REVIEW OF Crescent Heights Academy BY parent, Betty Li

(5) Student Experience

Our child has had a very positive experience at Crescent Heights Academy. From the beginning, we’ve appreciated the warm and inclusive community, and it’s clear that the teachers genuinely care about each student’s growth—both academically and personally. Our child especially enjoys the IB program and the hands-on learning approach. The smaller class sizes have also helped foster strong relationships with teachers and classmates, which we feel has contributed to a sense of confidence and belonging. What our child seems to appreciate most is the variety of enrichment activities offered—whether it’s the arts, PE, or after-school programs. These opportunities have really sparked curiosity and helped build a love for learning. If there’s one area that has occasionally been a point of frustration, it might be the limited space or facilities for certain extracurriculars. Our child sometimes wishes there were more outdoor areas or specialized spaces for sports and play. However, we understand that the school is always working to make the best use of its resources, and we appreciate those efforts. Overall, we feel fortunate to be part of the Crescent Heights Academy community and are grateful for the support and growth our child has experienced here.

(5) School Leadership

One of the things that stands out about Crescent Heights Academy is the strength and approachability of the school leadership and administration. They are visible, engaged, and genuinely committed to creating a positive and supportive school culture. We’ve found that they are responsive to concerns—whether academic, social, or behavioral—and they handle issues with a sense of fairness, care, and professionalism. When it comes to discipline, our impression is that the school focuses on guidance rather than punishment, helping students learn from their mistakes while still maintaining clear expectations. Communication is another area where the administration does well. We appreciate the regular updates, transparency, and willingness to listen. Whether through newsletters, direct emails, or in-person conversations, we feel well-informed and part of the larger school community. Overall, the leadership team helps set a tone of respect, inclusivity, and high standards, which trickles down into the classroom and student experience.

(5) Teaching

We’ve been very happy with the quality of teaching at Crescent Heights Academy. The teachers are clearly passionate about what they do and bring a strong level of knowledge and enthusiasm to their subjects. This enthusiasm seems to carry over into the classroom—our child often comes home excited to share what they’ve learned. One thing we truly appreciate is the individual attention each student receives. Teachers are attentive to different learning styles and make an effort to challenge students who are ready for more, while also offering support when it’s needed. This balance has helped our child feel both motivated and secure in their learning journey. Communication from teachers has also been clear and consistent. They provide timely, constructive feedback and are open to conversations with parents, which helps us stay in tune with our child’s progress and any areas where extra support might be helpful. Overall, we feel that Crescent Heights Academy fosters a strong academic environment while also supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

(5) Academics

The academic program at Crescent Heights Academy is well-rounded, thoughtfully structured, and designed to support both foundational learning and critical thinking. One of the school’s academic strengths is its focus on inquiry-based learning—students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas deeply, and make connections across subjects. This approach fosters curiosity and a genuine love of learning in our child. The curriculum is rigorous but manageable, with strong emphasis on core subjects like literacy, math, and science, along with a well-integrated enrichment program that includes the arts, technology, and physical education. The school also seems intentional about developing skills like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, which we believe are essential for long-term success. In terms of academic culture, the atmosphere is one of encouragement, respect, and high expectations. Students are challenged to stretch themselves, but also given the support they need to thrive. Teachers and staff work closely with families to identify and nurture each child’s individual strengths while addressing any areas for growth. Overall, we feel confident that the academic program at Crescent Heights Academy is preparing our child well for the next steps—academically, socially, and emotionally.

(5) Extracurriculars

We feel that Crescent Heights Academy offers a good variety of extracurricular opportunities that help support the development of well-rounded students. From arts and music to sports, STEM clubs, and public speaking activities, there’s a nice range of options for students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. Our child has enjoyed participating in several of these activities—not just for fun, but also to build confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. The school seems intentional about making these opportunities accessible to students of all interests and ability levels, whether they’re looking for friendly participation or more structured, competitive experiences. That said, as the school continues to grow, we’d love to see even more options for competitive-level involvement in areas like athletics or academic clubs. Still, we appreciate the school’s efforts to create a balanced environment where students can try new things, develop their passions, and feel supported along the way. Overall, we believe Crescent Heights Academy is doing a great job creating the right context for students to grow not only academically, but also socially, creatively, and emotionally.

(5) Students

The student body at Crescent Heights Academy has a close-knit, inclusive feel that really stands out. Because the school is smaller in size, there’s a strong sense of community—students across different grades often know each other by name, and there’s a noticeable level of kindness and mutual respect in how they interact. Our child has felt welcomed and supported from the very beginning, which speaks to the positive tone that’s been set among the students. The school does a good job fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than competition, and we’ve seen students cheer each other on, whether in class, during activities, or at school events. There’s also a sense of pride and belonging among the students, which contributes to a spirited and engaged atmosphere. From spirit days to assemblies and group projects, the school encourages participation and unity, which helps build a strong social and emotional foundation. Overall, the dynamic between students feels healthy and supportive, and it’s reassuring to see our child growing in an environment where friendships are meaningful and the school culture promotes kindness, empathy, and collaboration.

(5) School Life

Overall, we feel the quality of student life at Crescent Heights Academy is very high. Our child genuinely enjoys going to school each day, which speaks volumes about the school environment. The combination of caring teachers, engaging academics, and a supportive peer community creates a place where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. What our child loves most is the balance between structure and creativity. There’s enough challenge to keep them motivated, but also plenty of opportunities for fun, exploration, and personal growth—whether it’s through class projects, extracurriculars, or school events. The school makes a conscious effort to support students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally, which we truly appreciate. If there’s one area where the school could continue to grow, it might be expanding facilities and spaces that support student life—such as more outdoor or recreational areas, or designated spaces for quiet time or socializing. These could further enhance the day-to-day experience and help students recharge during a busy school day. For families considering Crescent Heights Academy, we’d say it’s a place where children are truly known. It’s not just about academic achievement—it’s about nurturing kind, confident, and well-rounded individuals. The sense of community is strong, and the school makes an intentional effort to partner with families in supporting each child’s journey.

(5) Community

One of the things that really stands out about Crescent Heights Academy is the strength of its broader community, including the parent community. From the start, we’ve felt welcomed and encouraged to be involved, and there’s a genuine sense that parents, teachers, and staff are working together in support of the students. The school offers a number of opportunities for parents to engage—through classroom volunteering, school events, parent committees, and regular communication with teachers and leadership. We’ve appreciated being invited to participate, and it’s clear the school values parental input and presence. Overall, the community at Crescent Heights Academy feels warm, inclusive, and collaborative. It’s a place where relationships matter, and where families are truly part of the school’s fabric. That sense of shared purpose is something we’ve found both reassuring and rewarding.

(4.5) School Location

The surrounding neighbourhood of Crescent Heights Academy is a safe, family-friendly area that complements the school’s welcoming environment. The community feels close-knit and supportive, with many families living nearby, which adds to the sense of connection both inside and outside the school. While the school itself is very self-contained and focused on creating a secure and structured environment during the school day, there is a sense of integration with the broader community. Students don’t regularly venture beyond the school grounds during the day—which we feel is appropriate for their age and safety—but the school does make use of local resources for field trips, community projects, and extracurricular outings when possible.

(5) Admissions

For anyone considering applying to Crescent Heights Academy, my advice would be to approach the process with openness and authenticity. The school is not just looking for strong students—they’re looking for families who will be a good fit for the values and culture of the community. So be honest about your child’s strengths, needs, and what you’re looking for in a school experience. From our own experience, the admissions process was thorough but very thoughtful. While any application process can feel a bit stressful at times, we genuinely felt that the admissions team was there to support us and help determine if Crescent Heights was the right fit for our child and our family. They were communicative, respectful, and responsive throughout, which helped put us at ease. One thing we appreciated was how personal the process felt—there was a real effort made to get to know our child as an individual, rather than just as an applicant. If there’s anything we might suggest improving, it could be offering even more transparency around timelines or what to expect at each stage—but overall, it was a very positive experience. Our advice: take the time to visit the school, ask questions, and get a feel for the environment. The more you engage with the process, the more confident you’ll feel about whether it’s the right place for your child to grow and thrive.