Providence Spring Elementary School

The principal told us that our child didn't belong at Providence Spring because she was struggling academically. This school caters to wealthy families and above average students and anyone who has trouble learning or is considered different is labelled a problem and treated with disdain. The school is unsafe, unfriendly and so strictly regimented that my children hated going there. The principal and vice principal were both very rude to my husband and I when we expressed our concerns. The message we received was that if you don't like it, leave. Although this is a public school, there is very little diversity and no acceptance of cultural and individual differences. Children are expected to fit into a predetermined (by the school) mold and to behave like perfect little robots. The kindergarten in particular lacked the warmth and nurturing that is so important that first year.
—Submitted by a parent

I just love this school. The administration works very hard to make the best of these kids. They are very focused on academics and best of all, fun. We have had no problems whatsoever and the principal is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

Charlotte Mecklenburg schools have a bad reputation in most areas. I have been extremly happy with Providence Spring Elementary. The parent involvement is very high wich frees up times for the teachers to work with the students. My son has had some challenges academically but has been treated well by his teachers and they have always shown support and the intention to do what is right for him. I would recomend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

PSE is an outstanding school that offers high quality academics in a caring, nurturing environment. Standards are high; students are well-behaved; parents are actively involved. This school is a gem.
—Submitted by a parent

Providence Spring is a wonderful school which provides a challenging program for each student. The teaching staff is equipped to take each student as far as he or she can go, whether that student excels and needs an enriched setting to go even further, or faces learning challenges and requires support and encouragement. This occurs in the regular classroom, without anyone missing a beat. This school is a place where children feel they belong; it is a nurturing and caring environment in which to grow and learn. Our children only wish they could be at Providence Spring for their whole school careers!
—Submitted by a parent

PSE is a fabulous school that meets the academic needs of each and every child. Each student is challenged, the staff is very talented, and the students are happy and well-behaved.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is geared to kids who are truly gifted or have parents who wish they were. Average kids are left in the dust. The amount of homework is astounding and the projects that are assigned are geared to be 'parent projects', not set up to be done by the students. The school is clean but regimented. The PTA is very organized, but puts enormous pressure on children and families to participate in all fund raisers, and there seems to be at least one fund raiser going on continually. Though my child loves his school, our experience overall has not been positive and even though the school has high test scores, I am concerned that my child is not as prepared for middle school as his sister, who attended another local school.
—Submitted by a parent

This a excellent school. The best. Just see the end of year scores all in the 98%. Coming from S. Asia we as parents are very paricular about academics and this school gets a A+. The principal Ms. Adams is well known and runs the schools very well. The teachers are the best. My son wants to go to school on week-ends too and is sad when he has his day off or is on vacations.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. All the teachers and the principal are so nice and really stay on top of each child. My son got a lot of personal attention that he really needed. There is only one thing - and this is for all CMS schools - they are ALWAYS out of school for something. Every time you turn around they have days off. And they are out of school at 1:40 - I don't see how they get enough time in to learn - but, they do. My kids have excelled here and I love it.
—Submitted by Marque Thompson, a parent

We had a horrible experience at this school. Our son was in kindergarten and having some challenges (mostly behavioral as in being disruptive). We wanted to be pro-active in conferencing knowing he has some issues. Instead of working with us, the administrators proceed to tell us our son is 'mean' and 'disruptive'. It was obvious that they didn't want him there - he didn't fit the bell curve of 'average' students. We think they want 'drones'. He is a young '5' and my question is why do they have the cut-off of being 5 by 10/16 if they run into issues such as ours. We truly believe that Mrs. Adams and her teachers gave up on our son and didn't even want to work with us......no wonder why Charlotte has so many private schools
—Submitted by a parent