REVIEW OF Crestwood Preparatory College BY parent, Sandra Currie

(5) Student Experience

I have two daughters at Crestwood Preparatory College, one who just graduated and they both have had a great experience at Crestwood. There are many sports teams for everyone to get involved in and other clubs to join. My daughter went to Crestwood for their women’s basketball team but she also played many other sports at the school and was encouraged to get involved with all the school clubs. She was also a prefect for the four years at the school The academics is outstanding and teachers are always available for the students to get extra help either before or after school, Which they appreciate. Their experience at Crestwood Preparatory College has been a very positive one and it has been a pleasure having my daughters attend the school.

(5) School Leadership

The school and teachers do a great job communicating with the parents and as a parent, I am quite aware of everything happening in the school. My daughters have never had any problems or concerns with the school but if they did I’m sure it would be handled quickly. The school promotes a positive environment and an inclusive one which is appreciated. The school communicates effectively with the students and parents and with the website I know what classes my daughters have each day and their assignments and if anything is overdue.

(4) Teaching

Overall the teachers are very good and passionate about teaching and ensuring the students are achieving their best potential. The quality of instruction is at a very high standard. The teachers are very invested in the education of each student and do their best to ensure all students reach their goals. The teachers respond to emails, are available to students before and after school and are always there to give extra help to the students. The teachers are very good at giving feedback, whether it is good or bad, about the students' progress. If a student does poorly on a test or assignment the parents are informed immediately. And usually, the student has an opportunity to improve their results. The students receive a lot of support from the teachers to succeed

(4.5) Academics

Crestwood Preparatory College is a very high-level academic school with many different courses for the students to take. The teachers are always available to the students. The students have many different opportunities to explore courses that suit their interests. The academic culture is for the student to be successful, they celebrate each year the students that achieved honour roll status, encouraging the students to strive for good grades. It is encouraged by teachers and students to get good grades and the school celebrates their success. The teachers are always there for the students to help them reach their academic goals. Crestwood is preparing the students not only to be accepted to the university of their choice but to be ready for university and the workload of school.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Crestwood has many extracurricular activities that all students can participate in. They have different levels of sports teams to ensure that every level of the student can be matched. They need to try to encourage more students to come try out for the sports teams and encourage the students to participate. Crestwood is preparing students to be well-rounded and to enjoy all the school's activities.

(4) Students

I think the spirit is good, more can be done to get all the students involved, e.g.: prep rally before the season opener basketball game, getting more students involved in supporting their sports teams. In a small size school, everyone knows each other by name. Which gives Crestwood a more family-friendly atmosphere. All the teachers in any grade know all the students by name. I am glad my daughters went to a small school as there are maybe 10-15 students per classroom, this ensures they get a better education, more focus on their learning and the teachers are more available to the students when the ratio of teacher to student is low. All the students in all the grades get along and respect each other.

(4.5) School Life

Overall the quality of student life is good at Crestwood Preparatory College, the teachers are understanding and always willing to help, especially if a student is also an athlete, the school understands that the student-athletes have a lot of commitments and the teachers help the students by adjusting testing schedules or assignments due dates. There is inclusiveness within the school to ensure everyone feels safe and welcoming at all times, they do this by having many clubs and sports teams, they even installed a gender-neutral bathroom this year. This is very supportive to all the students and makes inclusiveness important. Everyone is celebrated at Crestwood and the office ensures it’s a safe zone to come to school. I never had to worry about my daughters going to school.

(4) Community

Parents can be involved in Crestwood and there is a parent council so there is every opportunity for parents to be involved. More communication is needed to reach out to parents to let them know how they can get involved. I would encourage more parent meetings, letters to the parents, and a monthly newsletter to let parents know what and how they can get involved with the Crestwood community. The teachers and office are very open to phone calls, emails, and parent meetings to help the parents get involved with Crestwood Preparatory College. They are very good at keeping the parents updated on what is happening at the school and how your child is doing at school, bad or good, they are always there to give you feedback.

(5) School Location

The school is convenient and easily accessible, the neighbourhood is good and my daughters always venture into the neighbourhood and feel very safe. Crestwood is in a good neighbourhood and my daughters never had any issues. The students are welcomed in the neighbourhood by surrounding plaza stores. It is important to be a part of a community and not an island.

(2.5) Admissions

Getting my daughters into Crestwood was easy but not a lot of follow-up once they were in, more communication would have need appreciated, e.g.: books, timetables, and important dates, all before school starts. For my younger daughter is has been more stressful as I was sent a receipt saying I had to pay after she had two years of a full scholarship, had to do a lot of calling and emails to get things settled, the administration was quick to respond but after many emails to one person who never responded , I just resorted to the administration’s office. The advice I would give someone is to start early, and plan what you are looking for in a school to ensure it is the right fit for your child.

(4) University placement and counselling

The guidance councillor was great starting in September with the seniors, ensuring they are aware of what needs to be done for university. Maybe more university guidance starting in Grade 9 would be helpful as many students don’t know their options or what courses they should be taking. And an idea to set up a meeting with the student, parent and guidance councillor to ensure everyone is on the “same page” for the student's university goals. The process started early and the students have a lot of support from the school and the guidance department. Overall, the advice and guidance the students received are very good, to ensure they have all the correct courses and enough credits to get accepted into the university and their first choice.