What Makes a Successful NCA Student?

We’re often asked by parents what makes a student successful at Northside Christian Academy, a premier Charlotte, N.C., private school. That answer may depend on a number of factors, not the least of which is whether or not your child wants to be a success.

But, over the years we have discovered a few things that all successful Northside Christian Academy students have in common. Below, we’ve listed five of those. Of course, there are probably an infinite number of things not listed here, but these are a helpful beginning point to understanding the culture at NCA.

1. Internal Motivation

If a child wants to succeed, chances are he or she will find a way. These are students who are willing to go the extra mile and inherently understand the value of a job well done. Ideally, the self-aware child understands his or her internal motivators, or has been taught the value of perseverance. But children being children, sometimes it takes a little bit of time to figure out what motivates each individual student. Some students are motivated by praise and encouragement while others need rewards or consequences. Unfortunately there is no magic formula for understanding the motivational mechanism for each student. Trial and error, and close relationships with godly teachers can help ward off problems in this area. Our teachers care about the success of every student at NCA and work closely with them to help bring about desired outcomes.

2. Respect for Authority

From a Christian worldview, perhaps nothing is as important to success as this. Respect for authority — for God, parents and teachers — is the hook upon which all other successful traits hang. Without it, no form of communication, no motivational tool, no attempt at discipleship can work. Without students who are respectful of the teachers and administration, proper order cannot be maintained. Additionally, respect for authority often translates into respect for themselves and respect for others, creating an environment of safety and cooperation. That’s why our Honor Code is an important aspect of life at NCA.

3. Good Study Skills

This becomes particularly important in the upper grades, but begins as early as elementary school. Children who haven’t been taught how to properly study for the subjects at hand are often frustrated and easily discouraged. By learning the basics of good study habits, problems can be avoided later in a child’s high school years — the years in which college admissions departments begin assessing a student’s readiness for college entrance. Our small class sizes mean that teachers can assist students with building a firm foundation in lifelong study habits and study skills.

4. Parental Involvement

Students may make up the majority of the population at Northside Christian, but behind every successful student is an involved parent. It’s parents who have made the decision to join with NCA in creating the next generation of godly leaders and it’s parents who are encouraging, equipping and supporting their children in growing into successful adults. The value of a good home learning environment cannot be underscored enough. But parents also make up the backbone of much of the work being done onsite at Northside Christian Academy. Our parent volunteers are an important aspect of student success, inside the classroom and out. On any given day, you’ll see parents in the classroom, on field trips or helping out in our athletic department. We have many opportunities for parental involvement including our Athletic Boosters.

5. Active Participation

This is not to say that the born introvert is immediately doomed to a life of failure, on the contrary even introverts can find ways to participate in school, either in the classroom or in extracurricular activities. A student who is active and engaged in the classroom will be able to better spot areas for improvement and ask for help when help is needed. Outside the class he or she is also more likely to have strong peer support or be cultivating interests in things that are meaningful in their lives. Being actively involved in academics, sports, leadership opportunities or other activities such as missions trips or special functions can help a child have a sense of belonging and foster their God-given gifts and talents.

Again, this is just a partial list. The traits that make up a successful student — or any successful individual — could probably go on for days, but these five traits really do describe a good portion of our student body.

Does any of this sound like your child? If so, find out more about our Charlotte, N.C., private school. Call us today at (704) 596-4074 to schedule a tour or to request more information. Or request information online.