FAQ

About Us: Frequently Asked Questions

When and how do students apply to the program?

Students who are in the fifth grade at a San Rafael public school are eligible to apply. The application process includes two major parts: a written application and an interview.

Each spring, applications are made available at the Crossroads Information Night. The application itself contains a section for parents/guardians to complete, a section for the student to complete, a teacher recommendation form, and a transcript request form.

Once the written application is processed, students will be invited to Canal Alliance for a brief interview. Admissions decisions are sent to all families shortly after the interview. Each year, we aim to admit a new class of twelve students.

What kinds of students do you serve?

At Crossroads we enjoy working with students from low-income families that represent a range of skill levels, interests and backgrounds. The primary criteria for admission are motivation, ambition, energy, work ethic, a positive spirit, academic potential, and the willingness to commit to the full three years of the program.

Crossroads is fortunate to work with such a culturally rich and diverse community as the greater San Rafael area. Our families represent a variety of languages, national origins, family structures, ethnicities and life experiences. We celebrate and embrace these diversities. Crossroads makes every effort to create a nurturing, safe space for all children and all families.

Is the Crossroads program a summer camp?

No. Crossroads is a year-round program that requires a three-year commitment from students and families. Each summer, students attend a five-week session, Monday through Friday. During the school year, students engage in after school tutoring and monthly Saturday School sessions.

What is the cost of admission?

As Crossroads is designed for low-income families, there is no tuition. Students in the program, however, are expected to participate fully, attend every session, and complete all assignments. In addition, we expect families to give their full support to the work and goals of the program.

Do you provide transportation?

Crossroads provides transportation to and from Marin Academy's campus during the summer session. The bus route changes each year, depending on where our students live.

Do you provide any meals?

We believe that good nutrition is a necessary component to academic success. During the summer session, Crossroads students are given breakfast, a midday snack, and lunch. During Saturday School sessions, we provide lunch only. We work hard to provide healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals.

What is the curricular focus of the program?

First and foremost, Crossroads is an academic program. Especially during our summer sessions, our teaching philosophy centers on reinforcing basic skills, taking teaching and learning outside of the classroom as much as possible, facilitating project-based learning, and helping students recognize their specific learning needs. Our overarching aim is to guide students in "learning how to learn" so that they can negotiate any future educational endeavor.

The arts are another focus of the program. During summers, students engage in arts classes that in the past have included drama, dance, video production and bookmaking, to name a few. All of our arts classes culminate in a major final project or performance.

Additionally, we believe in the value of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The summer sessions feature one major trip of this nature per week. In the past, Crossroads students have participated in field trips such as ropes courses, film screenings, museum visits, rock climbing and sea kayaking.

Who are the teachers in Crossroads?

The Crossroads summer faculty is comprised of both professional teachers and high school and college students who are interested in careers in teaching. Having a diverse faculty is an important aim of the program. We hope to provide students with a group of teachers whose backgrounds reflect theirs. We believe this enhances the teaching and learning.

During the school year, high school volunteers work in the after school tutorial program.

How is Crossroads funded?

Crossroads is funded through generous contributions from individuals and foundations. To learn more about how you can support Crossroads, please go to the Giving to Crossroads Page.