Parent Reviews

Hello! I'm a student grandmother. I'm a retired Special Ed teacher and from both standpoints I'm sending you some well deserved kudos! My granddaughter was reading some new books that I had bought her and came across some challenging words. She did such a spectacular job using her phonics skills to sound out those words as well as using context clues for understanding. She was so very confident in doing this without demonstrating any anxiety and with such fluency! And...she was so very proud of herself in accomplishing this! So, I truly want to give you the highest compliment for your curriculum in teaching these reading skills! I am a firm believer that if the children have a phonics based program that they are avid readers and generally are much better students in all subject areas. So from me, I want to thank you for your excellent teaching methods and all the diversified classroom and enrichment activities that you do for my sweet granddaughter. Have a lovely evening! Kathy

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We have two children enrolled at Leatherwood Academy, one in second grade and one in fifth grade. If you ask them what they like most about their school, they will tell you that they love their teachers and have good friendships with their classmates. Our oldest also really enjoys her STEM class. We love Leatherwood because they do things differently. They use DAP, Developmentally Appropriate Practices. This means your child's education is geared towards their specific needs. That's really important because we don't all learn at the same pace or in the same way. My oldest has always had a love for learning, so this method has been really nice for her. This school is a place where our children are safe and can thrive. They learn God's love for us, respect, gratitude, and are given room to develop and grow their own ambitions.

There have been multiple opportunities for the children to get out and make a difference serving their community. They were involved in the collecting, sorting, and loading of goods fot the families in North Carolina affected by the flood. It is really important for little minds to know, that yes they can make a difference. It builds confidence and helps them to see that, even though they are small, they have a purpose.

We really are like one big family. All of the children know each other across all grade levels. They teachers are such a blessing, they truly care about each student. I really appreciate how well they communicate with us. Sometimes I'll even get a message just to let me know our kids are ok when they are having a bad day. It's such a blessing to have a school that our kids actually want to go to and are learning and growing in. We would recommend Leatherwood Academy to anyone that is looking for something outside of the mold.

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My name is Chelsea Sherman. My family and I have been with Leatherwood Academy for the past three school years. My husband and I were looking for a learning environment that provided safety and allowed our children to grow into their own at their own pace. We were also looking for a faith based foundation where our children are free to express their faith. What we got was way more than we had expected.

I happened to meet two of Leatherwood Academy's current teachers in 2021 at a field trip for Little Bird Preschool. They both were so kind and full of life. You could see the passion they had for what they do. I was astonished how well behaved and polite the students were. The two things that stuck out to me were the manners of the children at such a young age and how they openly prayed over their meal together. These were two of the biggest things we wanted for our children, but seemed to be lost in younger generations. I told my husband that it was too bad there wasn't a school close by with that type of setting.

Soon, I heard about the opening for the first year of the Academy. We did not hesitate on agreeing that we, as parents, expected our children's school lives to be and went to kindergarten registration that year. What we heard from the director, while introducing the school, blew our minds. Her expectations of us and what we expected out of the school was unquestionably agreed upon. Wanting parents to be involved in their children's school was a huge plus. The foundation they stand on was exactly what we were looking for. All of this created by one persons vision due to an outcry from the community for another choice for our children.

Our children come first in this school. They freely learn at their own pace so there truly is no child left behind. The curriculum is presented to us at open house before the school year starts. If we, as parents, have any questions and/or concerns at open house or at any point during the year, we are strongly urged to speak with the teachers and/or director. Complete transparency is one of the biggest blessings we receive from this school. Conferences are openly available at any request. There is always direct communication with all staff members of Leatherwood. A huge comfort to me as a parent. I never have to worry if my children are learning what they need to, treating others equal, or if they are safe. When our kids walk through those doors, I rest assured they have everything they need and more. Parents are also always encouraged to visit the classrooms and join in on the learning activities and celebrations. For example, this past year I had the privilege of attending kindergarten through fifth grade during Dr. Suess week. I chose my favorite book to read to the kids and after reading we made a craft that went along with the book. We all had a lot of fun and I plan to do this again. Spending learning time with my kids and their peers was a great experience.

Our children are blessed with multiple teachers. Therefore, they receive more one on one attention that each child needs in a school setting. Our oldest has some anxiety issues and beats himself up over "failure". He becomes very frustrated, shuts down and stops trying. Reading and math were his breaking points. I feared he was falling behind, so I started checking in with his teachers as they had already brought these concerns to my attention. In less than one full school year, he has excelled in both areas and is managing his emotions much better. All because there are more staff available to focus on him and get him where he needs to be. No staying after school needed or potentially losing friends and confidence due to being held back a grade. It is wonderful seeing the love and compassion the staff have for each and every student. The staff cares so deeply for the job they signed up for, and it shows in every one of them. Just another example of why it is comforting sending our boys through those doors each day. I know the daily treatment they receive and not an ounce less.

Another part we love is the respect for family time that Leatherwood offers. School hours are for school and off school hours are for fun and family time. Meaning minimal homework, if any, and a full three day weekend that we, as parents, voted on. To our family, time together is an important part of our children's lives. We have more time to watch our kids grow and enjoy life together. To us, this is important and precious time.

I get asked a lot "how can you afford private school? That costs an arm and a leg!" It is a financial commitment sending our boys to Leatherwood. For us, weighing out the differences, there really was no other option other than cyber school. It is basically a sacrifice we both are willing to make. Our reasoning? Who could put a price on your child's learning environment and future? Especially when you have certain beliefs and principles you strive for your child to follow. As parents, we are responsible for every aspect of our children's lives, especially what is instilled in them. Cultural issues you see in todays world and school system are no worry to us, as our beliefs match the school perfectly. To my husband and I, there was no cost to high for that alone. Also, people have no problem financing new vehicles because "this one is better" or keeping up with the newest and greatest inventions that, not long ago, we all lived peacefully without. So, put money into materialistic things that last a short while or invest in your child's opportunity for a great education and a bright future that will last a lifetime? It was an obvious choice for us. It is no different than paying college tuition for a child's future. This is just a fraction of the cost. Leatherwood provides us with fundraising opportunities that go directly towards our children's tuition. Scholarships are also available to apply for. It was a no brainer for us and is definitely not as hard to pay for as some portray it. Leatherwood really goes out of their way to help us as parents to be able to keep the dream alive that we foresee for our children.

Being a private school, we all get to know each other pretty well. Between field trips, in class invites, outside school gatherings and so on, it is safe to say I myself have aquired some great friendships just among the staff alone. Watching our children grow these friendships as well really shows that we are actually one big family. A family with the same vison and same passion for all of these kids and their futures. Each day and year that passes, I continue to be amazind and so very grateful for Leatherwood. I know in my heart we made the right choice for our boys because they simply could not thrive somewhere else the way they do here. This is why we have and will continue to choose Leatherwood Academy.