INFORMATION
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2026 - 2027 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
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Back to school events August 6
IGNITE! New Family Night: 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
August 14
Middle School Locker Set-Up: 10:00 am - 11:30 am High School Locker Set-Up: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Lower Schools Supply Drop-Off: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
August 15
Community Dinner and Prayer: 5:30 pm
August 17
First Day of School (Half Day - no after care)
August 25
Norfolk Lower School Parent Night: 6:30 pm
August 26
Beach Lower School Parent Night: 6:30 pm
August 28
Back to School Bash & 1st Home Football Game: 4:30 pm
September 2
Upper School Parent Night: 6:30 pm
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Back-to-school checklist Get to Know NCSConnect NCSConnect is our Student Information System that houses everything you need to know about the school year. Parents and students have individual logins and should check the platform daily for schedules, assignments, grades, teacher communication, forms, and links to all NCS information. Attendance, traffic pattern, dismissal procedures, and other campus-specific info can also be found behind each campus icon. If you need help navigating NCSConnect, contact IT Help for assistance.
Submit Health Forms by August 1st Access the August Schools health portal HERE or through the Resources tab on NCSConnect. The Health Enrollment Packet will guide you through submitting physicals, immunization records, medical conditions, as well as medication and allergy information. This packet is due by August 1 and must be completed annually. If you have questions, click below to email the nurse for your campus. LOWER: Stephanie Puffenbarger
UPPER: Sarah Coleman
Complete Summer Assignments Summer homework can be found in the Resource links for each campus on NCSConnect.
Check Supply Lists for Grades PK - 8 Supply lists for lower and middle schools can be found in the Resource links for each campus on NCSConnect. High School teachers will provide supply lists with the syllabus for each class on the first day of school.
LOWER SCHOOLS Meet your Teachers Stop by your campus on Friday, August 14th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm to drop off supplies and see the smiling face who will greet you every morning!
UPPER SCHOOL Look for Your Schedule the first week of August Schedules will be posted in each student’s NCSConnect account during the first week of August. If you have questions about your schedule, please contact Mrs. Magnin.
New Students and All Students in Grades 6-8 Register for a Chromebook 101 class held between August 3rd and 5th and pick up your new device.
Pack your Locker Bring your supplies on Friday, August 14th and get your space perfect for the first day of school. Middle School: 10:00 am- 11:30 am High School: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
We’ll see you on August 17th for the first day of the best year ever! 7
how we communicate We do our best to keep you informed, using different methods depending on the type of information being delivered. To be sure these messages are received by all parties, enter emails and phone numbers for each parent and guardian in your child’s enrollment account. You can always check or update the information linked to your child’s account by emailing our Data Manager, Karen Reiss.
CLASS NEWS
GRADE LEVEL NEWS
SEESAW
NCSCONNECT
SPORTSYOU APP
Lower School teachers use the Seesaw app to post fun photos, class announcements, assignments, and news. Check it out daily!
Upper School teachers use NCSConnect to post class announcements, grades, assignments, and messages. Make sure you and your student check it daily!
Don’t be fooled by the sporty name, sportsYou is not just for Athletics. It’s a group communication platform that lets large groups stay connected while member information stays private. Each grade level uses theirs to keep parents in the know without the constant chatter of group texts. Parent ambassadors and campus admins manage content and approve all messages from group members.
CAMPUS NEWS
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
OCCASIONAL EMAILS Our Head of School and other departments send schoolwide emails through a program called Constant Contact, which keeps important messages from being lost in spam folders. These will always have the sender's name in the "From" line (e.g.: “From NCS Athletics”).
Campus Directors send newsletters every Thursday afternoon with news and highlights of the week. These will be sent to the parent email addresses on file in each student’s account.
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emergency communications If an urgent message becomes necessary, as in the case of unplanned closings, weather incidents, or other unexpected events, Norfolk Christian uses an emergency communication system to reach parents. This platform is updated by our database nightly and cannot be unsubscribed from.
EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS Weather:
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* Email and voice call to all parents and guardians * SMS text if opted in for text messaging * Social media posts * Announced on local news channels
Other Emergencies: * Email to all parents and guardians * Voice call if between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm * SMS text if opted in for text messaging
To opt in for text messages from our emergency system, text YES to #79041.
CAMPUS CONTACT INFORMATION Norfolk Lower
Virginia Beach Lower
Upper School
7000 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Office: 757.423.5812
1265 Laskin Road Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Office: 757.428.1284
255 Thole Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Office: 757.423.5770
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How to get involved The NCS Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) partners with teachers and administrators to strengthen our school community. We would love for you to join us!
Upper School
Beach Lower School
Norfolk Lower School
• Join the Upper School Core Committee to receive PTF announcements and volunteer opportunities.
• Support your campus PTF and grade level Parent Ambassadors with activities and events.
• Support your campus PTF and grade level Parent Ambassadors with activities and events.
• Check the US PTF Newsletter linked in the US Weekly Update email.
• Check the Beach PTF Newsletter linked in the Beach Weekly Update email.
• Check the Norfolk PTF Newsletter linked in the Weekly Update email.
• Support your grade level Parent Ambassadors with events and activities.
• Attend and volunteer at school-wide events.
• Attend and volunteer at school-wide events.
• For questions, specific information, and to volunteer email:
• For questions, specific information, and to volunteer email:
lsvb-ptf@norfolkchristian.org
lsn-ptf@norfolkchristian.org
• For questions, specific information, and to volunteer email: usptf@norfolkchristian.org
Look for your PTF event magnet in the mail by the end of July!
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LOWER SCHOOLS 11
Meet the lower school team
Alex Gispert
Anna Bryan
Head of School
Director of Lower Schools
alex_gispert@norfolkchristian.org
anna_bryan@norfolkchristian.org
Catherine Bergethon
Somer Wool
Katie Boyd
Asst. Director - Norfolk
Asst. Director - Va. Beach
Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction
catherine_bergethon@norfolkchristian.org
somer_wool@norfolkchristian.org
katie_boyd@norfolkchristian.org
Jenna Porter
Stephanie Puffenbarger
Sandy Fregin
Shelley Morrison
ESS Program Coordinator
Lower School Nurse
Beach Lower Admin Asst.
Norfolk Lower Admin Asst.
jenna_porter@norfolkchristian.org
stephanie_puffenbarger@norfolkchristian.org
sandy_fregin@norfolkchristian.org
shelley_morrison@norfolkchristian.org
Zulaika Garzon
Chris Kinzey
Lindsay Ingraham
Karen Jackson
Student Billing
IT Director
Athletic Director
Fine Arts Director
zulaika_garzon@norfolkchristian.org
christopher_kinzey@norfolkchristian.org
lindsay_ingraham@norfolkchristian.org
karen_jackson@norfolkchristian.org
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Essential information School Hours Our Lower Schools open doors at 7:50 am and dismiss at 2:50 pm. Parents may take advantage of our Extended Care program if they arrive prior to 7:45 am or need care after 3:10 pm. We recommend arriving no later than 8:10 am so that students can be in their seats and ready to learn when we begin morning routines at 8:15 in each classroom.
Transportation Families have several options for transportation. Most parents use the convenient, door-to-door service of our car drop-off/pick-up line. We also offer a limited bus system with community bus stops in Virginia Beach. To arrange for transportation, contact the Business Office. Families whose older children will drop off younger siblings should be mindful of the earlier start time at the Upper School to ensure they are not late for first block.
Security Each Lower School has full-time, identifiable security personnel. Parents and students will see these friendly faces on campus daily as they interact joyfully with students and staff. Our Director of Security, Brian Capps, oversees security needs and operations at every campus and is continually working behind the scenes to keep our community safe and comfortable.
Lunches Lower School students may bring their own lunches (heating is not available) or may order chef-made food from our cafeteria menu starting on the second day of school.
Technology All classroom devices used by NCS students are equipped with the CleanBrowsing content filter. This tool offers filtering and safety features to protect students while using the internet. Teachers and administrators are diligent in helping our students navigate the internet safely, creating lifelong habits of healthy searching and learning. Additionally, technology use in classrooms is limited and solely used to supplement and enhance learning opportunities.
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See our full, written dress code here .
UPPER SCHOOL 15
Meet the upper school team
Alex Gispert
Jacob McCleese
Katie Boyd
Head of School
Upper School Director
Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction
Lindsay Ingraham Athletic Director
alex_gispert@norfolkchristian.org
jacob_mccleese@norfolkchristian.org
katie_boyd@norfolkchristian.org
lindsay_ingraham@norfolkchristian.org
Cheryl Huggins
Karen Jackson
Michelle Sandwell
Cindy Hilliard
Asst. Upper School Director
Fine Arts Director
Director of Spiritual Support
Dir. of Academic Counseling
cheryl_huggins@norfolkchristian.org
karen_jackson@norfolkchristian.org
michelle_sandwell@norfolkchristian.org
cynthia_hilliard@norfolkchristian.org
Elisabeth Magnin
Chris Chacko
Jessica Cameron
Karen Reiss
Director of Int’l Program
Upper School Counselor
Data Manager
Registrar
christopher_chacko@norfolkchristian.org
jessica_cameron@norfolkchristian.org
karen_reiss@norfolkchristian.org
elisabeth_magnin@norfolkchristian.org
Zulaika Garzon
Chris Kinzey
Sarah Coleman
Dana Posch
Student Billing
IT Director
Upper School Nurse
Upper School Admin Assistant
zulaika_garzon@norfolkchristian.org
christopher_kinzey@norfolkchristian.org
sarah_coleman@norfolkchristian.org
dana_posch@norfolkchristian.org
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Essential information School Hours School starts promptly at 8 am, with students able to arrive as early as 7:15 am. Those arriving early should report to the cafeteria until the hallways open at 7:50 am. Dismissal is at 3:05 pm daily.
Transportation Families have multiple options when it comes to transportation. Many families take advantage of our drop-off/pick-up line in the front parking lot each day. We also offer a limited bus system to Virginia Beach for an additional cost. To arrange for transportation, contact the Business Office. Lastly, students with driver’s licenses may drive to school and park in the lots designated for their grade levels. Students planning to have a car on campus should pick up a driving form from the front office.
Technology & Email Our IT Department is here to ensure a smooth and secure technology experience for every Upper School student. From setting up Dell Chromebooks to troubleshooting login issues and accessing digital platforms, our team is ready to help! Each student has credentials to log in to NCSConnect, the platform for viewing assignments and grades. Each student receives a Norfolk Christian email address that must be checked daily. Starting in 6th grade, students are required to purchase a Dell Chromebook from NCS. Students may utilize the printer and copier available in the Dunlap-Garrick Student Center when needed. All Chromebooks come equipped with GoGuardian Software. This tool enables our administrators to oversee students’ activity during school hours, ensuring they remain focused and engaged, while also providing filtering and safety features. For off-campus use, parents have access to the GoGuardian Parent app, where they can set safety parameters for student Chromebook use beyond our buildings.
Lunches & Student Spending Upper School lunches are included in tuition for all students in grades 6 - 12. Students may choose from the daily hot lunch offering, salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches, or grab and go items like chicken tenders and fries. Open seating is available in the cafeteria, or students may eat outside at the shoreline picnic tables, as weather permits. They may also use the Dunlap-Garrick Student Center during lunch as a quiet place to study or hold club meetings. The Ambassador Gym is open to students for the last 20 minutes of the lunch period. Hot breakfast, snacks, desserts, and extra lunch portions may be purchased through each student’s Lunchtab account. Lunchtab funds may also be used at the Concession stand and the Ambassador Spirit Store.
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See our full, written dress code here .
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upper school BELL SCHEDULE Our Upper School operates on a modified block schedule, with Mondays being 8-block days and the rest of the week alternating between “A” days - blocks 1 through 4, and “B” days - blocks 5 through 8. On Mondays, students attend all eight classes for 45 minutes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are four-block days with club meetings and community groups added at the end of the day on Tuesdays and chapel on Wednesday mornings. Thursdays and Fridays are standard “A” and “B” days.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday/Friday
1: 8:00 - 8:48
1: 8:00 - 9:26
5: 8:00 - 9:26
1/5: 8:00 - 9:37
2: 8:52 - 9:37
2: 9:30 - 10:53
Chapel: 9:30 - 10:10
2/6: 9:41 - 11:15
3: 9:41 - 10:26
3: HS 10:57 - 12:20 MS 11:31 - 12:54
6: 10:14 - 11:37
3/7: HS 11:19 - 12:53 MS 11:53 - 1:27
4: 10:30 - 11:15
MS lunch: 10:57 - 11:27
7: HS 11:41 - 1:04 MS 12:15 - 1:38
MS lunch: 11:19 - 11:49
5: HS 11:19 - 12:05 MS 11:53 - 12:38
HS lunch: 12:24 - 12:54
MS lunch: 11:41 - 12:11
HS lunch: 12:57 - 1:27
MS lunch: 11:19 - 11:49 HS lunch: 12:08 - 12:38
4: 12:58 - 2:21
HS lunch: 1:08 - 1:38
4/8: 1:31 - 3:05
6: 12:42 - 1:27
Clubs: 2:25 - 3:05
8: 1:42 - 3:05
7: 1:31 - 2:15 8: 2:20 - 3:05
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student services
All Student Services are conveniently located in the Dunlap - Garrick Student Center, across from the cafeteria, where our Student Services team is ready to walk with students through anything a day might bring.
Academic Planning
Spiritual Support
Our Academic Counseling team handles everything from schedules and class changes to planning for college. They’re also your onestop for transcripts and records. Looking for scholarship opportunities? They can help with that too! Mrs. Magnin serves as our Registrar, handling scheduling, course requests, and drop/add requests. Ms. Hilliard, our Director of Academic Counseling, works with high school students to create the best 4-year plan for their post-high-school goals.
Whether you want to talk through something you learned that didn’t make sense or you need someone to pray with, our Director of Spiritual Support, Ms. Sandwell, is ready and willing. Email Ms. Sandwell here.
Counseling Support Everyone could use a friendly face and a listening ear sometimes. Mrs. Cameron is our licensed counselor and she’s there to help students through the rough spots from a biblical perspective. Contact Mrs. Cameron here.
International Program International students will find Mr. Chacko’s office in the student center, where he’s ready to help with anything you need. From classes to home life to all the things that come with navigating a new country, let us help you make your Norfolk Christian - and U.S. - experience the best it can be. Email Mr. Chacko here.
Student Life Our new Director of Student Life is ready to bring the energy to every Ambassador activity! Mrs. Dobratz is a familiar face at NCS, who will work with student leaders and staff at every campus. Want to know more? Email Mrs. Dobratz here.
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7th GRADE
6th GRADE
middle school course track Bible 6 Earth Science Health and PE 6
English 6 Math 6 or Accelerated Math 6 US History II
One of the following year-long electives: Beginning/Intermediate Band, Chorus 6, Beginning/Intermediate Strings Two of the following semester-long electives: Theater 6, Art 6, Drumline 6, Computer Science Explorations I or II, Logic, Debate, Robotics
Bible 7 Life Science Health and PE 7
English 7 or Honors English 7 Math 7, Prealgebra, or Algebra 1* Civic History
One of the following year-long electives: Beginning/Intermediate Band, Chorus 7, Beginning/Intermediate Strings Two of the following semester-long electives: Theater 7, Art 7, Drumline 7, Computer Science Explorations I or II, Logic, Debate, Robotics
8th GRADE
Bible 8 Physical Science Health and PE 8
English 8 or Honors English 8 Prealgebra, Algebra 1*, or Geometry* World Geography
Elective options: choices must add up to a total of 4 semesters Concert Band* (2 semesters) Chorus* (2 semesters) Theater Arts* (1 semester) Art 8 (1 semester) Drumline 8 (2 semesters - audition only) Spanish I* (2 semesters) or Latin I* (2 semesters) or ASL I* (2 semesters) Introduction to Computer Science* I (Fall) and II (Spring) * Classes with asterisks are high school level and will be reflected on official transcripts.
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High school core courses Norfolk Christian students take English, Social Studies, and Bible every semester of high school. They are also required to complete at least three high school credits in both Math and Science and may choose classes based on their ability and interests. Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment (DE) classes require the approval of the teacher or Director of Academic Counseling.
English
4 Credits
English 9 or Honors English 9 English 10 or Honors English 10 English 11 or Honors English 11 or AP Language English 12 or AP Literature or Dual Enrollment College Composition 1 & 2
Science
3 Credits
Biology/Honors Biology At least two additional Science Electives
3 Credits
Algebra I Geometry or Advanced Geometry Algebra II or Honors Algebra II & Trigonometry Precalculus & Trigonometry or AP Precalculus AP Calculus AB or Introduction to Statistics AP Calculus BC
Social Studies
4 Credits
World Studies I or Honors World Studies I World Studies II or AP European History US History or AP US History US Government & Politics or AP US Gov. & Politics
Bible
.5 credit per semester
Bible is required every semester while at NCS
Math
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HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVES Science Options After Biology (1 credit) Chemistry or Honors Chemistry AP Chemistry AP Biology Physics or Honors Physics AP Physics 1 Oceanography Honors Anatomy and Physiology AP Environmental Science Forensic Science Earth Science
Arts (1 Credit) ~ 1 credit to graduate Concert Band Honors Wind Ensemble (Audition only) HS Drumline Chorus (Voce Deus) or Honors Chorus (Windsong) Art I/II/III 3D-Art (Sculpture and Ceramics)
Technology ~ 1 credit to graduate AP Computer Science Principles (1 Credit) AP Computer Science A (JAVA) (1 Credit) MakerSpace (0.5 Credit) Robotics (0.5 Credit) Intro to Computer Science I/II (0.5 Credit)
Health & PE ~ 1 credit to graduate *Health I & II (0.5 credit each) Functional Fitness (0.5 credit)(11,12) HS Intramural PE (0.5 credit) 0.25 sports credits given per sports season
Digital Arts (can be Art or Technology Credit) Digital Photography I/II (0.5 credit) Graphic Design I/II (0.5 credit) Publications (Yearbook) (1 credit)
Dual Enrollment (additional cost) DE World History (1 credit) DE College Algebra (0.5 credit)
Foreign Language (1 credit) ~ 2 credits to graduate Spanish I/II/III/Honors IV Latin I/II/III/Honors IV/Honors V American Sign Language I/II/III
Other Electives
AP Psychology (1 credit)(11,12) AP Human Geography (1 credit) History of the Civil War (Fall 0.5 credit) Online Courses (0.5 Credit & additional cost) History of World War II (Spring 0.5 credit) Dual Enrollment Courses through Sports Management (1 credit) (11, 12) Liberty University (need Guidance pre-approval) Public Speaking (0.5 credit) Tidewater Community College (need Guidance *Economics (0.5 credit)(11, 12) pre-approval) *Personal Finance (0.5 credit)(10-12) HS Courses through Theater Arts (0.5 credit, may take multiple times) NorthStar Academy Film Making I/II (0.5 credit each)(11, 12) Liberty University Online Academy Internship & Professional Skills (Fall 0.5 credit) Virtual Virginia Internship & Leadership Skills (Spring 0.5 credit) NCSOnline (Summer Only) Study Hall (1 per semester allowed, no credits) Health I/II Teacher’s Assistant (Application required) Economics Independent Study (Application required) Personal Finance HS Fitness (0.25 credit) *Required to graduate
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college & Career Counseling
At Norfolk Christian, our mission What do we do?is to prepare students intellectually, spiritually, and physically for the future. Our alumni pursue a multitude of different paths, including attending college, entering the workforce, and joining the military. Academically-enriching classes prepare students for life after high school, and our curated college and career counseling puts Ambassadors on the best path to reach their unique goals. The dedicated professionals in our Academic Counseling office walk beside every family as they prayerfully seek their next steps after NCS.
Academic Counseling Services:
REQUIRED TESTING
One-on-one guidance in helping each student achieve their post-high-school goals Help selecting high school courses and meeting graduation requirements Expertise and support in the college planning, application and selection process Options for students with special requests (advancing in a subject, earning extra college credit, etc.) Student schedules, add/drop requests, 4-year plans for every student Managing AP courses and testing, PSAT testing, on-site SAT/ACT testing, and National Merit recognition Official school profiles, recommendation letters, and transcript fulfillment for seniors Scheduling a variety of college and university onsite visits throughout the school year Sharing information about college scholarship opportunities
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Students in grades 8-11 are required to take the PSAT every fall. Juniors and seniors may choose to take the SAT at NCS if desired, and juniors may take the ACT on campus in the spring.
2026 - 2027 TESTING DATES October 19 PSAT for Grades 8-11 Optional SAT School Day for Grade 12 March 15 Optional SAT School Day for Grade 11 April 12 Optional ACT School Day for Grade 11
athletics Norfolk Christian offers 19 competitive sports for students in grades 5 through 12.
FALL SPORTS
SPRING SPORTS
Cross Country
Baseball
Cheer
Golf
Football
Boys & Girls Lacrosse
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Boys & Girls Volleyball
Softball
Girls Tennis
Track and Field
WINTER SPORTS Boys & Girls Basketball Cheer Indoor Track Swimming Wrestling
STAY IN TOUCH! Keep up with everything Ambassador Athletics through our BOUND portal. Bound houses all team, practice, and game info for NCS Athletics and is updated in real time. CLICK HERE TO OPEN BOUND
Important Dates: 8.6 8.12 8.24 10.30
Fall V/JV Parent Meeting - 6:30 pm Fall Sports Physical Night - 6:00 pm Fall Middle School Parent Meeting - 6:30 pm Fall Senior Night
11.2 11.9 11.12 2.10
JV/Varsity Winter Sports Tryouts Middle School Winter Sports Tryouts Winter Parent Meeting - 6:30pm Winter Senior Night
2.16 2.22 2.24. 4.30
JV/Varsity Spring Sports Tryouts Middle School Spring Sports Tryouts Spring Parent Meeting - 6:30pm Spring Senior Night
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Academic calendar 2026 - 2027
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