Creative Schools of Apex is a NAEYC-accredited, 5-star DCDEE-licensed center at 1201 Old Raleigh Rd serving children from 6 weeks through 5 years old with a structured, curriculum-driven program emphasizing kindergarten readiness. Founded in 1985 by Charles and Linda Hester, the family-owned Creative Schools brand has a strong multi-decade track record across the Raleigh-Durham area. Parent reviews praise caring teachers and a stimulating learning environment, though a small number of families have raised concerns about management responsiveness.
Safety7.0
Curriculum9.0
Art / Music8.0
Infant care8.0
Kindergarten readiness9.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion8.0
Management6.0
Culture8.0
Class sizes7.0
Extracurriculars8.0
What parents say
“Really love this daycare for my daughter. Everything is clean, schedules are kept, and the kids are all obviously learning, even the smallest ones.”
“I can't thank my daughter's teachers enough for being so patient and caring — she's learned so much!”
“I give the teachers a five star. My child loves going and they are so great with him. However the communication from management is absolutely horrific.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Not specified on location page; directed to main curriculum page.
Programs & activities: Full-time care for infants (6 weeks) through 5 years; limited part-time care for 1-5 years; programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten prep, and school age.
What sets it apart: Five Star North Carolina License; NAEYC Accreditation; live camera feed for parents; extended hours Monday-Friday 7am-6pm; opened September 2017.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 100 in NC
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 100 in NC</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked in the top 100 statewide across all North Carolina licensed childcare centers scored in our 2026 rankings.</span>
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Top 3 in Apex
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 3 in Apex</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked in the top 3 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Apex.</span>
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Best Curriculum
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Curriculum</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest curriculum score in Apex. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and how well daily activities prepare children for each stage.</span>
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Best Arts & Enrichment
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Arts & Enrichment</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest arts score in Apex. This dimension captures music, visual arts, creative play, and enrichment programming that goes beyond core academics.</span>
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Best Kindergarten Prep
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Kindergarten Prep</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest kindergarten readiness score in Apex. This dimension measures literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skill-building that prepares children for elementary school.</span>
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Best Space & Comfort
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Space & Comfort</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest space and comfort score in Apex. This dimension reflects classroom size, outdoor play areas, and whether parents feel the center is appropriately staffed and uncrowded.</span>
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Best Extras
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extras</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extras score in Apex. This dimension captures standout features — specialty programs, extended hours, unique amenities, or community partnerships that set a center apart.</span>
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Updated · July 2026
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
