Cedar Fork Elementary School

The review stating the principal concentrates on the students and parents' concerns as her first priority is the way all schools should be. This is the advantage that private schools have over public schools. A Teachers' focus has to be based on student success and they should find their fulfillment in this way. I lived in the Washington DC area for several years and moved to Montgomery County rather than Washington DC because DC's school system was run for the benefit of the teachers and school administrators---not the students. Washington DC had one of the highest expenditures/student in the U.S. with one of the lowest levels of student success. Teachers should have fulfilling careers but the focus of schools must be the success of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to see that a negative review was deleted from this site recently. As a parent and a friend of a former teacher at this school, I have to say that the administrators at this school create a very poor working environment. The principal undermines the authority of the teachers on a regular basis, and is an absolute pushover when it comes to parent concerns/issues. She does not stand up for her teachers, and fails to support them through tough situations. The TEACHERS ARE FANTASTIC and the majority of the students are high achieving and hard working. Good place to be a student and parent, but BAD PLACE TO BE EMPLOYED!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely a gem! Super friendly staff and parents; wonderful caring and involved teachers. Both my kids have scored in the high 90s on their EOGs each year at this school. One of the few naturally diverse schools in Wake County. This school is like a big family and principal is so nuturing and supportive of all the students - she even remembers all their names!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter studied in this school for a year and I am proud of her progress. She has shined in all the areas. The teacher is doing a great job. My daughter is happy to go to school. I was satisfied as a parent that my child was doing good. Only that they don't have many electives compared to other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My son JoJo teachers from different grades are great, I love this school Thank God to provide this great school for my kid. Amen !
—Submitted by a parent

Ceder Fork is AWESOME!! We moved to the Neighbourhood from Miami (Coconut Grove), Florida and unlike the City of Miami Public Schools, Morrisville Elementary Schools have a high standard of learning for it's children, the parents expect more from the school, and the teachers expect more from the students. Primarily the parents of the children that attend the schools in the area are foreign nationls (60%). Most of which were top-of-their-class in their own countries, with PHD's and Master's Degrees. Given the high level of education, the amount of involvement from community volunteers and the focus parents give education, you are sure to get a Private School education for your child for free. You have a problem or concern, the school will find you a solution, just ask the right people. Lots of Children, Families about 80% of the population.
—Submitted by a parent

My son who is in first grade loves going to the school each day. All the teachers he's had since kindergarden are great (classroom teacher, TA, music, PE, art, technology teachers, all of them). I was impressed that he was taught sing all 50 states alphabetically in his final months of kindergarden. Parents involvement is high too. I am kind of sad since we have to move to another school next year. At least many of his friends also will be moving to the brand new school with him (Alston Ridge Elem), so he'll continue to have some old friends.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the diversity of the student population, the location, and the commitment of the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Cedar Fork was the first school my son attened and since has been in 3 other schools. The 2nd school was because Wake County changed his school and the other 2 were because of moving. Out of all of these schools, Cedar Fork IS the best. The teachers are wonderful, the interaction with the parents from the whole staff at Cedar Fork is unbelievable. Not to mention how much your child feels at home and welcomed. My son felt safe in Cedar Fork and if it wasn't for his teacher and the wonderful program that the school has to help your children learn better, my son wouldn't be where he is today. THIS SCHOOL BY ALL MEANS IS A 5 STAR SCHOOL!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is most definitely a 5 star school in my opinion. I have 2 children at the school and we love it. The staff and teachers are warm and caring and the principal is absolutely wonderful. She is very approachable. The new assistant principal is terrific as well. You can tell that they both truly care about your children. And they take the time to know all the students...not just the discipline problems. The best thing about the school is the diversity. There is also a lot of opportunity for parent involvement and this can make a huge difference in your child's education. I can't say enough good things about the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry but this is not a 10 school!!! Please really look into it. Those who are happy are pretty much lucky. This school has great personal teachers but not enough experience, and they take to long to help kids with learning difficulties. If Wake County demands academic achievements at certain levels, teachers, assit, schools staff should address the fact that not all kids are cut with the same cookie shape. Routine and same procedure will not work and as teachers and principals dealing with kids should know this. How can you spec kids performing all great without enough PE, as they mentioned before. Also artistically the school lacks on performance, every holiday show is so boring and mediocre. Even do you have kids who are full of live and energy. But I'm not surprise, PE and energy is dead at Cedar Fork Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone has an opinion, but I must disagree with the post about the Principal. She is wonderful - manages the school to a T, is very caring, approachable & open with parental communication. Having had a kid at another school that was supposed to be in a great area, I know the difference when you don't have a good principal (Brier Creek). Here you couldn't ask for better. The teachers are wonderful & caring. We love this school, it is cultural diverse & we desperately hope we don't get zoned out for the next year. We may move just to stay in the Cedar Fork district. As with any school you get out what you put in. Parents you must be involved. We enjoy being in the PTA and volunteering - it is a great school community & the students by and large are happy & do well.
—Submitted by a parent

It is true what the previous poster has written about the class sizes, they have been larger each year, as Morrisville has continued to pass out building permits. Kudos to Wake county Board of Education for capping Cedar Fork for the next two years! The grading system is Wake County's new way and it was an adjustment for all parents. I wish there was a better way to help parents understand the difference between a 3 and a 4. If your child earns a 3 they are doing well :o) Overall, Cedar Fork is a great school, with caring staff and administration, great PTA and wonderful parents and children. We are all here with one common goal: to see our children get the best education possible. As a parent, I couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year in North Carolina and our daugther's first year in private school. There some pros and cons about Cedar Fork. The classrooms are overcrowded but to the town of Morrisville's fault. They are approved all the construction of these new communities so it was not a well thought out plan as far a big enough school. I do not like that the teachers do not correct the homework. They are concerened that students might be getting help at home. As a teacher myself you get to know your students after awhile can tell when someone's is getting help. Second the grading system, my daugther recieved a 100% on every spelling test but did not recieve a 4 because she did not go above and beyond (wake county policy).Huh? As someone mentioned before the do need more PE and more ways to challenge the gifted students.
—Submitted by a parent

Although the staff is very nice, class size is just too large; principal lacks management skills and passion towards education. All she cares is grade. I don't feel 'my school' spirits at all.
—Submitted by a parent

People will always find something to complain about (another poster mentioned the lunch choices), but really; you can't find a more involved and diligent staff than at Cedar Fork. Wonderful school, wonderful teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Not enough PE( Physical Education) even the playground is sad and booring. All they care is academic improvement. Maybe is a county regulation and not the school fault, but I have to mentioned. Lunch choices are yucky!. Is not good for boys at all, they need more PE, so in the future they are healthy and it's beeing proof that lots of physical activity brings great academic performance.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was new to Cedar Fork this school year. Unfortunately, my child had a very different experience compared to what the other reviewers posted. The school is overcrowded; class size is as high as 30 students per class; services for academically gifted students is limited to less than a few hours per week; staff was unimpressive in some cases. I enrolled my child at Cedar Fork after using this web site. I believed the glowing reviews ... but I found out the hard way that this school is not a '10'.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been so pleased with this school! The principal is involved and very receptive to any parental concerns. She is very approachable and you can truly tell that she cares about the school and its students - she even remembers their names at such a large school! I have a 2nd grader and Kindergartner, and although my 2nd grader had a tough adjustment with this being his 1st year there, his teacher was so supportive and has been patient and helpful with him. The school is growing like gangbusters, but the staff takes it in stride and comes through to provide an A+ public school education. The diversity of this school is another strength. I love my kids being in this multicultural environment. Cedar Fork is 1 of the best elementary schools in this state. Everyone I have talked with absolutely adores the school, teachers and staff there.
—Submitted by a parent

We and our children love this school very much. The children are eager to go to school every day, including weekends. We are still amazing ourselves by significant progress that they made during this year. Fantastic!
—Submitted by a parent