Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the right school for your student is an important decision — and one that can take time.

For nearly 80 years, Norfolk Collegiate has been educating students in Hampton Roads. We’re a school steeped in tradition, while also looking ahead and embracing new ideas, opportunities and ways of learning. Most importantly, we’re a community where everyone belongs.

We understand that for families who are new to the independent school admissions process, choosing a school and navigating the admissions process can feel overwhelming. That’s why our admissions team is here to help. We’re happy to answer your questions, guide you through the process and help you determine whether Norfolk Collegiate is the right fit for your student and family.

Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you have a question that isn’t addressed here, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable admissions team.

We look forward to getting to know your family and hope to welcome you to Norfolk Collegiate soon!

Tuition & Financial Aid: FAQs

List of 8 items.

Do you offer bus transportation for families?

Unfortunately, Norfolk Collegiate does not provide transportation for students. However, many of our families participate in carpools. The school is happy to help connect current families who live near one another and may be interested in coordinating a carpool.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Norfolk Collegiate offers families three tuition payment options:
- One-Payment Schedule: Pay the full tuition balance by June 1 and receive a 1% discount when payment is received before June 1. All other charges are due upon receipt of the monthly statement.
- Two-Payment Schedule: Pay tuition in two installments, with 50% due June 1 or June 15 and the remaining 50% due Dec. 1 or Dec. 15. Families select their preferred payment date through Blackbaud Tuition Management. There is no discount with this payment option. All other charges are due upon receipt of the monthly statement.
- 12-Month Payment Schedule: Pay tuition in 12 equal monthly installments, beginning June 1. Families may select the first, 15th or last day of the month as their payment date through Blackbaud Tuition Management. Tuition and all other charges are due upon receipt of the monthly statement.
Does Norfolk Collegiate offer financial aid?

Yes. Norfolk Collegiate offers need-based financial aid to qualifying families seeking an independent school education. Financial assistance is available to many families, and we encourage families who may need assistance to apply.

Families must apply for financial aid, and awards are determined annually. All financial assistance is provided in the form of grants, which do not need to be repaid. Families who receive financial aid must reapply each year.

Norfolk Collegiate also offers a tuition discount for military families.

Learn more about affordability and financial aid.
Does tuition include lunch?

Yes, tuition includes lunch for all students attending Norfolk Collegiate. Tuition for our pre-Kindergarten 3 & 4 and kindergarten students also includes daily snacks.

For more information about Norfolk Collegiate's dining services, please click here.
Is Norfolk Collegiate accredited?

Yes. Norfolk Collegiate is accredited through the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).

Accreditation provides families with assurance that Norfolk Collegiate is held to established standards for educational quality, governance, faculty and staff, student well-being and school operations. The VAIS accreditation process includes regular evaluation, reflection and continuous improvement, helping ensure that the school remains accountable to its mission and the students and families it serves.

VAIS accreditation is recognized by the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE), which is authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education to oversee accreditation of private schools in Virginia.
Is Norfolk Collegiate religiously affiliated?

No. Norfolk Collegiate is not affiliated with any religion.
What expenses are not included in tuition?
Great question. Expenses that are not included in Norfolk Collegiate's tuition are
- Non-refundable enrollment deposit for each student
- Textbooks for grades 6-12
- Materials fee for grades pre-K3
- Extended care (should your family choose to utilize the service)
- Learning Resource Program (should your student need the service)
The admissions team is happy to answer any questions you may have about these items.
What's the difference between public and private/independent school?

Public schools are funded by the government and students attend the school based upon the school district in which they live. Some students are able to attend a different public school based on health or daycare waivers or specific programs offered at the school. Public schools must admit every student they service and have to offer accommodations for students who have special needs. Public schools also follow state or federal-mandated programs and standards, such as the Standards of Learning.

Private schools vary widely, which is why we encourage families to find the right fit for their student and their family's needs.

Private schools are accredited; however, they are funded solely on tuition, grants and fundraising efforts. Private schools do not enroll students like public schools do. Instead, families need to complete an application, tour the school and in many cases, have a shadow day or play date at the school. However, not all families who apply are accepted. Private schools look at the student's behavior, scholastic achievements, community involvement, extracurriculars and other factors when determining if a student will be accepted.

Families who attend private school vary widely, as well.

Private schools also have flexibility in their curriculum, meaning teachers have more flexibility in teaching style and speed of which lessons are taught. Many private school teachers are experts in the areas in which they teach or have industry experience.

Academics: FAQs

List of 3 items.

Do you have an Honor Code?

Yes! Honor is an important part of the Norfolk Collegiate experience. Our Honor Code helps foster a culture of trust, responsibility and integrity, with students taking ownership of the standards that guide our community.

The Honor Code is incorporated throughout the school, from pre-K3 through Grade 12. Students begin formally signing the Honor Code in fourth grade.

It states:
“I will not cheat, lie, steal, deceive or plagiarize. I am further aware that, as a member of this community, I am expected to report violations of this Code as I know them to occur.”

The Honor Code is introduced and discussed with students at the beginning of each school year and revisited throughout the year. In the middle and upper school, an Honor Council made up of students and faculty advisors helps uphold the principles of the Honor Code and gives students an active role in maintaining the integrity of their community.

Why is this important? At Norfolk Collegiate, we believe character and academic integrity are developed through practice. The Honor Code gives students a shared set of expectations and opportunities to make responsible choices, advocate for what is right and take ownership of their community.
How much homework should my student expect?

That's a great question!

To encourage healthy reading habits, all lower school students are expected to read or be read to 20 minutes each day. Additionally, kindergarten students are expected to have an additional 10 minutes of homework a day and increasing 5 minutes by grade.

Middle school students should expect to spend no more than 1 hour a night focused working on homework and studying to prepare for their classes, dependent on their grade.

Upper school students should expect to spend at least 2.5 hours a night of time focused working on homework and studying to prepare for their classes.
What if my student needs academic support?

Norfolk Collegiate’s Learning Resource Program (LRP) provides academic support services for students in Kindergarten through grade 12. Our learning specialists work closely with students, classroom teachers and families to identify individual learning needs, build on students’ strengths and develop strategies that help students reach their academic goals.

The LRP offers a variety of individual and small-group support, including assistance with specific content areas, reading, study skills, organization, time management and other academic needs. For students with documented learning disabilities, learning specialists also collaborate with classroom teachers to facilitate appropriate classroom accommodations.

We believe every student learns differently, and our goal is to provide the support students need to thrive academically.

Contact our admissions team for more information about Norfolk Collegiate’s Learning Resource Program and how it may benefit your student.

Athletics & Arts: FAQs

List of 6 items.

Can students participate in multiple sports?

Absolutely! Many of Norfolk Collegiate’s middle and upper school students participate in more than one sport throughout the school year. Because of the way our schedule is structured, students can participate in clubs during the school day and then participate in one to three team sports throughout the year.

And athletics are just one part of the experience. Many students also participate in concert choir, play a musical instrument or perform in the school’s fall play or spring musical.

At Norfolk Collegiate, students don’t have to choose just one passion — they have opportunities to explore athletics, arts, clubs and more throughout their school experience.
How often do you students perform onstage?
Norfolk Collegiate's students take to the stage multiple times throughout the school year.

Lower school students host the following performances:
- Winter and spring band and strings concert
- Grandparents & Special Friends Day Program
- Pre-K Holiday Program
- K&1 Musical
- Grade 2&3 Musical
- Evening of the Arts
- Grade 4&5 Musical
- Pre-K Celebration
Middle School Students host the following performances:
- Band, Strings & Chorus Holiday Concert
- Evening of the Arts
- Middle School Musical
- Band, Strings & Chorus Spring Concert
Upper School Students host the following performances:
- Fall Play
- Band, Strings & Chorus Holiday Concert
- Evening of the Arts
- Upper School Musical
- Band, Strings & Chorus Spring Concert
All middle and upper school performances are student-run productions.
What athletic leadership opportunities are available?

At Norfolk Collegiate, student-athletes have opportunities to lead both on and off the field. Through the Student-Athlete Task Force, representatives from varsity programs in grades 9–12 work together to help shape the culture of sportsmanship, leadership and school spirit across our athletic programs.

Task force members participate in leadership development opportunities, including a leadership boot camp and a Positive Coaching Alliance workshop focused on character, sportsmanship and leadership. Throughout the school year, students explore leadership styles, personal accountability and the legacy they want to leave while working with athletic administrators and their peers to identify ways to strengthen Norfolk Collegiate athletics.

Through these experiences, student-athletes develop the confidence and skills to lead their teams, contribute to their school community and make a lasting impact.
What grades can participate in athletics at Norfolk Collegiate?
Students in grades 6–12 can participate in athletics at Norfolk Collegiate. Opportunities vary by sport and level:
- Middle school: Middle school teams are introductory and generally open to students who wish to participate, within reasonable limits of team size and practicality. The focus is on learning skills, building confidence and developing a love of competition.
- Junior varsity (JV): JV teams primarily include students in grades 9–10 and serve as a transitional level between middle school and varsity athletics. In some circumstances, younger students may participate with approval from the Athletic Department.
- Varsity: Varsity teams are designed to provide the highest level of competition. Rosters may be limited, and selection is based on individual skill, maturity and the ability to contribute to the team's success. Sixth- and seventh-grade students are not eligible for varsity athletics. Eighth-grade students may be considered for varsity participation when the coach, family and athletic director agree that it is an appropriate opportunity for the student.
What sports are offered?
Norfolk Collegiate offers the following sports to our middle and upper school students:
- Girls and boys tennis
- Girls and boys lacrosse
- Girls and boys soccer
- Girls and boys basketball
- Cheerleading
- Co-ed sailing
- Co-ed cross country
- Co-ed swimming
- Golf
- Girls Field Hockey
- Volleyball
What theater opportunities are available?

Norfolk Collegiate’s Hackney Theater offers opportunities for lower, middle and upper school students to get involved onstage, backstage and behind the scenes. Whether a student loves performing, designing, building or working with technology, there’s a place to contribute.

Upper school students can participate in Theater Production classes, where they design and build sets for middle and upper school productions. Our Costume and Design class gives students the opportunity to learn sewing and create costumes for productions. Students also take the lead in operating lights and sound, serving as stage hands and supporting other technical aspects of each production.

Norfolk Collegiate’s theatrical productions are largely student-run, giving students meaningful hands-on experience and the opportunity to take ownership of the creative and technical process.

For students interested in performing, auditions are typically held about two months before each production. Following callbacks, the cast is announced and rehearsals begin.

Student Life: FAQs

List of 3 items.

Do students have recess?

Yes, students in pre-K3 through grade 5 have recess daily, in addition to have having physical education daily.
How do students get involved in the school community?

How do students get involved in the school community?
There are many ways for students to get connected and become part of the Norfolk Collegiate community — from the moment they first visit campus through their years as a Mighty Oak.

When a prospective student tours Norfolk Collegiate, they are paired with a Carolton Oak Ambassador, a current student who helps them get to know the school, meet classmates and feel more comfortable during the transition to Norfolk Collegiate. The admissions team also hosts events throughout the year to welcome new students and families and provide opportunities to connect with one another and with current members of the school community.
Once students are part of the school, they have many opportunities to build friendships and find their place. Middle and upper school advisories provide a smaller community within the larger school, while upper school students can explore their interests through the annual Club Fair. Middle school students have choice time, giving them opportunities to connect with peers through shared interests and activities.

Our counselors also work intentionally to help students build meaningful peer connections, including making sure students have opportunities to sit with and get to know classmates during lunch.
At Norfolk Collegiate, we believe every student should feel known, connected and included — and we provide many opportunities for students to find their people and become an active part of the school community.
What leadership opportunities are available?
Leadership opportunities flourish for students at Norfolk Collegiate! Starting from our youngest Oaks to our most rooted seniors, Norfolk Collegiate students are provided a plethora of opportunities to thrive as leaders, should they choose to do so.

Upper School:
- Honor Council
- National English Honor Society
- National Honor Society
- Student Government Association
- Junior and Senior Class Officers
- Student-Athlete Task Force
Middle School:
- Community and Belonging Student Advisory
- Student Government Association
- Honor Council
- National Junior Honor Society
Lower School
- Student Government Association
- Class Representatives
- Safety Patrol
- Oak Ambassadors

Daily Life: FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Are students allowed to have cell phones and smartwatches at school?

Norfolk Collegiate is intentional about the use of cell phones and smart devices during the school day. Middle and upper school students may bring cell phones and smartwatches to school, but devices must be placed in airplane mode and secured in the student’s assigned Yondr pouch for the duration of the school day. Pouches are unlocked at the end of the school day.

Lower school students are not permitted to bring cell phones or smartwatches to school.

This approach gives students more opportunities to be fully present with one another and engaged in their learning environment. If families need to reach a student during the school day, they should contact the school.
How do families receive communications?
Email is the school’s primary method of communication with families. Families should regularly check their email for important school news, updates and announcements.

If the school needs to close or modify its schedule due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as severe weather, we will communicate with families by phone call, text message and email.

We may also communicate with families in other ways, including:
- Bookbag fliers: Occasionally sent home with younger students with important information or reminders.
- Mailed publications: From time to time, the school may mail publications such as calendars, letters or other important materials to families.
Does my student(s) have to have their own laptop or Chromebook?

Students in Grades 6-12 are required to bring their own Chromebook (middle school) or Chromebook or laptop (upper school) to use at school and home. More information about personal devices is available to current families via the Device Minimum Specifications Resource board in MyCollegiate. Cell phones are not allowed to be used for school work.

For students in pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, individual devices are not required for instruction. Any devices needed for instruction will be provided by the school and will be shared.
What if my student has food allergies?

FLIK Dining provides nutritional and allergy information for every item served, helping students make informed choices about their dining options. At Norfolk Collegiate, FLIK team members get to know our students and are especially attentive to students with allergies in the lower school.

Our school also has two nurses, one at each campus, who support students with allergies and other health needs throughout the school day. This network of support helps students navigate their dining options safely and confidently while developing the independence to make responsible choices.

If your student has a food allergy, please let us know so we can connect you with our head chef to discuss their specific needs and available dining options.
My student has gluten sensitivity. What are their options?

FLIK Dining always offers gluten-free options for students with gluten sensitivities. Our dining staff will ensure that a gluten-free hot meal option is available for students, faculty and staff who require one. Students may also select from our salad and deli bars, which include gluten-free options.

If your student has a gluten sensitivity, please let us know, and we will connect you with Chef Barry to discuss available options and help ensure they have a positive dining experience.