About Us

Established in 2016, Crossroads FLEX High School is a Wake County Public School System magnet school designed for students in grades 9-12 whose passions extend beyond the traditional school day. Serving approximately 150 students, Crossroads FLEX provides a unique, flexible learning environment that empowers students to pursue excellence both academically and personally. Crossroads FLEX operates on a 4x4 schedule and a traditional calendar. 

Our students are highly dedicated to pursuits such as competitive athletics, performing and visual arts, entrepreneurship, and other intensive endeavors requiring 20 or more hours of commitment each week. Through a hybrid learning model, students are able to balance these pursuits while completing a rigorous college- and career-ready high school education.

Crossroads FLEX combines in-person instruction with digital learning to provide flexibility without sacrificing meaningful relationships with teachers. Students attend face-to-face classes two to four days each week, Monday through Thursday, depending on their individual pursuit schedule. Fridays are available for tutoring, remediation, support, study sessions, and work time. Core academic courses are primarily taught by Crossroads FLEX teachers in person, while many electives and Advanced Placement courses are available through our partnership with North Carolina Virtual Public School. Throughout the learning experience, teachers provide individualized support, progress monitoring, supplemental instruction, and regular feedback to ensure student success.

Our students are responsible, self-motivated, independent learners who demonstrate integrity, resilience, and a commitment to their goals. The flexibility of our program allows them to meet graduation requirements while pursuing opportunities that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.

What Crossroads FLEX Offers 

• A flexible hybrid learning environment that supports rigorous academic and personal pursuits
• Core academic courses taught by certified Crossroads FLEX teachers
• Electives taught by certified Crossroads FLEX teachers, including multiple levels of Spanish, CTE, and social studies
• Expanded AP and elective opportunities through North Carolina Virtual Public School
• Early morning learning opportunities
• Personalized support from teachers, counselors, the Intervention Coordinator, the Career Development Coordinator, and staff both in person and online
• Individualized attention in a small school setting
• Dual enrollment opportunities through local community colleges
• A welcoming school community where students are empowered to pursue their passions while earning a Wake County diploma

At Crossroads FLEX, our vision is to graduate students whose individual pursuits empower them to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Student Profile

A Crossroads FLEX student should:

• Have a defined pursuit
• Spend 20+ hours a week training
• Be self-directed
• Be independent
• Be able to manage their time well
• Be digitally literate
• Desire a non-traditional pathway to graduation
• Possess strong communication skills
• Be organized

 
Demonstrate the RISE characteristics:

• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Self-motivated
• Engaged

Meet Administration

Mrs. Christie Nottingham, Principal

Christie Nottingham has proudly served as the Principal of Crossroads FLEX High School since August 2023. A product of the Wake County Public School System, Mrs. Nottingham attended both Apex Middle and Apex High School before earning her degree in K-12 Spanish Education from Appalachian State University. She later earned a Master’s in School Administration from North Carolina State University and an Educational Specialist degree from Coastal Carolina University.

Over the course of her career, Mrs. Nottingham has served students at both the middle and high school levels in WCPSS and Horry County, SC. Her roles have included Spanish teacher, Intervention Coordinator, Instructional Facilitator, and Assistant Principal. Before joining Crossroads FLEX, she served as an Assistant Principal at Cary High School for three years.

Mrs. Nottingham brings a deep appreciation for innovation in education and is committed to supporting students in the rigorous pursuit of both academics and extracurricular passions. She is honored to lead a school community that empowers students to excel in their studies while pursuing professional and personal goals beyond the classroom.

George "Nate" Barilich, Assistant Principal

I am thrilled to begin my first official assistant principal role at Crossroads FLEX High School. From the moment I entered the building and met the staff, I knew I had found a unique, purposeful, and innovative community that aligns deeply with my belief that—with the right conditions, tools, and mentorship—students can do remarkable things. I hold a Bachelor's in English Education from NC State University (2014), where I was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow, and I completed my Master’s in School Administration at NCSU through the North Carolina Education Leadership Academy and NC Principal Fellows Program (2025).

This is my 12th year with WCPSS. For the 2024–2025 school year, I was honored to call Washington Magnet Elementary School my home during my principal residency. I helped bring their “Reach for the Stars” vision to life by leading and implementing restorative and community-building circles and planning staff development to improve PLCs and Second Step programming. For over a decade, 2013-2024, I was a dedicated educator at Enloe Magnet High School, serving as an English and Film Analysis teacher, intervention coordinator, and magnet coordinator, where I focused on curriculum enhancement, SEL implementation, and advocating for Magnet Programs, particularly the Gifted & Talented pathway. I was recognized as a WCPSS Top Ten Teacher of the Year Finalist during the 2021–2022 school year. Beyond teaching, I led the Enloe School Improvement Team, Grading Plan Committee, Junior Class Council, Crescenloe A Cappella, and chaired the Enloe Charity Ball Fund, which raised over $1 million for local nonprofits while empowering students with leadership and service skills. Between 2016 and 2020, I also served as an Executive Fellow with EducationNC, where I helped design and launch the EdAmbassadors program, facilitated statewide convenings on equity, collaborated with national thought partners, and published original content on EdNC.

Outside of work, you’ll find me cheering on the NC State Wolfpack (I’m a proud double-NC State grad), listening to music, enjoying live shows, hiking in the mountains, relaxing at Topsail Island, exploring local food, or catching up on my favorite shows. I look forward to serving this community with leadership grounded in love, compassion, and justice, ensuring that every child and educator feels seen, heard, and valued, fostering a community where growth and joy thrive.

Mission Statement

Wake County Public School System will provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.

Vision Statement

Crossroads FLEX commits to offering the premier and equitable flexible learning experience through hybrid instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of our students and their pursuits. Our school community prioritizes diversity, academic rigor, creativity, innovation, and collaboration in order to inspire future leaders to emblazon change upon the world.

Core Values

Through flexible pathways to academic success, we are committed to promoting equitable systems and structures that ensure all students will have the freedom to follow their pursuits.

We are committed to engaging diverse perspectives, ensuring all voices are valued and heard throughout our school community.

We empower students to advocate for themselves and demonstrate integrity in overcoming challenges, fostering personal growth, and developing leadership skills.

Our commitment to their education will prepare students to lead full, productive lives and equip them to have a positive impact on the broader community.

WCPSS Core Beliefs

1.Every student is uniquely capable and deserves to be challenged and engaged in relevant, rigorous, and meaningful learning each day.

2. Every student is expected to learn, grow, and succeed while we will eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity.

3.Well-supported, highly effective, and dedicated principals, teachers, and staff are essential to success for all students.

4. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff, while sustaining best practices, will promote and support a culture of continuous improvement, risk-taking, and innovation that results in a high-performing organization focused on student achievement.

5. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff value a diverse school community that is inviting, respectful, inclusive, flexible, and supportive.