My youngest son attended this school for three years. We had a fantastic experience from beginning…read moreto end. All of the teachers and staff were wonderful. Dr. Helf was/is a very fun principal. He really encouraged everyone, especially dads to get involved at school. We had many special events over the years. From dances, to movie nights, to bingo it was all awesome! The PTA and the Odell families really do a great job working together for the good of the students. I am thankful to the school and to the teachers my son had over those three years. There is a reason everyone wants to be in the Odell school zone. Thanks Odell for the lovely memories!!

Oakhurst Elementary was closed in 2011 due to CMS budget cuts and later reopened as a CMS…read moreAdministrative Center. In March of 2013 CMS announced a $400 million education upgrade and plans to reopen Oakhurst Elementary as a K-8 STEAM partial magnet school in time for the 2015 - 2016 school year. The core focus at the newly branded Oakhurst STEAM Academy will be on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math... aka STEAM. Since its been given the "partial magnet" status, there is a percentage of first priority available seats to children living within the outlined neighborhood boundaries which include Chantilly, Amity Gardens, Commonwealth Morningside, Echo Hills, and Oakhurst. All other children attending Oakhurst Elementary will have to enter via a lottery. The official school mascot is the Oakhurst Rockets and the school colors will be light blue and light orange. Oakhurst STEAM Academy will feature a Science and Robotic Labs, Lego Walls, a even a 3D Printer!!! The re-opening of Oakhurst Elementary is a very welcome change in the neighborhood and will serve as the staging ground for CMS to improve the education of the next generation of Charlotteans :)

It's a cool school that's surrounded by a huge complex. And park. One of the higher public schools!read more

Great preschool and elementary school programs that supplement core education with growing a…read morechild's self confidence and independence. Teachers genuinely care about each child's progress. The Montessori approach to education equips children to create, challenge and think on their own. I also like that elementary grade children seem to have a lot more movement throughout the day due to the programs design.

An amazing preschool that caters to children aged 16 months to six years old using a warm…read moreenvironment and teachers skilled in the Montessori method! Located in Home Moravian Church, this half-day program is divided into inside and outside activities that are child-led. They offer two, three or five day options. The classrooms are full of simple, intentional toys that provide opportunities for children to solve problems and collaborate with others! The outside space is a simple, natural playground with sand boxes, gardens and "mud kitchens" where kids can use their imaginations. All of this is covered with sunshades for the hotter part of the year. The proximity to Old Salem allows the older children to explore the many sights with the guidance of their teachers. From the perspective of a parent, the school is very intentional about providing resources to help in continuing the Montessori method at home. . I feel like I have learned as much as my children! I have two children in Salem Montessori (one in the younger toddler and one in the three to six class) and both have thrived! If a half-day program fits your schedule, this school is the best option for your children to grow and learn!

Great school! School…read moreof excellence. Wonderful teachers. I am blessed that my children attended this school.

We were thrilled when our younger one got picked from the lottery to enroll in this charter school,…read moreand we were really excited when our older one got picked as well (they give preference to siblings attending the same school). My kids have made friends and seem to like it here. There isn't bus service, but I would have had to drive and pick my kids up either way due to bus driver shortages. This is a small school, and the faculty know everyone and their kids here, which is refreshing compared to a larger school. They also don't give homework, which my kids and I love not having that eat up our afternoons for no reason. They claim to teach a regular curriculum but with an artsy twist, making the learning fun and engaging. As far as how much they actually live up to that claim, my older one indicates that they tend to be lacking in that department. Still, I think we prefer it here to your standard public school.

I have 2 children enrolled currently at Arts Based Schools - both in elementary. I could not be…read morehappier with my choice. As a parent, I love the idea of an art-incorporated curriculum. The idea is to teach them lessons not only through words, but also visual, audio, and even performance lessons. Dance class is the dance of the molecules. While the current science lesson would be the phases of matter. Plenty of overlap and reinforcement. My kids LOVE it there. They dont notice the lack of a traditional gymnasium. Teachers are all very nice. Tutoring and special assistance is available for kids that need it. And the parent community is very invovled - and non judgy... because most of us are artists. All these reasons are why I have a third child starting there in the fall.