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(Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series from Edge staffers who have swapped schools for a day to see what life is like in a different setting. In this entry, Aysha Iqbal, a Hidden Valley High School student, visits North Cross School and shares her thoughts about the experience.)

When you think of a private school what comes to mind? For some, the generalization typically involves uniforms and “stuck-up rich kids.” However, that is one assumption that is not always true, especially in the case of North Cross School. Coming from a fairly new school of almost 1,200 students, I was unsure about what to expect. However, the small size and atmosphere of the school were both quite endearing.

A relaxed place

The first thing I noticed was the relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was sitting around in the hallways and on benches, waiting for class to start. Backpacks lined the sides of the halls and coats were hung on the hooks. There was enough trust among students to leave their belongings unattended, and this was admirable. Also, the simple fact that students were able to visit the same hallway to retrieve their belongings twice in the same day was an unusual concept to me.

I proceeded to first period: AP Chemistry, in which there were a total of five students. The small class size was alarming but it seemed to work. There was plenty of interaction between the students and the teacher, and it was apparent that everyone was interested in the subject. No one was napping on their backpacks, drawing pictures or goofing off on their laptops.

After a few more classes it was time for the break. Students poured into the halls and began to congregate. The fact that the entire high school consists of 157 students really began to show. It seemed as if the natural barriers that develop between grade levels didn’t exist.

Everyone was mingling, purchasing food from the Campus Corner and just hanging out on the couches — yes couches, in the middle of the hallway. Teachers walked by and greeted students as if they were friends. The relationships between the administrators and students were laudable.

Levels of trust astonishing

It was then time for study hall. Instead of reporting to a designated classroom like any other period, students had the choice of where to go. They could walk across campus, meet in the library, go to an empty classroom or just sit out in the hall. I once again got to witness just how much school officials trust the students. There was no fear of class being skipped or inappropriate behavior occurring. I believe this is important because no one wants to be treated as if they are always up to no good.

History class was next on my schedule. I noticed that everyone began to pull out notebooks or loose-leaf sheets of paper. I was astonished. Where were the laptops? I don’t recall the last time I took notes on paper. However, no one groaned or complained. Just about everyone in that classroom paid absolute attention and took notes as the teacher lectured about the Civil War.

After history, it was time for lunch, but just before lunch there was “the meeting.” This involved everyone meeting in the main hall and discussing any important announcements. It was so refreshing to not have to listen to the intercom drone on for five minutes.

First, the administrators made their announcements and then the students had the opportunity to take the floor and say what they needed to say. Whether it was a simple congrats about an athletic accomplishment, or an important club meeting after school, everyone had the opportunity to voice what they needed to.

The fact that North Cross is a small school really makes a difference in the dynamics. I felt that not only were the students closer with one another but also they were close with their teachers. The environment of the school was laid-back and almost homey.

Also, the levels of trust were astonishing, and it seemed as if this actually promoted students to follow the honor code. Aesthetically, the school was much different than what I had thought it would be. It was obviously not a brand-new school with whitewashed walls, but it was nonetheless very inviting.