Cresset Christian Academy

3707 Garrett Road

Durham, NC 27707

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 22, 2024

This is our first year at Cresset. It is a small Christian school, with a real sense of family. The classroom environment seems to be smaller classes which allows for the teachers to connect more with each student. The school is fairly diverse, with families from many different socio-economic backgrounds. The academy level seems to be pretty high as our daughter is learning much the same content as high academic friends at other local private schools. Last year, all the graduating seniors were accepted to 4-year colleges or chose to enter the work place in trade related businesses. Many of the students play on the sports teams and the entire student body comes to cheer on their games. We really like the closeness of the students and families at Cresset. Everyone knows everyone.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2023

I deeply regret enrolling my four-year-old son in the Cresset preschool as it turned out to be a nightmare for him. Unfortunately, some of the classroom teachers lacked the necessary skills to effectively teach the children. My son was greatly anxious when he first enrolled, but his 4-year-old classroom teacher didn't pay attention to his feelings and instead tried to control him, causing him to rebel against her ways. She labeled him as a "problem child" and every day when we picked him up, she would tell us in front of him how problematic his behavior was, which deeply hurt him. She never paid any attention to the good things he did or the efforts he made.After two weeks of suffering, we decided to withdraw our son from the Cresset preschool as we realized it was a bad influence on his development. We were lucky to find a preschool in Durham where our son felt loved and understood. At that school, the teachers were empathetic and provided him with the appropriate amount of care and attention. He now loves his new preschool, and it is in this loving environment that he is growing the most.The principal, who arrived this year, was all about avoiding responsibility.Enrolling our son in the Cresset preschool was the worst choice but withdrawing him turned out to be the best decision we could have made.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2023

If I could leave a negative star I would for the daycare. There are no cameras and the staff is so under trained it’s ridiculous. They are closed a week almost a month as well except june. There is nobody in charge anymore and they will call or text or email asking to pick your kids up early due to staffing. You get what you pay for with this crumby daycare. Baby comes home covered in puke and my son has unexplained bruises on him. Steer clear pay the extra money and go to a place with cameras. They also will leave the doors unlocked so anybody can walk in.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2023

I had so much hope when we signed up our children to attend this school, but as we’ve been at the school for a year, we learned that it is not a healthy environment for any student. Bullying is a major problem. Not only do other students bully their classmates, but they particularly harass and isolate children with disabilities. Adults also bully students with disabilities. During Chapel, my children have been told ADHD and other learning disabilities are a sin. They’ve been told students that use medication for such disorders don’t have faith in God. They’ve been told those that have ADHD will not positively contribute to society or cannot form good relationships. The teachers are also not formally trained in education. Many of them have a bachelor’s degree in other fields and are teaching students for the first time. There is also no support staff. No school nurse, janitor, lunch staff, high school guidance counselor, special needs specialist, etc. The front desk is often neglected. My child once called me several times from the front office’s phone. I asked if an adult knew she was using the phone to contact me and she said no. I would not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2021

Great school, surprisingly good teachers for such a small place. Excellent sports and theater programs as well.Each student gets individual attention and care.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2017

This is an amazing school with teachers that care. They focus on what your child strengths are and build a desire to learn. It is truly a family atmosphere and my kids are safe. We tried public school in Durham and it was very bad. The religious aspect helps them with moral values and a healthy base. The most important thing to me is my kids are happy and learning. I highly recommend you take a look at this school. Tim Blancett
Submitted by other on June 11, 2015

Okay, I am a former graduate or Cresset went there from 9th-12th grade overall my experience was terrible. With the lower/middle school all you see is bullying left and right, many children have left because of this problem & the administration doesn't handle it. The high school is suppose to be know for good college prep. NOT AT ALL. The teachers are very unprofessional, gossip, judge students, choose favorites etc... All the teachers give you is busy work nothing relevant to what you're trying to learn. They do the bare minimum & for what you're paying they should help you excel in your academics. And the Christian aspect of it is it's about 30% hard core Christian student & that 30% judges the 70% to the point where it is difficult to be around. So over all DO NOT GO HERE. WASTE OF MONEY
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2015

Our child had a great experience during Kindergarten at Cresset Christian Academy. A teacher that really cares for each child and a very dedicated staff that knows most of the children by name even if they are not in their respective classes make this school a unique experience for the children and the parents. It is very nice to experience a great team spirit between the youngest kids and the teenage students. We can highly recommend this school, if you look for a place for your child to grow in a peaceful and spirited environment.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2015

Esta escuela ha sido una grandiosa experiencia,tiene estudiantes de todas partes del mundo y te ayudan a que tu hijo se adapte con paciencia y mucho cari o,Mi hijo es Feliz pues todos los ni os Se tratan con mucho respeto y respetan sus origenes.hay Un festival al a o para exponer nuestras culturas costumbres para dar a conocer como se vive en otros paises.,kindergarden una maestra que tiene una vocaci n con un gran coraz n y eso hizo mi hijo cada dia emocionante de ir ala escuela,todos los maestros y el director muestran mucho cari o por Ellos, les hablan con mucho respeto y cari o y eso hace a un buen ni o!!! Ellos hacen festivales de musica y ami hijo le encanta cantar.Gracias todos Los maestros y todo el personal de Cresset Christian Academy!!!por esta maravillosa experiencia como padre e hijo,un ambiente de Paz igualdad,respeto y mucho cari o a nuestros hijos.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2014

Cannot say enough good things about this school!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE them and all that they did for my child. A true testimony of ministry minded folks trying to meet children's education needs the best they can!
Submitted by other on May 26, 2014

Great school!! For many years it has been a stronghold of Christian values and caring for all students! The staff and administration have always been awesome- wanting the best for all in its ministry- students, parents, and fellow staff! Only hope that they will return to the incredible graduations of the former administration. This is a wonderful and caring school.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2013

Our children have been at Cresset for 4 years. This year has seen so much improvement! Our family is excited with the new changes and the energy from the new leadership. I highly recommend you consider sending your children to Cresset. Their new motto is "Home, Heart, Mind" They do a great job making difference in these areas in our kids' lives.
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2013

Cresset has been a wonderful Christian school for my middle schooler since he started as a kindergarten student. Cresset offers strong and challenging academics and spiritual growth in the Christian faith. Cresset strives to grow each student in all aspects of their education both in the classroom and with plenty of extra curricular activities to keep very busy. Most Cresset graduates enroll in any college or university of their choosing. Cresset has a new administrator this year and he has been excellant so far in encouraging each student to excel in academics and in their spiritual growth. He has a true servant's heart as my husband observed him mopping the floor in the boys bathroom prior to a basketball game! Check out Cresset as a great place to grow your student!
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2012

Cresset Christian Academy has been a wonderful experience for my high school students. This is the second child I have that has graduated from the Academy. After negative experiences in the overcrowded and overrated Chapel Hill Public Schools, they welcomed both students with open arms. The education they have received, both spiritually and academically, is stellar. Both have been provided unlimited opportunities from a caring and devoted staff. It is definitely worth the financial commitment. Please visit the campus and see the warm and caring community that is Cresset!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2011

As the parent of a graduate of Cresset and the parent of a current middle school student and high school student who have been students from preschool on I am very pleased with Cresset. Teachers are caring and involved, students have amazing opportunities in the theater program, arts, music, and band. Student in the middle and high school can participate in the sports of soccer, basketball, track and field, volleyball and baseball. Graduates are well prepared for competitive colleges. Students are given opportunities to travel to Europe, New York, DC and North Carolina's Outer Banks. I think students will find this a great environment to grow as leaders either in fine arts, academically, or athletically. As with any school you will get out of this experience what you are willing to put into it.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2011

Our experience at this school has not been a positive one overall. The teachers are excellent for the most part, caring and encouraging toward the students. Students bullying (picking on classmates, hurtful comments and so forth) is a very prevalent issue here, particularly among the lower and middle school grades. The administration is aware of the problem and attempts to address it, but overall I would have to say the attempts to correct the issue are somewhat "lame". I don't see the administrators seeming determined to stop the behavior; a lot of talk and mild interventions are more the norm, in my experience. The students are not held properly accountable for their actions, as we believe Christian kids should be. Also, many of the students are NOT Christians (high schoolers have to sign a statement of personal faith, but the lower grades do not) and many non-Christian families are also represented at Cresset. If Christian parents are looking for truly Christian classmates for their children, I would suggest they look at other schools who are much more rigorous in the screening process for admission.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2011

I have way to many complaints so I will say, no, I do not recommend this school. It was a total waste of money and time. Teachers curse, throw objects, bully/intimidate students...and these things didn't just happen to mine kid. Do you homework...look hard for another school. You'll be glad you did. If you can stand the distance, check out NRCA in Raleigh. Great teachers, fantastic facilities and the cost is about the same as Cresset.