Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our FAQs to help decide if Lucy Daniels School is the right fit for your child!

How long has the Lucy Daniels School been in existence?

We were founded in 1989, starting as a one-room preschool in the parish house of the First Baptist Church of Morrisville. Thanks to a significant investment by Dr. Lucy Daniels, one of the two founders, we now occupy a lovely, wooded site on Weston Parkway in Cary.

What makes LDS different from other schools in the Triangle?

We are the only Triangle area school that is devoted to the combined educational and psychological care of children who have extra emotional or social challenges.

What is your average teacher/student ratio?

Our average is 1:5, but it is typically lower than that in the Early School (preschool and kindergarten). Our teachers average more than seven years of teaching in the LDS program, and many come with previous teaching experience in other systems.

What is your school calendar?

Lucy Daniels School calendars are available on our Calendar page.

What kind of facilities do you provide at the School?

Our classrooms are bright and airy with an abundance of natural light. We have a well-equipped outdoor learning environment that includes a playground, nature trails, and a therapeutic teaching garden with a greenhouse for year-round activities. We welcome you to visit. Just give us a call to set up an appointment.

What time of year do you accept students?

We accept children on a “rolling admissions” basis, so when a child is assessed and deemed appropriate for LDS, we work with that child and family to facilitate a smooth entry into our school.

We’re not sure our child is right for the Lucy Daniels School. How can we get help making that decision?

Whenever possible, our educators observe your child in his/her current classroom as a courtesy to help you decide whether to explore LDS. This assessment may also direct you to some of our other programs, such as our First Friends social skills group or our Family Guidance Service (therapy with one of our licensed clinicians).

Do you encourage parent involvement at LDS?

Parent involvement is critical to the success of the children at LDS. Parents meet regularly (usually weekly) with a parent therapist to discuss how to best help their child at home and in the classroom and teachers maintain regular contact with families.

What other classroom activities do you offer?

We have visiting artists – from singers and sculptors to potters and storytellers – who visit and work with our children. We have art activities, physical education, and outdoor education, including in our garden and greenhouse and along our nature trails.

What happens when my child is finished at the Lucy Daniels School?

Children ready to leave LDS typically enter local public and private schools with little or no extra help needed. LDS staff are available to assist with any school transition, including participating in IEP meetings and communicating with teachers and administrators.

Is your school accredited?

Lucy Daniels School is a licensed, 5-star Center by the N.C. Division of Child Development, Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Department of Non-Public Education. We are also a member of the Alliance for Psychoanalytic Schools. Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization legally incorporated and licensed with the State of North Carolina.

Still have questions?

Reach out to us. We’d love to talk.