Ebenezer Preparatory School

I was a student at Ebenezer Preparatory School, and have since then graduated. Ebenezer is an unsatisfactory school. The teachers have no type of formal teaching and quite frankly I think the school is being brought down by SOME of these teachers. They have Gospel Fests, Gospel Dances, Christmas Pageants and other various occasions. If you want to see your child perform you have to PAY an amount of money. It's your child you shouldn't have to pay to see your child perform. Some of the classrooms are small and rundown. There are no pictures, or ANY type of imagery to brighten up the atmosphere. No recess, or any type of sport activity is used. If you want your child to do some type of sports activity you have to pay almost $100 for them to take part. When I began to come to this school in 2004 in Kindergarten and I honestly loved the school but as I grew older I HATED the school. THANK GOD I HAVE FINALLY LEFT AND FOCUS BETTER ON MY EDUCATION!!!!!

Ebenezer prep school is not what i thought it was. the school is not very warm and fuzzy. the classrooms are bare and not very welcoming, especially for the nursery students. these kids are 3 years old, they're babies. their classrooms are simply made of 4 walls. really, there's no carpet, no mat, no blocks, no table toys, no pictures on the walls to attract the kids. they go in and simply sits at a table. some aspects of the school is great, like going to chapel, and learning verses of the Bible and singing. but i think school should be a misture of academics, arts, music and FUN. i feel that the kids are not having fun. i was hoping i can leave my daughter there for another year, but i'm rethinking the idea.
—Submitted by a parent

WARNING!!! Parents do not waste time or money with this school. Ebenezer is a SCAM they are always begging for money and administration or the PTA never reports how much money was raised or what the money was used for. There is no real evidence that the monies from the fundraisers are going to a good cause. Beware of the summer school scam-if a child fails two or more classes in the 1st and 2nd term he will receive a letter stating he may to attend summer school but in the last term the policy mysteriously changes, and if the child fails one class he is automatically slated for summer school. Parents are informed about summer school at the last minute and are expected to pay $600 for the program. If your child must attend Ebenezer beware of the things mentioned in this post and if something doesn't seem right it probably isn't so SPEAK UP and don't allow them to avoid you.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are considering Ebenezer Prep School I suggest you keep searching. This school is LOW-GRADE, in comparison to other private schools and defiantly in comparison to the public school. Ebenezer is below average because they cannot afford to maintain provide the basics. The books are outdated, assignments are given on Xerox paper which often dark and difficult to read, the lunch menu is limited and only consists of high fat foods which are overpriced (e.g., $3 french fries), classrooms have poor lighting, the children are kept inside all day (no recess), gym is only offered for a few months out of the year, and the teachers are not friendly. I know many parents at this school are there because of convenience but it's more important to give your child the best experience possible especially if you are paying for a private school education.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Ebenezer are underdeveloped -the teaching and classroom management methods are outdated. This school is not focused on developing the teachers or providing them with modern teaching material. The teachers and administration are narrow-minded and this makes communicating with them frustrating. The teachers tend to be evasive and rude to the parents. Ebenezer Prep is a family operated business whose focus is on making money and not developing the minds of their staff and students. Parents beware; this is a test based school- specifically for the elementary grades. Students in the lower grades are not taught analytical or problem solving skills and projects are rear. Grades are only based on test scores, homework and class work are not graded. Unfortunately Ebenezer's system does not support kids that are struggling or are poor test takers. There nothing in place that will help parents track their child's progress, and often times parents are not made aware about poor performance until it's too late. Before enrolling your child in this school please take these matters into consideration.
—Submitted by a parent

Ebenezer Prep. is not an academically focused school. They are only interested in making money via a nonstop flow of fundraisers that never benefit the students, tuition that is way too high, and extra payment for after school programs in which there is no instruction going on. The textbooks there are antiquated and dusty since no one even uses them. Owners, teachers, and administrators never answer questions about curriculum. They also target a group of students based on whether or not they are affiliated with their church and the high level of income of the child's parents to fill their summer school spots to make financial ends meet. In addition, there is constant bullying by students. Specifically, my child has experienced both physical and verbal bullying by various students for more than a year in this school. If you meet with the teachers or administrators about these issues, your child receives a punishment assignment and the teachers and administrators threaten to leave your child back in the same grade. There is no follow up when issues are brought to the staff and administrators attention. In addition, the teachers are allowed to hit students.
—Submitted by a parent

Ebenezer has gone down hill, the school is struggling financially. Everything requires a fee, to see your child perform in the Christmas or Spring concerts expect to pay between $15-$25 per person. This school year parents were asked to raise funds for windows (something that should be included in the tuition). The PTA collected $40 in dues per family this school year and did not sponsor any activities for the students that were free. It's just not clear how PTA dues are spent.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children attends this school, it s an excellent school. The teacher, administrators and the overall curriculum is great. I have read a review by another parent that wrote her concern about my child that s in kindergarten. The parent came to the school to pick up her child that s in nursery. The parent stated that the assistant teacher from Kindergarten grabs my child and he was just crying. Also, that the mother was upset, but held her peace. That was a misunderstanding. My child was acting out of line and the assistant teacher took him into the class room by his hand and asked my child to apologize to his mother for the way my child was behaving. Sorry that you misunderstood the situation, but thanks for your concern, next time just put me aside and asked what happen. My oldest son is 11 years old and he was in kindergarten at this same school and had those same teachers. My twin is in kindergarten at this time. I have a good relationship and communication with the teachers that I have deal with so far. These teachers are not in the school to harm my children. It takes a village to raise a child. My husband and I are very please with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My 3 children attended this school from Nursery-Grade 8. My family and I have nothing but praise, respect and love for this fine institution. My children were prepared academically, spiritually and creatively; they have continued to do well in high school, college and in their careers. Their high school teachers have been so impressed with my children's advanced academic preparation, outstanding character and exemplary behavior. This speaks to the importance of including Jesus Christ in the classroom and in the home. The school's motto is "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 The staff is dedicated to bringing out the best in their students; my children still return to visit the staff. There have been several cosmetic improvements made to the building throughout the years, and renovations are ongoing. We are proud to be a part of Ebenezer's 31 year history. Thanks for a wonderful foundation; Pastor Marshall would be proud. An education at Ebenezer Prep doesn't just cost...it pays!!
—Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled, it's not that great. It is true, sometimes all of the students don't have all the books they should have. The teachers can be disrespectful and immature in handling the students. No activities, only Gym which you pay extra for. The admin people don't know what's going on in the school i.e. tests. Lunch is unhealthy, and students aren't allowed to warm up their own lunch. There is poor communication with parents i.e. nonstandardized test dates are not often communicated. If you have to choose between Ebenezer and Parkway Elementary, believe me, Parkway is a little better, it has its problems too. Good luck!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The school does not provide new textbooks (circa 1990's), students sometimes have to share a books or buy their own books (english literature). The classes are too large considering that this is a private school. The students have very little one on one time with teachers, unless you PAY for extra tutoring after school. There are no extracurricular activities for students ie. sports, student clubs, student news paper, bible study group, library, computer club...... There are no healthy lunch choices and the bathroom's are filthy.

Great school! The curriculum is very rich. The teachers prepare students for beyond high school. There is a sense of community in the school and parent involvement is highly encouraged. i admire the dedication from the staff and the willingness to take risks that would enable students to 'reach for the stars'.
—Submitted by a parent

I would recommend this school to everyone who is looking for excellent education or your young ones with out paying an arm and a leg. It is worth every penny. Staff is great with kids. Very understanding yet strict teachers. West indian parents will be pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great! Im in 7th grade now, so 1 more yr. till high school. The administration is great and we have great shows such as the Christmas Pagent and so much more. I cant believe I goin to leave. I hav been here all my life. I luv Ebenezer!!! :)
—Submitted by a student

This school is awesome. Ive been here for a very long time. (now in eigth grade) Teachers are very good. Administration is great. Only prob is that we get sooo much hw. :( Mr.Marshall sets very high standards for his students and some even got scholarships. It's kinda sad that im graduating this year *Tear* Lol.
—Submitted by a student

Ebenzer has an excellent academic curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school ever I sent all my children here and they all got into high schools .
—Submitted by a parent