REVIEW OF Crescent Heights Academy BY parent, Elizabeth Garner

(5) Student Experience

Our experience at Crescent Heights Academy has been incredibly positive and transformative for our child. When they first joined, they were quite timid and uneasy in new environments, often clinging to familiar routines. However, thanks to the supportive and caring nature of the CHA community, we’ve witnessed remarkable personal growth. Our child has truly blossomed—walking confidently through campus, engaging with peers and teachers, and proudly sharing their schoolwork and accomplishments with us. They come home excited to tell us about what they’ve learned each day, often eager to demonstrate new skills or knowledge. Beyond academics, they’ve also developed meaningful friendships, not only within their own class but also with students in other grade levels. It’s been a joy to watch them thrive in such a warm, inclusive, and encouraging environment.

(5) School Leadership

The school leadership team demonstrates an outstanding and consistent commitment to building a strong, connected community. Throughout the year, they thoughtfully organize a wide range of events that bring families, students, and staff together in meaningful ways. These gatherings are more than just social—they reflect the team’s dedication to fostering both social and cultural growth within the school. Their efforts reveal a leadership style grounded in integrity, inclusivity, and compassion. It’s clear that they genuinely care about each student’s well-being and development, and lead with both heart and vision.

(5) Teaching

We’re truly impressed with the remarkable progress our child has made by the end of kindergarten. By February, they were confidently counting beyond 100, demonstrating a genuine eagerness and boundless curiosity for learning. Crescent Heights Academy uses an IB app called Toddle, which provides daily updates to parents about what their child has learned. This transparency makes it easy for us to track our child’s progress and actively support their learning journey at home. The teachers genuinely care about every student’s growth and consistently provide detailed updates throughout the year, identifying areas where our child may need extra help. Many educational apps are integrated into the classroom experience and are accessible to us at home, which I really appreciate. Sharing this learning time each evening allows me to witness and celebrate my child’s continuous development firsthand.

(5) Academics

Crescent Heights Academy offers a strong academic program beginning with the International Baccalaureate curriculum up to grade 9, after which students transition to Advanced Placement courses. The school also offers the Duke of Edinburgh program, a unique opportunity that’s rare in the Langley to Surrey area. CHA consistently ranks among the highest academically performing schools in British Columbia. Middle school students have access to honours math courses that provide a real challenge, and the school hosts several math contests annually—many younger students impressively complete work at the middle school level. Graduates enjoy excellent outcomes, with all grade 12 students receiving offers from post-secondary programs. One student was even honoured with the Governor General’s Bronze Award, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.

(5) Extracurriculars

The co-curricular clubs offer a wide variety of activities that change each term, allowing students to explore new interests and develop their passions. High school students take on leadership roles by helping plan graduation events and contributing to the design of the annual yearbook and monthly student newspaper, fostering a strong sense of responsibility and community involvement. My child is excited to explore new clubs every term and is eager to contribute to the yearbook when they reach grade 12.

(5) Students

The student body at Crescent Heights Academy is vibrant, cheerful, and well-organized, with students who consistently demonstrate politeness and respect toward one another and to their teachers. The school proudly embraces a rich multicultural environment, celebrating diversity through a variety of global festivities each year, such as Diwali, Black Excellence, Eid, and Lunar New Year. On these special days, students are encouraged to wear traditional garments, enhancing the festive atmosphere and fostering cultural appreciation among peers. The students generally get along very well, creating a supportive and inclusive community. If any issues arise, the administration acts promptly to address them, keeping parents informed throughout the process and ensuring a timely resolution. This proactive approach contributes to a positive and safe environment for all students at Crescent Heights Academy.

(5) School Life

My child absolutely loves going to Crescent Heights Academy and never hesitates when it’s time to get ready for school. The school’s uniform policy is a real game-changer—it completely eliminates daily outfit disagreements and helps keep clothing expenses reasonable. My child knows exactly which uniform to wear each day, making mornings calm and hassle-free. The drop-off and pickup process is impressively smooth, thanks to a well-designed traffic loop that flows quickly. I never have to get out of my car, which saves me valuable time and effort. Additionally, the out-of-school care program is incredibly convenient, allowing me to send my child there and pick them up around 5:00 pm daily. Overall, life at CHA is organized, efficient, and truly supportive for both students and parents.

(5) Community

Crescent Heights Academy truly cultivates a welcoming and inclusive community where parent involvement is encouraged but never compulsory. Parents frequently have the chance to engage directly with students by sharing their unique passions, professions, or businesses through classroom presentations, adding real-world context to learning. The annual family fair is a highlight for many, packed with fun games, delicious treats, and exciting prizes that bring joy to all the children. Families can also join class trips with their children, which helps build strong bonds between parents, students, and staff. The school’s staff are not only friendly and dedicated, but many are also parents themselves, underscoring their deep commitment and trust in CHA. The annual auction, featuring fantastic items, raises funds that directly benefit the students and enrich the entire school community.

(5) School Location

CHA currently has three campus locations and is building a new, purpose-built facility set to open in fall 2027. We’re truly excited about this modern space designed specifically to support learning and development. The current campuses have a nostalgic charm, similar to my own middle school experience, but are updated with new desks, chairs, and whiteboards to ensure a comfortable, functional environment. The campuses are secure and monitored, so my child always feels safe at school.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at CHA was straightforward and clearly communicated. I highly recommend attending a tour or open house, as it provides valuable guidance and helps set realistic expectations. Enrollment is competitive, reflecting the high quality of education and strong community we sought. Compared to similar schools with comparable academic standards, the application fee is quite reasonable. Overall, the process felt transparent and welcoming, making it easier for us to navigate and feel confident about choosing CHA for our child’s education.