I attended Emerson Waldorf School for 10 years. To say I loved my time there is an understatement…read more I went from crying everyday at my charter school in first grade to thriving academically, socially, and artistically. At Emerson, students are not only seen as learners, but also as whole people who have thoughts, ambitions, and capacities beyond memorizing formulas. In elementary school I learned through stories and to this day I am able to remember the content of the lessons- the math activities that helped me learn all my times tables forwards and backwards, the stories I wrote in cursive, the doll I knit in second grade. In middle school, I wasn't taking tests to measure my knowledge, but instead I was writing stories and drawing depictions based on the lessons of Ancient Egypt, Geography, History, etc. Thanks to Emerson I can write college level essays (I got A's on all of my first semester college papers), I play the cello, I sell crocheted hats and knitted socks, I love sports thanks to my years on the volleyball team, I honestly love math, and I have still kept the friendships from my years at Emerson. I think that is what I love most. The students are so kind and everyone is able to be their truest self without shame. There are no expectations to conform to what society (or social media) thinks is popular at the time. Every child deserves to attend Emerson Waldorf School.

Waldorf education has been amazing for our 2 girls (who are now 12 and 15)…read more They started as babies and are now in Junior High and High School. We were so lucky to have found Emerson which is one of the few Waldorf schools in the country which goes through high school. They attended a Montessori school for one year when we were living in an area that had no Waldorf school nearby. It was a disaster! The following year we moved to a location which had an accredited Waldorf school and the girls quickly got back into the swing of it. Learning languages (currently German and Spanish) in early elementary grades, learning to play an instrument (recorder, violin and later cello and others) also in elementary grades, being outdoors for extended periods each day, and interacting with teachers and students who are immersed in the philosophy of Waldorf has brings the students to a point of creativity and academics which are different from traditional learning in a most positive way. We have moved again, this time permanently, to this location which offers the upper grades and are so happy that we found Emerson!

I visited this quintessentially uniquely designed elementary school by Evoke Studio Architecture in…read moreDurham NC - to watch a family member's performance. At first glance - the quality of this building is evident. The value was in being outside - enjoying the festivities while observing this location. Complimentary water -fruit & snacks available & food trucks were on the other side of the building. This school is located on an incline - seemly semi secluded for optimal security. It was a picture perfect day - sunshine - just a light jacket or long sleeve shirt day - the building is sprawled over a cleverly designed landscape- it is a multi level very large building with protected outside playgrounds spaces and a lower level walking trail.It is also authentically pleasing to the eye -generous outside spaces for children to run & jump & play for outside activities.I was told there were elevators and stairs for options for accessibility. I look forward to viewing the interior at another time. It was a beautiful experience- this location is minutes away from major interstates - a major mall- accommodations - numerous restaurants-

The owner has harassed me to take down the truth as she puts so much into advertising that this is…read moresomething it's not! The truth is not going to be oppressed , and don't let her scam you!

There was no interview process. They accepted my child despite my telling them of delays and being…read moreworried about potty training. Blame your reasoning on covid precautions, but you didn't do your due diligence to check out my child as a prospective student, and then asked her to leave after 8 days claiming that no other child has issues in your school, when statistically that is impossible, and I know other children in the program that do suffer. MDS shamed us as parents and left us without any resources or direction on how to help our child, with an ongoing autism diagnosis process. They never tried with these kids. They only want the ones that will comply and easily fit their mold. American Montessori Society should be ashamed of this school, as they do not represent Maria Montessori's dream.

My wife and I are professors at UNC and Duke, respectively. We have researched most of the schools…read morein the area and decided to send our older child to Duke School with mixed results. With our youngest, we tried IMS and have been amazed at the level of dedication by teachers and administration. Solid education with emphasis on intercultural competence and language acquisition. Simply the best school in the Triangle. Excellent management of Covid issues by the administration and staff. Cannot recommend it more in terms of education and community. They have their priorities straight!

My children finished 6 years at this school and it was a wonderful experience. Bilingual education…read moreis an amazing academic foundation and they blend this with everything that is wonderful about the Montessori Method, making this a beautiful and peaceful-filled refuge for your child's first home-away-from-home.

We love this school, and whatever happened with the 1 star administration, we have felt nothing but…read morekindness, respect, and professionalism from the current administration. This school us beautiful in every way, with such heart and soul. I want to invent a time machine so I can go back to being a kid and enroll myself here. Enough said.

This is an excellent Montessori school. We're sending our son to pre-school there. Although it is…read morepretty expensive ($8k+), he has really developed there and the educational staff there is top notch. Montessori schools can be a crap shoot since Miss Montessori in her infinite wisdom never trademarked her school name or philosophy. So any joker can call themselves a Montessori school. There are a few in Chapel Hill like this. However this school is a legit Montessori school. It's accredited by one of the big Montessori organizations and they take their training seriously there. I think all of the teachers are Montessori certified, most of the helpers too. What really impressed me on the tour was that all the teachers have been there for many years. They're all really dedicated to the children and letting them explore their world. The facilities are ridiculously nice. They have wonderful playgrounds and the middle school is new. They have a new music and art building which is amazingly nice. You get what you pay for in this case. They have very active parents who organize multiple fundraisers for the school. I've got no reservations about sending my son here.

Both my nieces strolled through this establishment. They turned out ok, so, i guess DA has…read moresomething to do with that. Ya feel me?

Durham Academy is one of the top private schools in North Carolina. The focus is on building…read moreleaders, not in just educating. The preschool is a warm and enriching environment. The lower school starts the educational journey, which continues progressing through High School. Classes are roughly 16-20 students, with daily enrichment classes across all disciplines. 100% of graduating seniors go to college, with most going to first choice schools.

When my high school got the best SAT scores in the state they made bumper stickers that said…read more"Chapel Hill High School: Best in the State". Should I mention it's a state that ranked 48th in the country? Naaaaah. Anyway, we promptly got out scissors and rearranged the letters to make the stickers say funny stuff like Chapel Hill High School: BEAT UP THE STATE or Cheap as Hell School: TASTE THE STATE. Once I looked at the clock in history class and there was a bumper sticker above it that said Chapel Hill High School: TASTE THIN BEETS. Extra star for cancelling school even for the least little bit of ice falling from the sky. Extra 1/2 star for cancelling school for a week after Hurricane Fran. Minus one star for not including my middle name on my high school diploma. Oh, were you looking for a helpful review? Oops. Um, Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools are renowned across the state for high quality and well-qualified teachers. Much cheaper than shelling out for Durham Academy, and you get the same level of education without your kids turning into purveyors of mass snobbery!

One of the main reasons we moved here. I have kids that have been in the elementary, middle and…read morehigh schools and we've been pleased every year. I've found the kids to be challenged without being overwhelmed and faculty and staff were very helpful easing the kids in when they were new.