Gifted Stars Early Learning Academy Durham/Chapel Hill Campus

My 3 year old daughter attends Gifted Stars (referred by another family) and I could not be more thrilled with our experience. The communication is outstanding. I receive video and picture updates throughout the morning through the parent's app on my phone. Pictures during breakfast (which is provided by the school), pictures and video during circle time, arts and crafts, snack time, while playing outside... you name it. I can go home and work or run some errands at ease, with the reassurance that I can check in and see how she is doing any time (and she's always having a great time.) Finding a school with a diverse student population, staff and curriculum was very important for us and we found that here as well. I was so sad that we started the month after their Black History Month activities, but in the month we've been here, there have been Yoga classes, Music classes, an Easter Egg Hunt/Party, and we just found out that the school will be offering a soccer program in the coming weeks. The teachers are amazing as well (shout out to Ms Ray, who we hear about at home ALL WEEK lol). We're always greeted warmly at drop off and pick up and have felt so welcome by the staff. Everyone we've interacted with obviously enjoys what they are doing and truly cares about their students, which gives us a lot of peace of mind. Most important, my daughter's feedback has been great. She wakes up for school saying "Mommy I get to see my friends today! Let's go!". She walks in and leaves with a huge smile on her face, telling us what she's learned and all about her new friends. We were previously enrolled in a program she LOVED and we were worried about the transition, but it has been no problem at all. This review is way too long, but I can't say enough about this school. This is a true gem of a preschool and I'm SO happy we enrolled. ****I am not affiliated with the owner of Gifted Stars in any way, other than being a parent who is extremely happy with her choice!****
Apr 5th, 2024

Apr 4th, 2024

Title: False CPS Report and Disappointing Experience with Preschool This review is based on my experience in the Cary/Morrisville campus of Gifted Stars Early Learning Academy, but I feel obliged to put here as well: I was deeply disappointed and devastated by my experience regarding a false report made to Child Protective Services (CPS) accusing me of unsafe discipline towards my daughter. The incident occurred three weeks ago when my child fell while I was assisting her out of the car in the preschool parking lot. Despite feeling horrible about the accident, I sought immediate medical care for her minor injuries (light scratches on forehead and below nose) and informed the teachers, requesting a band-aid. However, all we received from the preschool that day was a picture with a caption mentioning they received my child in that condition. There was no follow-up call or additional message. Three weeks later, we were shocked to receive a call from CPS, requesting a family interview regarding a report alleging unsafe discipline. Upon the social worker's visit to our home, we learned that the preschool had reported to CPS, accusing me of yanking my daughter from the car, causing her to fall. Additionally, they claimed my daughter's behavior had changed, alleging she had been whining more and hitting other kids. The fact that the report states observations of behavioral changes in Nava leads us to conclude that it was made by the preschool, not by other parents or some random person in the parking lot. Fortunately, the social worker promptly understood the false nature of the report. We believe this report was not made in the interest of our daughter's safety but rather as retaliation for our complaints about the preschool's services, as my wife detailed her experience in another review. It is concerning that the preschool reported this incident to CPS three weeks after it happened without communicating anything to us about it. Furthermore, they never mentioned any misbehavior by our daughter in the classroom in their communications to us. This entire situation has left us feeling betrayed and deeply concerned about the preschool's ethics and professionalism. We urge other parents to exercise caution when considering this preschool for their children.
Apr 3rd, 2024

Awesome preschool program in the triangle area. Very small and intimate
Apr 2nd, 2024

Disappointing Experience at Gifted stars early learning academy. Our time at Gifted stars early learning academy was marked by numerous unsettling incidents that left us deeply dissatisfied with the quality of care provided. Despite initially hoping for a nurturing environment for our child, our experience fell far short of expectations. One of the most troubling aspects of our experience was the lack of professionalism exhibited by some members of the teaching staff. Specifically, we were shocked when a teacher publicly accused me of sneaking out and leaving my child sick, and attempted to silence me by raising her voice in front of other parents and children. This behavior was not only unacceptable but also deeply distressing for both me and my child. After expressing our concerns to the owner, we had hoped for a more empathetic and understanding approach from the staff. However, on the second day, our expectations were shattered when our 2-year-old child was denied the comfort of her toy from home, which she relied on for calmness and security after a stressful day. This lack of empathy and consideration for our child's emotional well-being was deeply concerning and left us with no choice but to bring her back home. Seeking hope and fair treatment for the third time only reinforced the belief that respectful behavior toward me and my child was unlikely. As we inquired about our child's attendance once again, the teacher's escalating voice in front of the entire class instilled fear and unease in all present. Despite my attempts to calm the situation, the teacher proceeded to dismiss us and return to the class, leaving my child behind. This neglect was the final straw, and we could no longer bear such treatment. In an effort to shield my child from feelings of rejection and a lack of welcome at the preschool, I opted to purchase open play access to the gym. However, during this time, I witnessed a shocking incident where the teachers and preschool's owner convened a meeting in the classroom with the door closed, leaving all the children unsupervised in the gym area. Leaving children unattended, even for a brief period, is unacceptable and places them at risk of harm. As a witness to this incident, I am deeply concerned about the safety protocols and practices in place at Gifted Stars Early Learning Academy. It is imperative that the staff prioritize the safety and well-being of the children at all times. Furthermore, it is disheartening that my report about this incident appears to have resulted in a restriction being placed on my access to the We Rock the Spectrum gym. This restriction seems to be a response to my efforts to ensure all children safety, further highlighting the lack of accountability and transparency within the institution. Perhaps most troubling was the unfair and dismissive behavior displayed by the owner when addressing our grievances. Despite our attempts to address challenges constructively, our concerns were met with indifference and a lack of accountability, leaving us feeling unheard and unsupported. The decision by the owner to unilaterally return all of our child's belongings and cite a 30-day early notice policy for a refund was shocking and unacceptable. In conclusion, our experience at Gifted stars early learning academy was deeply disappointing due to issues surrounding teacher professionalism, safety concerns, lack of empathy, and the owner's dismissive attitude. We sincerely hope that these issues are addressed promptly to ensure the well-being and happiness of all children enrolled in the preschool.
Apr 2nd, 2024