Cary Academy

I am a parent of a female 8th grade student who will enter CA high school next year. As a parent of a middle schooler, I communicate and 'observe' the happenings of the many high schoolers we come in contact Fort those considering Cary Academy, I am breaking down my review in 5 topics: 1. Student comfort,, social fitting in 'how the student feels about himself/herself' : Cary Academy does exceptionally well in this. Students feel at home with no peer pressure or groups/cliques., Not tied to tiers of social or economical stds. 5 Star. 2. Academic: Very good -humanities and language arts & social studies etc., 5 star 3. Math and Science, Technology: Very good, though some highly driven 'merit based' Charter and public schools are doing equally well and better some times. Given the cost, this is a 4 STARS 4. College preparednes& proficiency: CA Prepares kids well, especially in college ramp up etc., but given the nature of lower educationsal standard of NC , local alarea, CA studfents do not end up at very high rates in top rated colleges. LAst few years, about 20 % students end up. 4 Star 5. Value: For a private school CA is GOOD VALUE. 5 Stars.
--Submitted by a parent

Good for academics... teachers are very good and very challenging coursework. However you have to put up with: *rampant homophobia and bullying *lots of rich preppy jocks who act like they own the place *money is not spent wisely (like buying every student a laptop they don't need) *faculty that is not very interested in your problems... especially about bullying *in the high school you can only take up to a certain amount of AP classes and no more. This is because they don't want certain students looking better than others (even though they are and they should have the ability to take as many honors classes that they want). *more interested in the parents rather than the students because they are the ones who pay

Super Super Super...students year over year end it up at Yale, Havard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Duke, Cornel, Wake Forest, UNC-CH, UPenn, Columbia, Georgtwon, U of VA, WE LOVE CA ...........OUR DREAM FOR THE KIDS CAME TRUE.....Thak You Goodnights, Thank You Sals, and Many Thank You Bergers.....You people (CA Leaders) are just the MASTER of Education....America and NC appreicates you very much for what you produce for the future of our community, state, and nation...
--Submitted by a parent

Very happy CA family--Every child is unique and blossoms into their individual potential. We've had superb teachers-expecially in history, science and the Fine Arts.
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers. Courses are at the level that my kids need - honors in some cases, regular classes in others. Assignments are submitted electronically much of the time. 100% graduates go on to college. Homework load in middle and high school allows for extracurricular (sports, clubs) involvement. Good community camaraderie among students and parents and teachers. Teacher encourage communication with them and due to email, teachers will often respond to an email in the evening. As I parent, I appreciate how the teachers move the kids toward increasing independence throughout the years. Compassionate to 6th graders, independence by 8th grade. A bit of hand holding in 9th grade, moving toward independence by 12th grade - even offering online course. Appreciate ongoing innovative strategies and willingness to drop things that don't work and start things that have been proven to work. Teachers have high expectations of quality work from the students -- no slacking allowed. However, if my middle or high schooler is having a rough week (sports, play or personal reasons) - negotiating assignment dates is encouraged and allowed. Love this school. My kids love this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Cary Academy is a wonderful school with great teachers that care and very technology oriented. The school prepares the students for what awaits them after graduation. There is a lot of work which is a great transitioning skill for college. Anyone who complains simply cannot cut it. It challenges the academically gifted and is worth every penny if you child is smart.
--Submitted by a parent

First rate, world class. HS graduates accepted into Service Academies, Ivy League and top international schools.

I disagree with the negative reviews I've seen by other students so far. As a ninth grader at Cary Academy, I think that Cary Academy is a school that is held in high esteem for veritable reasons; its workload matches its reputation, and those without the time management skills to handle the workload and don't try to collaborate with their teachers to fix their issues often feel overwhelmed. I've found that teachers are, on the whole, very patient with students who are struggling but who come to them with their issues. I love my teachers, and I know that the average CA teacher is better than the average teacher of many other schools. I have learned so much at Cary Academy, and while it has its quirks, as do all schools, I give CA a rating of 5/5. And for a musician like myself, its arts program is simply amazing.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent preparation for college, lifelong friends, great teachers as well as academic and extracurricular options.
--Submitted by a student

Cary Academy is not all what it seems. I started there thinking it would be one of the greatest experiences ever, but I soon realized it is the exact opposite. Because of it's endless work and rough, complicated schedule, I do not have any time out of school to have free time. With it's 2 week trimester breaks (although relaxing), my family can seldom go on vacations. But the biggest issue with Cary Academy, is its teachers giving way to many assignments. I currently have 4 projects all do very soon, with hours of homework on top of that every night. And even though they integrate technology very well into the school, it constantly becomes a liability when the computer literally 'eats your homework'. If I was a 5th grader and had the choice of coming here, I would refuse. I want to go to Cardinal Gibbons for high school.
--Submitted by a student