The Crossnore School operates under Christian principles and motivation but is not denominationally related. Its founder, Dr. Mary Martin Sloop, wanted to be a foreign missionary, but made the poor of Avery County her mission field.

There are many opportunities for church groups to be involved at Crossnore, in maintenance projects, summer missions projects, vacation Bible schools, fund or materials raising, tutoring, adopt-a-cottage, birthday celebrations, holiday observances and others. Those Crossnore serves are the voiceless, powerless young people who most dearly touch the heart of Christian mission.