Dear Prospective Families,
Welcome to Crestwell School. I am honored to lead this extraordinary community of learners, and I am delighted that you are considering us for your child's educational journey.
At Crestwell, we believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful experiences. Our motto, "Learning by Doing," isn't just a tagline; it's the foundation of everything we do. From our youngest PreK students exploring the wonders of nature on our six-acre campus to our eighth graders tackling real-world problems through project-based learning, every child at Crestwell is empowered to discover, question, and grow.
We don't just prepare students for the next grade level; we prepare them for life.
What makes Crestwell truly special is the warmth of our community. We know every child by name. Our small school community empowers our teachers to offer differentiated learning, and our dedicated teachers understand each student's unique strengths, challenges, and dreams. This personalized attention allows us to nurture not just academic excellence, but character, creativity, and confidence.
Our commitment to character education through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students gives students the tools to become leaders in the classroom, at home, and in their communities. We believe that developing the whole child means cultivating both the mind and the heart.
I invite you to visit our campus and experience the Crestwell difference firsthand. Walk through our classrooms, meet our exceptional faculty, and see the joy of learning in action. I am confident you will feel the same sense of excitement and possibility that brings me to school every day.
Thank you for considering Crestwell School. We look forward to welcoming your family to our community.
Maria C. Niebuhr
Head of School
What We Believe
Our core values guide every decision we make and shape the culture of our school community.
Collaborative
We work together as a community, partnering with families and colleagues to support every child's success.
Accountable
We take responsibility for our actions, commitments, and the outcomes we deliver for our students.
Resourceful
We find creative solutions and make the most of every opportunity to enhance learning experiences.
Innovative
We embrace new ideas and approaches to continuously improve how we educate and inspire students.
Nurturing
We create a warm, supportive environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to grow.
Growth Mindset
We believe in the power of effort and persistence, teaching students that abilities can be developed.
Meet Our Head of School Maria C. Niebuhr
Maria Niebuhr brings 23 years of progressive experience in K-8 education to Crestwell School. A visionary leader known for driving strategic growth and fostering mission-driven cultures, she combines strong business acumen from her former career as a banking executive with a deep commitment to student-centered, faith-based education.
Prior to joining Crestwell, Maria served as Principal at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples. Her expertise spans curriculum design, literacy intervention, technology integration, and community engagement.
Maria holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education and a B.B.A. in Marketing from Hofstra University. She is a Florida Certified Professional Educator (K-6) and School Administrator, and is passionate about creating environments where every child can thrive.