Cambria Center for the Gifted

I went to this school from maybe 2000 for Pre-K through 4 grade in 2005 I was at this school for majority of my life so far. I loved it there, It was so well-rounded culturally every month was a different theme of country etc. But one thing I did not like was the arts program. They had everything except for visual arts. The friendships I made there were awesome I am still friends with a lot of my classmates. The kids there are all different some are nice and some are not but that's depends of the child. I academics were very hard but great. The education has to be at least a grade level higher than most schools nation wide. I was taking notes in kindergarden! Definitely invest in this school... I see the tuition gone up, but that doesn't change the education I hope.

My son has been a student since he started kindergarten in 2004. The school has expanded to middle school and I can say I LOVE IT! The staff is excellent and professional. The children are taught a rigorous curriculum in a nurturing and family atmosphere. There is a spirit of community and pride in ones self. I would definitely recommend this school to everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter starts school tomorrow (Sept 6th) at Cambria Center for the Gifted...why am I posting a review now? Because she went to the summer program and WOW!!! She has improved tremendously and I give the school an A+! I grew up in Africa and my family values education and we had been looking for a school for our daughter for some time and found Cambria. We spoke to a number of parents who kids went or are going to the school, we also visited them twice while school was in session to see the layout, observe security concerns posted on this forum and others and to get real answers. Our decision??? Sign our daughter up right now!!! Money was not an issue for us..as we were paying more (1200 per month) before anyway! For the last person who posted about the school lacking culture...One of the very reason we are sending our daughter to this school is because of culture! They have a monthly theme (all of this was explained to us when we visited) and the kids are taught about American and African/Caribbean cultures! Are you kidding me??? Did you visit and see all the flags? Did you talk to some of the kids??? Anyway, we are excited...but let's see what happens after a year...
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very poor school when it comes to culture. They give preference to who ever can pay their extremely high tuition rates. They find ways to nickle and dime you for fund raisers. The building is actually a fire hazard, there is no way children should be taught in those make shift rooms in the basement when your paying so much money in tuition. I know they personally cater to the families they know and the children whose parents can give money and time to the school. The academics is good but they do not give all children the same amount of attention.
--Submitted by a parent

Oh my gosh! This school is GREAT! My only complaint is that once your child leaves this school, you'll hold every school up to those standards. My daughter was at Cambria for PreK 3 and 4. Ms Beckles, Ms Rita and the assistants were great. Sure, the tuition is high and the fundraising was tedious. But public schools also fundraise, and you have no idea where the money goes! I had a problem with the poor level of security in the beginning, but they improved by our 2nd year. Unfortunately, we moved to FL when my daughter was 5. The schools down here are so sorry, I'm now homeschooling her. I would've worked 2 jobs if I had to, just to keep her at Cambria Center! Cambria Center definitely challenges your child to do their best!
--Submitted by a parent

Academically, the school is great. Rating A+ Financially, the school has all these ways to get your money ( mandatory fund-rising fee ) - $400, I almost fell out of my sit. Rating B- Safety, This is where I think the school should get a rating of a Z- yes a Z-, no nurse on staff, classes in the basement, building is old, poor air circulation, surveillance cameras are limited, lay-out is confusing and I pray everyday that there is no emergency situation that requires immediate evaluation of the school. There are several classrooms in the basement, or far away from exits. Rating F Administration, Disorganized - They do not check voice mail messages or answer the phone all of the time. They staff are respectful. Rating C
--Submitted by a parent

My views is also mixed. Postive: my 5 year old is learing alot. Teachers/Staff are accomodating. Negative: Tuition is high! They ask for too much extra money ($400 mandatory fundraiser, $1 for certain clothing days, pizza money) Art/French class looks like a dump, not enough physical activity.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started this school as a 1st grader. I sent my child to the school based on a good reference. Unfortunately the public schools in the area aren't the best. There was some concern at the beginning of the school year when there was a change in teachers. However the the director assured the parents of my son's class that all would be well. I can honestly say everything turn out alright. My son is doing very well. He's reading, and math skills are great and he loves other subjects too. The staff is great. They are approachable and helpful. I was particularly excited when they announce that the school will be going up to eight grade and as long as we can afford it my son will attend.
--Submitted by a parent

My daugther attended this school for Prek 3 and Pre k 4. Her teachers Ms. Beckles, Ms. Rita, Ms. Barracks and the Assistants did a great job. My daugther was reading at 4, she is now in the enrichment program in her school and was recently accepted to a university's gifted Saturday program. In fact some of the work they are doing in kindergarten at the public school my daughter did in PreK4 -- which is why she is in the enrichment program. There are some nuances, but overall you can't beat the basic education, discipline and caring parents and administrators.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending this school since pre-k and he is now in third grade. The school is an excellent school. The cirriculum is advanced but the classes are small and the children get plenty of attention. The homework while at times may be alot it balances out.
--Submitted by a parent