North Windy Ridge Intermediate School

Both my children attended North Windy Ridge. One is Aspergers Autistic and the other is a honors student in the Duke TIP program. I can truly say that there are some very good teachers there & there are some really bad ones. While the approach to immersing kids slowly into middle school is a really good idea - this school does not do a good job of it. The unfortunate thing is the middle school is worse. But do not give up hope - the high school is really great. It is too bad that in Weaverville your children must endure 4 bad years to get to 4 good ones.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children to attend North Windy Ridge. It is a fantastic school with dedicated teachers who really care about the students. My interactions with the principal have been very positive and she is always willing to listen. I would recommend North WIndy Ridge to any parent looking for a quality school.
--Submitted by a parent

Staff is worked very hard, but their love for the kids shine through.
--Submitted by a parent

I belive this school is a very good school because it has things my child loves and there are still the things that me and other parents love just as well. Sometimes my child and me like the same things. One thing my child likes is the Exploratory s like music and P.E! One thing i love about it is the nice teachers, they dont let the kids get in fights or not learn and did i mention there nice?!? WE ALL LOVE THE SCHOOL!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Great idea-poor follow through. This school treats the 5th graders like middle school and if they are not ready, they fall-and I've seen some fall hard. Principal and staff need some work. If you get the right teachers, they can be wonderful, but it's all about how lucky/unlucky you are.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with others that the concept of this school is great. Having just 5th and 6th grade in a school building is better for their development. However, the first impression of this school was a very cold one. I agree that it is a sink or swim type of atmosphere with a few teachers that seem to no longer take pride in their job. My son no longer attends this school. His confidence and love for school was taken from him. There is a great deal of sarcasim, expectations being too high, lack of transition, belittling, and staff are very much about protecting eachother rather than investigating what is best for the child. It seems to be ran like a Juvinile detention center. Teachers are notified when a parent is coming to the room. Academics are great. Staff needs a lesson in caring and compassion.
--Submitted by a parent

When we were first introduced to North Windy Ridge, it did not make a good impression with me or my child. As the year went by, the teachers were really good and seem to have the student's best interests in mind. I'm satisfied with the overall experience that my child has had this year at North Windy Ridge.
--Submitted by a parent

The concept of this school is an excellant idea with just two grades (5th and 6th). However the transition from 4th grade to the new 5th and 6th grade school is a difficult one for students. The students are not given any kind of transitioning period. They are expected to act and think like 7th and 8th graderes which they are not. It's sink or swim. Most of the teachers do not have that caring attidude as the teachers in the elementry grades. Which is a big adjustment for most students. I feel that the principal should work with the staff to develope a transitioning plan for incoming 5th grade students. Instead of this sink or swim attitude. I will say that the 6th grade doses seem to be an easier transition than 5th. Again I think this school is an excellant idea they just need to work on transitioning the students.
--Submitted by a parent