Hard Work.
Personal attention;
flexible tough love.
What will it take?
Students all have unique needs. Sometimes, their talents are hidden beneath relaxed teen attitudes and procrastination.
North Fork teachers have the time -- and stubborn ability -- to wait out a student's learning curve. It is not personal. Students do not receive credit for a school year until ALL assignments are finished to the best of their ability, as judged by their teachers.
There is no escape "because the school year is over." Students learn that they get out of class what they put in. And North Fork teachers allow them to learn that lesson.
"At North Fork, I was given the support and respect to figure out what was important to me, not just to do what the teachers wanted. I get a huge sense of satisfaction at the end of the year at North Fork, from watching myself improve: it is fascinating.
I have never had such a close relationship with a teacher. All my NFS teachers give time to me personally; that encourages me to work hard not only for myself, but also to gain their respect. I have become a more complete person at NFS: self-motivated, but with a solid support system under my feet.
I look forward to showing up to class. Being a good writer helped immensely with my MDHS speech class. Most teachers will bend over backward to help a student succeed, but Marie and Brigid know when not to bend. ”— Bennet Roper, MDHS valedictorian 2013
North Fork teachers are personal coaches for every student. Papers receive constant, consistent editing until each piece is "A" work. This modeling allows students to create their own set of editing "skills" that they then apply to each succeeding assignment.
By their senior year, all students can produce clear, effective, 6-page analyses of literature in three drafts, with citations and bibliographies, citing several novels, or even just two poems. After six years of North Fork English, seniors leave confident in their skills and abilities to do college-level work.
When North Fork students apply to college, their applications are accompanied by a North Fork School packet, containing recommendations as well as transcripts listing their North Fork coursework, and a profile of the school, which puts that work in context for admission committees.
Colleges understand that North Fork students took every opportunity they had to receive the best possible, most challenging education in their small Idaho town.
“The North Fork School encouraged my children to strive beyond what they thought was possible.
They were taught to value being smart – to embrace knowledge, history, philosophy – to hone one’s intellect and have a passion for discourse and critical thinking. I’m still amazed when people comment on my kids’ interests and vocabulary.
We loved the strong role models that the teachers provided. And of course – like in any endeavor – the younger one starts, the easier it becomes and the further one goes.”
— Ana Egnew, parent of Gerrit '12 and Kathryn, '14
"Ben has been enrolled continuously in the North Fork School since the fourth grade, and has experienced how the curriculum builds on itself from year to year. As a result, he is very confident in his math and writing skills and is not afraid to dive into academically-challenging academic endeavors.
Ben has learned that the only way out of homework is to get through it. The homework is not complete until it is done correctly. The students are held to a high standard and are nurtured through the steps toward achieving that standard. Teachers, students and parents work as a team at North Fork. I appreciate the on-going communication I get from the teachers regarding my son’s progress.
In the high school years, detailed, valuable guidance is provided in preparing college and scholarship applications. Attending the North Fork School is not the easy way, but it is an outstanding learning experience, which will significantly improve our son’s opportunities in college and in life.”
— Connie Crogh, mother of Ben, class of 2016
SAT Language/reading preparation occurs in all NFS English classes, beginning in the 7th grade. Starting in their sophomore year of high school, students receive personal college counseling.
In English class, they work on choosing suitable colleges which match their needs; preparing applications and essays; compiling activities and addressing extracurricular gaps in their resumes; looking at timelines for financial aid, teacher recommendations, and application deadlines.
Most 11th graders complete the large majority of their college application work in their English III/AP Language class.