Crestwell School

Sending my son to Crestwell was the best decision I have ever made. He has learned so much and made so many loyal friends. The teachers at Crestwell truly care about each aspect of the students lives; they and the staff go above and beyond for each family, making sure to provide only the best in education, leadership, and encouragement. I truly appreciate the tireless efforts of the teachers to continually improve the quality of the academics, the ability they have to meet each child's needs, and the excellent parent-teacher communication. Such conscientiousness I have not found anywhere else. Overall, Crestwell delivers a superior value for money, and I would highly recommend this school to any parent in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school,we stayed in Florida so our youngest could graduate this year!! Both of our children have attended since kindergarten. Motivating and caring teachers. Dedicated and dynamic teaching Principal that leads by example! The principal really listens and is respected by the students. Middle school is a difficult age, I am glad I had Crestwell 's guiding my child during those difficult growing years. It is a rough world out there and socially sophisticated at a younger age in the larger schools. Crestwell is a very safe enviroment!! Our oldest Crestwell graduate is now a junior at the Fort Myers IB, doing well and making good choices.
—Submitted by a parent

Thanks to Crestwell, I am majoring in Biology on a track to medical school. I am able to hold my steady 4.0 GPA, because of their well rounded curriculum. They were able to teach me strong social and scholastic skills in the classroom, while being able to maintain a family setting. I was really never fond of homework, but because of there strong homework support after school. I was able to have one on one teacher help. The family environment was so appealing I often times end up stopping by to say hello when I am home. I still use the fundamental skills that I learned at Crestwell in my Honor Classes at University of Florida. I honestly can say without a doubt that I wouldn't be as ready and able to do collegial work if it wasn't for Crestwell. This is a strong family oriented and supportive school.

Excellent learning environment...our family could not be any happier at this school. Administration and teachers are top notch. Emphasis on educating the whole child - very academic but balanced well with positive self-esteem enforcement for the children. In addition, children are taught responsibility in making their own choices. We have found the other families to be friendly and welcoming. It is a very safe and nurturing school where the administration is hands-on and knows what is going on with the students. Music, art, and Spanish taught from Pre-K through middle. Bargain for the money we pay to get this kind of peace of mind and a solid education for our children. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

Good: Small class sizes. Adequately funded even during these times. After school 'homework' help available. Tuition costs. Some very nice, down to earth parents. Very safe physical environment. Some teachers are flexible and approachable. Too much: Homework and age inappropriate projects. Sugar (constant 'bake sales', birthday cupcakes, etc.). Emphasis on grades, not learning. Paper waste. Reward based 'learning'. Talk by Director at assembly about the importance of so many things - but not enough action or modeled behavior by teachers, staff. Example: the environment? The paper waste here is extraordinary. Manners? Some of the desk staff and aftercare are outright rude, disrespectful, dishonest and sarcastic to children. A few: Overindulgant, materialistic, over acheiving parents who haven't taught their kids any humility, balance, or how not to brag. Not enough: Emphasis on the whole child, I'm not sure they are listened to as the people they are. Creative outlets. Respect and understanding, being taught or role modeled, for others who are different. Languages. Spanish? Really? Outside time during aftercare.
—Submitted by a parent

Fabulous school! Such a nice group of children and parents. The teachers are exceptional. Small classes and individual attention is given to the students. Very academic. Tuition is reasonable!
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! The teachers are well educated and work very well with the children. Throughout the week the students attend Spanish lab, computer lab, and music class. Very academic and worth the tuition!
—Submitted by a parent

Crestwell has been perfect for us. I could not imagine sending my son to middle school anywhere else in Fort Myers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have children at this school. They love the school and have been progressing. I find the other parents somewhat unfriendly we are new. The teachers are great. Easy to talk with and make time for you. You have to pack or buy there lunches which are catered and not very appealing to kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My son's teacher's have been extremely motivated and have helped him excel. Thank you! The director, however, has been a bit of a disapointment. Upon observation, I find her lacking a strong value system and commitment to the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Crestwell School is an absolutely fabulous school for young children. The teachers make learning so much fun, yet are persistent in making sure the students participate and do homework. My son is 5 and my daughter is 4 (both attend Crestwell). They could not write or identify any letters or numbers when the school year started in August. Now, 6 months later they can both write their own names and my son can identify almost every letter of the alphabet, and he's not even in Kindergarten yet. Also, there are a lot of extracurricular activities, like plays and musicals that the children are able to participate in. Overall, it's a very positive learning environment and the best school I've ever been associated with.
—Submitted by a parent

The cirriculum is extremely strong. You should enter your child in the Junior Kindergarten class at age 3 to give your child a jump on his/her education. The administration works for peanuts, so, it is not as well organized as most private schools. Parents are not welcome as room parents or as 'in class' volunteers. They are building onto an existing facility in 2005, so some classes are still in portable units. The school is small, so all children will be in the same class each year. The school goes from age 3 to 8th grade. There does not seem to be enough quality supervision during free play. Some teachers are warm and others are difficult to approach (they become defensive and patronizing). The leader of the school, Mrs. Butterfield, wants the best for the kids and is extremely personally involved in all parts of the school. They wear simple uniforms.
—Submitted by a parent

Crestwell provides small classrooms, and a safe atmosphere. Academics are well ahead of the public schools in the area. Parents are encouraged to be involved and staff are responsive to parent requests regarding their children's personal needs.
—Submitted by a parent