First Impressions Academy

Posted: May 6, 2026

First Impression Academy has been great for my children. Elementary school teachers are very good and everyone knows everyone. Tuition is very reasonable and not much fundraising through out the year either.

Posted: May 6, 2026

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Posted: December 4, 2025

My daughter has been here for 3 years, and we've experienced ongoing issues. The school has been dismissive of evaluations suggesting she needs more academic challenge, despite ADHD specialists and a review panel supporting this. They’ve ignored signed release forms allowing direct communication with her therapist and instead send behavior complaints through the app.

During a parent reading event, I was handed "Red: A Crayon’s Story", a book addressing gender identity, for Pre-K, which I felt was not age-appropriate. Staff interactions have often felt cliquish and unprofessional, with a tendency to label rather than support. Other parents have shared similar concerns. Disappointed with the lack of cooperation and respect for parental input.

Posted: December 4, 2025

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Posted: September 2, 2022

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Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: September 2, 2022

As a public school teacher with 20+ years of experience, there was a long list of musts when considering private school for our children. First Impressions Academy checks every box and has exceeded our expectations. This will be our 6th year at FIA and every year we are blown away. The school provides a small, family feel. Small class sizes ensure that students' individual needs are met and all children get the attention they deserve. The staff is filled with quality, degreed and credentialed teachers who know the content and effective strategies for instruction. The leadership has been amazing since my first encounter, including calming my anxiety about my little one going to preschool. They have an open door policy and I've always felt comfortable talking to them. I am so glad we found FIA six years ago. It truly has been the best experience for our children!

Posted: September 2, 2022

Posted: June 3, 2021

If you have ever read Malcolm Gladwell's "David & Goliath," you know small class size is not everything. High turn over of teachers; a significant lack of communication on nearly every important issue; small physical space; lack of professionalism from school administration (which is only two individuals) all contribute to a negative overall environment. There is a saying that amongst blindmen, the one-eyed man is king. In Cumberland County, where a good education is hard to find for your children, this school gets high regard. But that is merely because it is only one of two secular, private schools offering pre-k through 8th grade in the entire county. And the other school costs more than most mortgages.

Posted: June 3, 2021

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Posted: April 19, 2020

This is one of the most amazing schools I have seen...being a teacher myself and living in 9 states, we decided to stay here for the school.

Posted: April 19, 2020

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Posted: February 26, 2020

Posted: February 26, 2020

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Posted: February 26, 2020

Posted: February 26, 2020

Fantastic! My child started attending FIA this year and I have seen a HUGE difference in his school performance. He is excited to learn again and is able to go at his own pace. I can't say enough good things about FIA...except we need a FIA high school!

Posted: January 19, 2019

I am very happy with this school. I love the small class sizes, when my child was behind they offered free tutoring. It feels like a family!

Posted: January 19, 2019

Teachers are degreed in their field and work to create relationships with their students. You can tell how they all really care about the kids.

Posted: January 19, 2019

Posted: January 19, 2019

If you ever have a concern administration will take time to listen. They are very honest and open and sometime do not tell you what you want to hear, but they will always do what they think is best for your child, and they will hold true to their policies.

Posted: January 19, 2019

They have a zero tolerance policy and whoever I had a concern, they dealt with is and it never happened again.

Posted: January 17, 2019

Posted: January 17, 2019

All the teachers in this school are amazing.

Posted: January 17, 2019

The kids are taught to be kind from the moment they walk in.

Posted: January 17, 2019

Posted: January 17, 2019

Posted: January 17, 2019

Posted: January 17, 2019

This is a great school, it is more like a family.

Posted: July 17, 2018

This was the worst school any of my five children ever attended. My child who attended here started Kindergarten much farther behind than any of my other kids did. If you want your preschooler to sit and do worksheets all day long this is the place for you. If you want them to learn while still getting to be preschoolers, choose a different school.

Posted: July 17, 2018

They treat preschoolers like they are in second grade. Preschool is supposed to be about learning while playing not constant worksheets.

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Posted: July 17, 2018

Admins are defensive, lack customer service, won’t listen to any constructive criticism. It’s their way or the highway, even with teachers from what I understand.

Posted: March 10, 2018

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Posted: March 10, 2018

First Impression Academy doesn't feel like a school, it feels like a family. My 6th grader is thriving in middle school the STEM program is one you will not find anywhere in this town or surrounding cities. The hands-on projects, real-world experiences, and level of academics is second-to-none. We completed in regional Science Olympiad and our small school is going to state. I can't count the number of times we were asked; "What school are you guys from!"

The children are so close and have created a culture amongst themselves of support, encouragement, love, and respect. Our kids are different, and everyone who encounters them can see it. FIA is committed to character building, self-reliance, respect, and accountability. I trust my teachers; I trust our staff, they will leave no stone unturned. I know my child is important to them and when in school I know, she is in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. First Impressions Academy is truly Fayetteville's little GEM; we are so blessed to be here.

Posted: September 26, 2017

Posted: September 26, 2017

Posted: September 26, 2017

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Posted: September 26, 2017

Posted: September 26, 2017

Posted: September 26, 2017

The administration acts like the school is beautifully perfect. But it actually has a lot to improve.

The biggest problem is that they are not interested in hearing parents' ideas regarding even minor improvements. If you make any suggestions for very basic needs for school, or bring up any concerns about things related to school or teacher, they immediately shift to a defensive mode and shut down any discussion. They tell you that their door is always open. Yes, it’s open to hear compliments only.

And teacher’s turnover is high every year. Most of the teachers are young and not experienced enough to handle challenging situations.

The strangest thing this school does is to have all the parents who enroll their kids signed a contract to agree not to leave bad reviews on website or talk negative things to other people. Since parents sign a lot of paper, most of them are not aware of this. The leadership is more worried about their ego than students' best interests.

Posted: January 4, 2017

I haven't been witness to any of these types of behaviors at the school. The classrooms are so small and tight knit that what I do see is children supporting each other and learning the true values of community.

Posted: January 4, 2017

My children vary on where they fall with natural inclinations towards learning, or strengths in opposite areas. I had a child ahead of the curve and one behind, and after being at FIA they're all excelling.

Posted: January 4, 2017

I had heard amazing things about the leadership at FIA before going there, and it was all right. Spot-on, top to bottom, everything at FIA is done right.

Posted: January 4, 2017

I love the character traits my children are exhibiting after being in an environment that encourages them to be positive people and to greet each day with enthusiasm.

Posted: January 4, 2017

The teachers at this school go above and beyond. All of the staff has an invested interest in the individual success of students.

Posted: January 4, 2017

Posted: January 4, 2017

FIA has been a life-changer in our family. We moved there after attending both public schools in CCS and on base schools at Ft Bragg. Each time we had hoped to eliminate the issues that we found--over crowding, lack of personal attention, our kids not falling in the middle for the no child left behind education system. FIA was recommended to us as we began a real search into what our other options would be. A secular school was important to us, so this seemed like a legitimate option. Further review of the school and people who attended made me feel incredibly confident that it would be a solid choice, but upon visiting I was sold. We had a child that was performing under the standards and one who was performing over. FIA gave advice on where they thought each child should be grade-wise, and it has been the best decision yet. My children are so happy to go to school. They have these incredible, well-educated teachers and classrooms that are supportive and friendly. They are absolutely blossoming at FIA and learning that knowledge is not tedious, but applicable in life and FUN. My children fall all over the spectrum when it comes to personality, and they are ALL in love with their school. They feel like (and we do too) that FIA is a rare family community where our children are safe, loved, appreciated, and encouraged. The difference in my down trodden, sad kids whose confidence had been obliterated by public schools to the joyous, proud children I have now is nothing short of phenomenal. I couldn't recommend FIA enough. We will definitely be there for as long as we are stationed at Bragg--and would arrange to be here as long as possible just to keep our kids in this school.

Posted: May 23, 2016

The small class sizes and personal attention you receive is wonderful. The care they give each child is immeasurable. They want your child to succeed and will work with you to make it happen. My son has been doing great there and I'm really thankful to all the teachers that he has had.

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: December 9, 2015

Posted: November 30, 2015

We have been at this school for three years. It has given my children an education that I did not think was possible in this area. The teachers truly love what they do, and it shows in their classroom! My sons are both excited to go to school. I am consistently surprised at the challenging curriculum, and most of the time it just seems like fun to them! Thank you FIA for providing a top notch education in a family environment!

Posted: November 30, 2015

There is no way to describe the teachers at this school. They truly treat the children as their own!

Posted: November 30, 2015

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Posted: November 19, 2015

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Posted: November 19, 2015

FIA is without question a stand apart school. The teachers demonstrate and reinforce respect, kindness and excellence. The academic standards are impressive, I feel my son is receiving an unparalleled education. He greatly enjoys his school day, he has developed an enthusiasm for learning anything possible. I appreciate the values that are being reinforced every day as well as the extra curricular activities offered! Thank you FIA. We are proud to call you our school!

Posted: November 18, 2015

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Posted: November 18, 2015

The teachers have taught my daughter so much. She will spontaneously say things to me that I never knew she understood. Thank you again Ms. Kim and Ms. Alison!

Posted: November 9, 2015

My child has been there since he was 3 and is now 8. This is the most amazing school and everyday we are grateful for finding them. Small class sizes and amazing teachers who truly care!

Posted: November 1, 2015

On August 15, 2015, I posted the following entry onto greatschools.org. It was my personal opinion, as per my first amendment rights:
"My sons attended FIA for the last 2 years, one in pre-K and then kindergarten and the other in preschool. We really liked the concept of the school, yet the school itself did not meet our expectations for many reasons, including the following: 1- Lack of STEM education. We are a physician-engineer family and this is extremely important to us. There was little science curriculum or education; despite the presence of a “computer lab”, neither of my children EVER used it; laptops/iPADs in the classrooms were brought in by the teachers themselves if they wanted to use them and there was no standard curriculum for use of technology. 2- Differentiated learning was not readily/effectively used. My preschooler was bored throughout the year and was not moved up even after he was assessed and determined to be ready. I was told that he would not be considered for kindergarten early even if he did move up to pre-k early; he is currently enrolled elsewhere in kindergarten and is thriving. 3- Teacher turnover – my preschooler had 5 different teachers/aides in his classroom last year (none of them left for PCS moves). My grade schooler had 3 different aftercare teachers (none of these left for PCS reasons, either). 4- Inconsistent teaching efforts/methods. The teachers are referred to as “independent contractors” and there is no standardized curriculum. My kindergartener got sent home with the same (boring) book daily “until he mastered it”; in his new first grade, he receives a different book to read every day and is required to log this experience, and this is far more effective in teaching him to read. These are only some of the examples of why we decided to leave FIA this year. It was definitely not worth the cost (financial, academic, and stress) for our family."

I recently received a letter from an attorney representing FIA. The letter accused me of making false and defamatory statements about the school based on the above review and requested that I cease and desist making such statements. In my opinion, this was an attempt to intimidate me into removing my post. Since greatschools rules won’t allow me to post the letter, I wanted to instead make potential parents aware of this behavior by adding this addendum.

Posted: October 26, 2015

Posted: August 15, 2015

Posted: August 15, 2015

Posted: January 29, 2015

My son attended for a year and it was fantastic....a great jump for him during his pre-school years that carried him well into his elementary years. Since then he has been ahead in every grade and every location we've lived. I'm so grateful for this school setting the standard for us by which I now measure every school.

Posted: January 23, 2015

FIA is more than we could have ever imagined. We are so pleased with the education, individual attention and love that our daughter is receiving from her teachers (*Ms. Isabel, (her homeroom teacher) all her resources teachers and Ms. Kim her after school teacher). The school is very affordable, and most importantly they are aware that each student learns in different ways, and responds to different types of teaching styles. So, having only 10 students per kinder prep class is great! My daughter started in K-prep in Sep 2014 and by Dec 2014 was already reading! If you are a parent looking for a great school for your child, I will suggest that you make an appointment with Teresa and see if your child is a good fit for the school! You will not regret sending your child to First Impressions Academy. Good luck with your search! Mevelyn M.

Posted: February 2, 2014

We started sending our child to FIA when she was in preschool. She went for a mere 2-half days a week and within a very short time, she was reading, writing, doing math, and more! We weren't sure if we were going to put our child in K there until we went to a public school open house and realized that our child was already far-surpassed the public school end of year standards. After knowing that, there was no question as to where to send our child. The love of learning was so fostered in Pre-K that in Kindergarten our child was able to read chapter books by the end of the year, spell complex words, do math (that was far above K level), sign language, playing violin, and more! What's more, our child made wonderful friends, LOVED the teacher, and wanted to go to school everyday; it was never a fight. The teachers truly care about the education and the children and because of the small class-sizes can focus and individualize each child's learning. The new school is beautiful and we can't wait to see what happens during more growth of this school!

Posted: October 30, 2013

We choose First Impressions Academy for our son because of a recommendation. I am so glad his first experience with school was at FIA, The teachers are amazing and patient. The curriculum is great and they learn math early, which is good. All of my sons teachers will now be compared to his amazing prek teacher.

Posted: October 30, 2013

This is the second year my son has attended this school. His first year he had a great time but struggled a little with the content. Now in his second year he gets the work and struggles a lot less. I attribute this to his teachers. With a small class size and individual attention given to students this school does an amazing job of teaching while keeping it fun for the children. I highly recommend this school!

Posted: October 29, 2013

I love this school. My daughter attended preschool and kindergarten. We have relocated out of state and miss not only the school but the amazing teachers and staff.

Posted: October 29, 2013

We chose first Impressions as a preschool for our daughter because we wanted more than just daycare. The staff and director could not be more engaged ,nor more procative to the childrens needs, as well as our needs and concerns. We were also inpressed with the overall safety and wholesome environment that first Impressions and their staff provided our child, So much so we enrolled her in Kindergarten, first, and now second grade. We are looking foreward to being one of the first families to attend classes in their brand new state of the art building that is currently under construction. We could not be happier with this school.

Posted: October 29, 2013

FIA is a wonderful school - both for PreK and grade school! The teachers are top notch. There is a good balance between academics, arts, and play. My child loves school and I know FIA's environment is the main reason.

Posted: October 29, 2013

I visited many schools in the Fayetteville area before choosing FIA for my child. First Impressions by far exceeded them all. You can see the passion for teaching in each classroom and the kids excitement to try and learn new things! What really impresses me is how the teachers really take the time to get to know the individual needs of each child and challenge them! You can tell every educator in the school really loves the students.

Posted: October 28, 2013

My 4 year old started in Nov and in a month knew all her letters, started Kinder in another state and knew all the site words at the beginning of the year. The best part of the school is how the teachers make the families feel. Not only are the teachers wonderful at what they do but they love their students. They understand that all children are different and learn different and are able to use the childs strength to help them learn. If you want a great place for your child to learn to love learning FIA is where they can find this.

Posted: October 28, 2013

THE best school ever! Each child is treated as an individual, and children are nutured emotionally, behaviorly and acedemically. The environment is friendly, warm and welcoming. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions, and be involved in their child's education. Academically excellent! Each child learns and is encouraged to continue to grow on their own pace. It is amazing what kids will learn when giving the opportunity. I would never consider another school for my child.

Posted: October 28, 2013

Anyone who has been through any part of this school will tell you that it is a unique Gem. There is no better way to explain it. When you choose this school, you choose the whole package. Education, passion for teaching and learning, safety, character, etc. It has proven to be not just the best in Fayetteville, but the best period! We have been a part of this school for five years and it has changed my family. By sending my children to this school it has taken my expectations to a new level and not just in education but the experience completely of what school should be for my children. I wish that everyone could experience this school and have the most amazing start to their education as my children have had. It is not just for the smartest, easiest kids cause my child has proven that even the more stubborn and higher energy children can learn and soar with the tools they have been provided in this environment. F.I.A teaches more than just education, they give them the tools they need to solve problems, the passion and excitement to learn new things and try their best and most importantly the gift of being proud of who they are and what they can accomplish.

Posted: October 17, 2013

This school is an absolute gift to all parents with young children. When I learned that the Army was moving me back to the Fort Bragg, NC area, I was worried because I knew it was going to be a struggle for my wife and I to find a good school for our son. As we began searching, we found schools that were overcrowded, chaotic, and overwhelming. Luckily, my wife found this school. Immediately upon arrival, we looked into a few of the classrooms we noticed young children who were actually interested in learning and teachers who genuinely loved what they do. This school is not your ordinary school. It was founded by a single teacher who had a dream and got together with some wonderful friends to start making that dream come true. As soon as my son began attending this school, my wife and I became a part of something much bigger than we expected. We were now a part of a large family of caring people who want nothing more than to provide the best future our children can possibly have...one that is only achieved through a solid education. The teachers at this school go out of their way to provide a positive learning environment for all. Honestly, there is no way to improve this school.

Posted: October 16, 2013

My daughter went to preschool and a month of Kinder before we moved. When she got to her new school she knew everything already. Not only do the staff know about individual needs they also are like family. Highly recommend this school to anyone that wants a caring and great learning environment for your children.

Posted: October 16, 2013

FIA is such a great school. This is my sons first year in school and he loves it, He always wants to go to school. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

Posted: October 16, 2013

This is my son's first school experience in Pre-K. We love the school and he has learned so much in such a short period of time. He loves his teachers and comes home everyday wanting to learn more! I would recommend this school to anyone looking for an advanced curriculum based preschool.

Posted: October 16, 2013

I cannot say enough wonderful things about FIA! My son is 4 and has grown academically, behaviorally, and socially by leaps and bounds since starting attendance at FIA. All staff, from the Director, Office Manager, Learning Center, and the Teachers- have shown a personal interest in every one of the students at this school. I have never had a negative experience and am amazed daily at the work my son does here. I am very thankful for this school and the opportunities they provide for my son.

Posted: October 16, 2013

FIA is a wonderful school. I have had 2 children in the school. One went to pre k two years ago and he still talks about his days there, not to mention the great academic foundation that was given to him. The other one is currently attending and she gets so excited to go to school. She's reading and only in Pre k!! Everyone at the school is amazing. They truly care about teaching to the individual student.

Posted: June 12, 2013

We love FIA!!! When we found out that school was not required in NC until 2nd grade and researched the public school system in the area, we KNEW that private school was the way to go. For our initial sit down meeting with the director, we knew First Impressions was our "home". She laid all of the facts, but also was extremely caring- just as every single teacher in the school is. The school has a security system, they take allergies very seriously, and most teachers know almost ALL students by first name! I mention these little things because it really is the little things that make a HUGE difference. My child started in the 4 year old preschool class, and had never had any schooling beforehand. At the end of one year of preschool, she knows money, can tell time, can read small kindergarten grade level books, and can do most things that my friends' public school first grader can do! It isn't just MY child- it's ALL of the children at FIA. The teachers, environment, and curriculum are just absolutely amazing. I will NOT for ANY reason send my child to any other school as long as we are in the area! I highly recommend it to anyone!

Posted: May 7, 2013

FIA is a great school! I completely agree with the reviews below. I hear more about other public and even private schools I only prove myself that we ve done the right decision. The staff, the curriculum and the whole environment is amazing! Our kids have music classes, yoga, art, sign language and science. The school year is almost over and I can really see the results in my child s development and knowledge she acquired! You can t go wrong by going to FIA!!!

Posted: April 5, 2013

FIA is hands down the BEST school in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. My Son has attended both the 3yr & 4yr preschool and has learned more then I could have ever imagined. At 4 years old, he is beginning to read, doing simple math, learning about science, writing journals, and so much more. He is evaluated on an individual level and is encouraged daily to work to his full potential. The Director is AMAZING. She is personable, caring and has a love for teaching our children. She is open to ideas and will always work to make your child's experience the best that it can be. I am astounded how she knows her kids by name, not just the kids she daily teaches, but most of the children in her school. The teachers and staff are also AMAZING. They ensure your child's safety, encourage independence, and make school and learning a fun experience. If you are contemplating sending your child to FIA, don't think any further. It will be the best money you could possibly spend on your child's education.

Posted: March 27, 2013

Post #2 As the director will tell you, most of the students end up one level above where their peers are in other schools for a few simple reasons. -They don't take time consuming group bathrooms breaks but instead encourage Independence or utilize a buddy system. -They don't have to rally 25-30 kids to a cafeteria, the class sizes of 10-12 kids eat their lunch in their classroom with the teacher (preschool has snack time). -Simply put, with class sizes a third of what you'll find in most schools, it simply doesn't take as long to cover all the material; what takes other schools a year to get through in material, they usually have completed halfway through the year and instead of standardize testing or busy work, they continue on in the material. Hands down my biggest reason for supporting this school is how they have developed a true love for learning in my child. Just turning 5 years old, my child is already reading kindergarten level emergent reading books, doing kindergarten simple math, and more. I say this not to brag on my child but to brag on how they got my child to WANT to learn and LOVE school! EVERY school in America should be modeled after this school!

Posted: March 26, 2013

Post #1 I can't fit all I want to say in one post due to the character limit. The director at this school as very unique vision which makes this school so successful! I have always had great communication with her; she is always open to ideas from fundraising to their security system (yes they have one!), she is always willing to discuss questions or concerns, & she is always willing to hear how they can improve. Her thought through responses tell you how much she cares and how dedicated she is making sure the school thrives. All the teachers have come from public schools where they got frustrated with the system; because they have asked to work here, they love their jobs and it shows in the way the interact with the director, other teachers and your child! At this school they don't teach off of one curriculum for everything, but rather the best math curriculum, the best handwriting curriculum, the best reading, etc. This ensures that the kids are learning to their best potential all around. They teach to each kid's individual level as well, so when your child finishes a task or masters something before others they are given they next level of material instead of busy work