<p>Hi... Wondering if I could get some stats from current/recent parents of private high schools in these areas. I am originally from Durham but have lived in NYC area for over 25 years. Have last child home...current 9th grader at Catholic High School on LI. Very strong student, good extracurriculars, plays up in basketball... Moving bk to NC and need to make a decision soon in order to hopefully get accepted for fall 2014. I just lost my sister to breast cancer a few weeks ago (age 44..GET A MAMMOGRAM) and want to go bk to spend time with my 81 year old mom and remaining family. We have owned a home in Raleigh for years (post 911 therapy for my Hubbie) so we already have a place to live there and are familiar with area BUT schools there have changed so much and there are new ones. Would REALLY appreciate any input on Ravenscroft, Durham Academy, Cary Academy etc. We have sent in our application to a few but are finishing other requirements. Would really be interested in parents take on curriculum, teachers, matriculation etc. *** side note: I have looked at the public schools where our house is located and am NOT interested. There is a "system" so it doesn't really matter where you live they shuffle the kids around like puzzle pieces. No thanks. </p>
<p>My mom graduated from Ravenscroft and loved it (and she went to Duke), but it was a long time ago.</p>
<p>Cary Academy is very expensive but it has excellent facilities. I’ve never heard anything bad about it. I honestly don’t know that much about any of the others though. </p>
<p>Edit: Raleigh Charter is another option if you live close enough. It is a charter school so you have to arrange transportation by yourself (most people carpool with each other) but they have strong academics and sports. NCSSM may be another option next year. </p>
<p>Thanks… I have seen several positive posts about Cary but getting there might be problematic from where I live…Raleigh Charter… I believe there is some kind of lottery system… so not willing to cross my fingers on which NEW school my 10th grader will be going to… Lastly I did look into NCSSM… teacher and friend from my student days (when dinosaurs roamed) just retired as head of school… Virginia Wilson but I don’t think it’s for my girl. Yes they have brilliant students and high matriculation into a few schools she is DEF interested in but it seems a little too intense for her personality… She has been in Catholic school for 10 years (K-9) up till now… she has decided not to pursue basketball in college because she has played year-round for years…AAU, CYO, multiple teams each season etc… She is studious but wants to pursue other interests… Same with the school we are looking for now… I really appreciate your comment and will look at the Cary Academy again! Thanks </p>