The 5 Critical Facts About Creekside Elementary Durham NC's 2025-2026 Turnaround Strategy

As of December 21, 2025, Creekside Elementary School in Durham, NC, is undergoing a focused academic transformation, centered on its 2025-2026 School Improvement Plan (SIP) and a data-driven approach to enhance student outcomes. This Durham Public Schools (DPS) institution, which serves students from Pre-K through Grade 5, is prioritizing collaborative planning and the implementation of specific, research-based curricula to address its recent performance metrics and elevate its standing in the North Carolina public school system. The commitment from the administration and the active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) underscores a community-wide effort to support every student’s educational journey. The school's strategic vision for the current academic year is a direct response to its designation as a low-performing school by the state, a status that has fueled a renewed emphasis on targeted instructional practices and community engagement. The efforts are led by a stable administrative team that is deeply invested in both local and statewide educational policy, ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach to school improvement.

Creekside Elementary School Leadership and Profile

Creekside Elementary School is a public institution within the Durham Public Schools (DPS) district, dedicated to providing foundational education for young learners. The school is located in Triangle Township and plays a vital role in the local Durham community.

Creekside Elementary School Profile:

• School Name: Creekside Elementary School
• District: Durham Public Schools (DPS)
• Address: 5321 Ephesus Church Road, Durham, NC 27707
• Phone: (919) 560-3919
• Grades Served: Prekindergarten (PK) through Grade 5
• Student Enrollment: Approximately 551 students
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1

Administrative Team Biography:

• Principal: Victoria Creamer
• Principal Tenure: Joined DPS as Principal of Creekside Elementary in February 2018.
• Professional Recognition: Victoria Creamer has participated in the prestigious one-year Education Policy Fellowship with the NC Public School Forum, indicating a strong commitment to educational leadership and policy.
• Assistant Principal: Lindsay Boykin

The 2025-2026 Academic Strategy and Curriculum Focus

Creekside Elementary is committed to the NC Standard Course of Study across all content areas, but has adopted specific, high-impact instructional materials to drive significant academic growth. This targeted curriculum adoption is a cornerstone of the school’s turnaround strategy. The school’s academic performance has recently placed it in the 45th percentile statewide, with a North Carolina School Performance Grade of 'D,' identifying it as a low-performing school. This designation has intensified the focus on specific academic areas, particularly reading and math proficiency. Current data shows that approximately 40% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 41% are proficient in reading.

Key Curricular Entities and Programs

The administration and the School Improvement Team (SIT) have implemented standardized, evidence-based curricula to ensure consistency and quality across all grade levels.

• Mathematics Curriculum: The school utilizes the Eureka Math program, a comprehensive, content-rich curriculum designed to foster deep understanding and mathematical fluency.
• English Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum: The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Reading program is used to develop strong literacy skills, focusing on reading comprehension and language arts proficiency.
• Improvement Planning (SIP): The 2025-2026 School Improvement Plan is the guiding document for academic change. It emphasizes collaborative planning among teachers, data-driven decisions, and weekly learning-centered walkthroughs to ensure instructional best practices are consistently applied in the classroom environment.
• DPS Turnaround Support: Creekside Elementary is supported by the broader Durham Public Schools' strategic initiative, which includes the addition of Transformational Positions to provide targeted assistance and resources for school turnaround efforts.

Community Engagement and Student Life at Creekside

The culture at Creekside Elementary is significantly bolstered by its active parent body and a strong commitment to fostering a globally aware and supportive environment. Parent involvement is considered a critical component of the school’s success, especially in supporting the academic improvement goals.

PTA and Creekside Cares Initiatives

The Creekside Elementary PTA is a highly engaged entity, actively planning for the 2025-2026 school year to help all families stay engaged and enhance the overall educational experience. Their efforts extend beyond fundraising to include direct community support.

• Food Drives: The PTA regularly organizes food drives with school staff to support Creekside families who may be facing economic hardship, showcasing a strong internal support network.
• Creekside Cares: This separate, but related, initiative demonstrates the school community’s dedication to wider charitable work, including supporting the Holiday Zone for Durham Children's Initiative.
• International Month: A key cultural event at Creekside is the celebration of International Month, where students participate in special classes and activities to learn about global cultures, promoting diversity and world awareness.

The focus on a supportive and enriching student life is crucial, especially as the school navigates its improvement phase. The commitment to Arts Education Courses and a variety of student clubs ensures a well-rounded experience that goes beyond core academics. The school community recently saw an important infrastructure update with the resurfacing of the Pre-K playground, showing a commitment to the youngest learners. Through collaborative efforts between Principal Victoria Creamer, Assistant Principal Lindsay Boykin, the dedicated staff, and the PTA, Creekside Elementary is positioning itself for a significant positive shift in the coming years.

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