Northwoods Elementary

8850 Chapel Hill Road

School District

Wake County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Wake County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 07, 2024

This school has provided an outstanding experience for my child . The combination of a welcoming and supportive community, engaging and well-rounded curriculum, strong emphasis on social-emotional development, and a robust physical education program have all contributed to my child’s growth both academically and personally. The school’s commitment to clear communication and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment makes it an excellent choice for parents who value a balanced approach to education. I’m confident that Northwoods is setting a solid foundation for my child’s future success, and I highly recommend it to other families.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2024

As of 2024 Northwoods is the most diverse elementary school in Wake county in terms of number of cultures represented by students, families, teachers, and staff. The teachers are encouraging and considerate, and the administrative team works incredibly hard while looking out for all students' best interests. Northwoods has the best school garden in the state, and offers tons of enrichment opportunities for various student interests.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2024

Excelente escuela, muy buenos profesores, con mucha ética para enseñar
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2020

We love everything about Northwoods Elementary. It is a great school with great teachers who truly care about their students. We have seen tremendous academic progress in our kindergartener's first five months of school. Her teachers are very communicative. The aftercare program staff are great. We are very please with school security and the leadership of the principal. We highly recommend the school.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2020

My daughter is just 1st grader but we are really happy with school .
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2019

Our experience at Northwoods has been wonderful. The staff is attentive, kind and care so deeply for the students. The school is a small hidden gem with such a big heart and community feel.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2019

Established school with caring teachers and a community feel!
Submitted by other on August 16, 2018

I went here from K through 5th and had a great experience at this school, and it is a very nice place to learn
Submitted by other on March 02, 2017

I'm a parent of two kids, both going to Northwoods Elementary. The environment is very child-friendly and safe and also not as busy as other parts of this town. What I like the most about the school, though, is it doesn't push the kids to study. It lets them be kids.Mrs.Wahl is a great principal with hearty smiles. She doesn't just sit there back in her office. She's out anywhere that needs her help.Also, all the teachers I've met couldn't be nicer. It really shows that they love the children, devote themselves to teaching and caring and that in a very professional way. Numerous examples but they're just too many to put here.Overall, a great school!
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

Simple and timely engagement with students and parents . Good discipline and highly qualified and effective teachers .
Submitted by other on August 26, 2015

Great teachers, great kids! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for an excellent elementary school!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2015

We love Northwoods. This is our 4th year there, with two children currently attending the school. It is a very diverse group of students, which is highly educational to my children. PTA and school welcome you and you have many opportunities to be a part of your child's education. I cannot say enough good things about the staff and teachers. They truly care about the educational value our children get in elementary school, and they have taken the time to get to KNOW my kids in each grades...so they can better determine how to help them achieve their fullest potential. Most importantly, my kids WANT to go to school each day - between their friends and their current classroom projects or the excellent specials they get to partake in - they have developed a love of learning, and that is critical to their future growth.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2015

I usually hate school reviews (a child's education is complex), but the newest reviews seemed very one sided. I try to often involve myself and I ask A LOT of questions. I don't believe assumptions/gossip is good for anyone. The principal is always available when I ask to talk and I often find her in a classroom each morning interacting with the staff/student. I personally prefer that kind of principal compared to the ones upfront greeting parents (aka kissing their butts). The PTA is great, teachers are awesome (the grade shifts brought out their strengths as educators). The art teacher was Promoted to a middle school...and she was VERY sad to leave. Northwoods is a great Comminity school for those who care. Good luck in your search!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2015

I think the school had gone down hill since the new principal. The PTA is strong which makes the school great. The principal is very cold and dresses really unprofessionally. The teachers were switched around to all different grades this year. The communication is terrible. The art teacher just left as well. So we are on our way out too....
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2014

We are on our way out. This school has had 3 principles during our tenure here. Its up and down, can't seem to get the right principle to make it great. Current principle is not parent friendly. They have a strong PTA which helps with the reputation. Teachers are only reason we didn't bail a while ago. But this year they were all rearranged into various grade levels, so not sure how the shake up will fair out til end of year.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2014

I have twin daughters who attend this school. We have moved around frequently and have been to Alston Ridge and Turner Creek elementary as well. Those schools would appear on the outside to be more "elite". They were not... they were just new and less demographically diversed. My daughters have LOVED this school more then any other school. Most importantly they have had more projects, have learned more this year then any where else. Their grades have come up and their reading has sky rocketed. I would recommend this school to anyone and also warn parents to not judge schools based on demographics or the "newness" of the school. (Ms. Turner 1st grade was a wonderful teacher)
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2014

This is our first year at Northwoods with 2 children attending. I am underwhelmed. You never see the principal. As a title one school I think there are a lot of hardworking parents who don't have time to volunteer at the school or feel uncomfortable because English is not there first language. One of my child's teachers is great and the other seems to be a nervous wreck around children. Food for thought. We are looking at other schooling options.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2013

We loved this school so much that when we bought our house in a different section of Cary I decided to drive my children to Northwoods everyday. It's about 10 min from our home to the school, and at a minimum of 4 times a day, that adds up! The teachers are caring and hard working. The PTA and parents are very involved and welcoming. I have one child in the Academically Gifted program and another receiving Speech Therapy who also suffers from an anxiety disorder. So I have seen this school from all different sides...and they have never disappointed me. We are a Northwoods family!
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2013

Great school my 3 daughters and I love it. I'm very happy ti choose this school
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2013

This is our base school and I was hesitant when we started for Kindergarten but my expectations have been exceeded above and beyond. The teaching staff is awesome! we've had 3 different principles over the years but that hasn't impacted the quality of teachers or staff ( the AP has been successful in keeping all of that stable- to her credit). The PTA is awesome and very involved. Parents are very much involved in the school and it is appreciated and encouraged.