Ravenscroft or Durham Academy (Raleigh, Cary: fit in, apartment, middle school)

[Willie Mae]

Our three children, two lower school students and a middle school student have applied to bioth Ravenscroft and Durham Academy. We did a lot of reasearch on private schools in the area and visited several campuses. We were very impressed with both schools. Although we have not yet formally received confirmation of acceptance I feel confident our kids will be accepted at both schools.

I'm hoping to get some first hand information from Ravenscroft and Durham Academy parents and students. What are the positives, or possible negatives from the inside?

Thank you so much.

[ucctgg]

They are over 30 miles apart. Is location a consideration?

[Francois]

1. Where do you live? That should be a big consideration.

2. There are LOTS of threads comparing area private schools. The "Search forum" function will take you there.

3. Cary Academy is another school you might want to put into the mix--but again, it depends on where you live.

[jcothethird]

How far do you want to drive to school. I'm more familiar with North Raleigh and like the area a little more than the Duke Forest area. So my personal opinion (and we know what they say of opinions! LOL) is for Ravenscroft.

[Willie Mae]

Thank you for the replies.
We currently are in an apartment in Brier Creek. We will probably stay in this general area, so either DA or Ravenscroft will be a manageable commute.

One concern I have is how new students will be welcomed socially. I am hoping my children can fit in and find friends easily. We are a very down to earth people. We make a lot of sacrifices in order to have our children in private schools. I'm hoping to have a student body and parent body that values education and family and doesn't view a bumper sticker from a private school as a status symbol.

[ApexWolfpacker]

Originally Posted by Willie Mae

Thank you for the replies.
We currently are in an apartment in Brier Creek. We will probably stay in this general area, so either DA or Ravenscroft will be a manageable commute.

One concern I have is how new students will be welcomed socially. I am hoping my children can fit in and find friends easily. We are a very down to earth people. We make a lot of sacrifices in order to have our children in private schools. I'm hoping to have a student body and parent body that values education and family and doesn't view a bumper sticker from a private school as a status symbol.

then you probably should follow the advice above on Cary Academy. founded by SAS owner Jim Goodnight. I've lived here for 50 years and known lots of families from Ravenscroft. There's no getting around the fact that most of the families are quite wealthy if not old money. I have known a few families that sacrificed to send their kids there but for most it's not an issue. can't speak for Durham Academy.

now the families I know at Thales I would characterize as probably sacrificing to send their kids to private school, and I think they're more concerned with education than status. nothing about Thales screams status to me. same fo Cary Christian

[mlhm5]

Most of my relatives went to DA, however I sent my daughter to Ravenscroft. Both are good schools. I have not seen the recent list of what colleges were attended by recent grads, however if there is tendency for one to send more to the Ivy League schools than the other, I would pick that one.

[Willie Mae]

Thank you
I did look at Cary Academy and Thales. Cary Academy does seem like a wonderful school but it is exclusively upper school. No lower school or middle school.
We also looked at Thales. Wow. That is a very different school. Shockingly different. Not at all of interest to us. I think most people considering Ravenscroft, Durham Academy, Cary Academy, or even St. Timothy's, St. David's, The raleigh School or Duke School would not consider Thales. They are just VERY, VERY different. I'm sure the school is appealing to many but not right for our kids who are very creative and outside the box thinkers.

[ljd1010]

Originally Posted by Willie Mae

Thank you
I did look at Cary Academy and Thales. Cary Academy does seem like a wonderful school but it is exclusively upper school. No lower school or middle school.
We also looked at Thales. Wow. That is a very different school. Shockingly different. Not at all of interest to us. I think most people considering Ravenscroft, Durham Academy, Cary Academy, or even St. Timothy's, St. David's, The raleigh School or Duke School would not consider Thales. They are just VERY, VERY different. I'm sure the school is appealing to many but not right for our kids who are very creative and outside the box thinkers.

Not true....Cary Academy has a middle school (grades 6-8). My friend is a math teacher there.

Cary Academy: Middle School

[ncjoy]

Another recommendation to check out Cary Academy. They
offer generous scholarships and a neighbor's child, very
gifted, was able to attend and flourish. The parents experienced
job loss and the school made sure the child could continue to attend. That
is really impressive in my book!