Palisades Episcopal School

After 4 years in public school, we chose Palisades Episcopal School when we realized our daughter needed something more in her educational experience. In her first year at PES, she has been consistently engaged and challenged to do her best. We were so impressed with the school that we moved our son to the JK program after the first of the year. Both of our children have flourished in their academics as well as their spirituality and citizenship. At PES, children are seen as individuals with their own gifts to be nurtured. Teachers meet children where they are academically and help them grow in their own time. Lessons are often hands-on and not dictated by the writers of a textbook. Real world resources are utilized and time out of the classroom experiencing the lesson is just as important as the lesson itself. Growth is gauged by comprehensive review of the student s work. This approach has given us a better picture of how and what our children are learning. If you value individuality, rich curriculum topics and a community of respect not just for others but also for the art of education, then you will want to give Palisades Episcopal School a closer look.
—Submitted by a parent

Palisades Episcopal School exceeded all of our expectations. Our son transferred to PES several years ago and has experienced the elementary and middle school programs. The quality of educaton is superb. The teachers are the most knowledgable and dedicated group of educators I have ever seen. The faculty are committed to developing strong minds through academics and stong hearts through character and faith building. I feel the quality of educational programming can be measured not only in individualized performance but also in the very impressive national test scores. The emphasis of serving others is demonstrated through meaningful community projects and mission trips. Palisades Episcopal School offers a sense of acceptance and community while encouraging each student to acheive academic excellence. We could not be happier with a school and we are deeply grateful that our son has had the opportunity to experience such an outstanding educational environment.
—Submitted by a parent

After touring all the well known private schools in Charlotte, Palisades Episcopal School was the choice we made for our children, and it could not have been a better choice. Our children are thriving in this school at the proof is not only in their happiness, but in their test scores. The curriculum, the staff, and the overall environment have exceeded all of our expectations. We could not ask for a better experience across the board. We are so thankful that PES is here. It is a truly remarkable place!
—Submitted by a parent

Words cannot express what an amazing school this is. We have been there 4 going on 5 years now and it was the best decision that we have ever made for our daughter. Every year after attending the year end review I cry and feel so thankful and blessed that we have this amazing place for our children. With each passing year the level of curriculum astounds us! I know each day when I drop her off not only is she being challenged mentally but she is in a warm, loving and fun environment. As as parent you could not ask for anything more! My mother has been a teacher for over 35 years and is contantly blown away by PES. She will express this often as she looks over homework, visits class or just has a simple conversation with my daughter. As I tell many people, it is a special place. If you are considering PES I would encourage to visit the school and see if it works for you and your family. For us it is the best thing we ever did!
—Submitted by a parent

PES has been such a wonderful experience for my children and our entire family. We came from a local public school where our children received perfect report cards every year, but could not tell us one thing they had learned. They were memorizing information and because they were A students they were lost in the shuffle. Palisades Episcopal Schools curriculum is challenging & engaging while teaching the children to learn and engage in the classroom so when they take a test/exam/quiz/write a paper they already know the information. Majority of the children are above average on National not State testing. The teachers are available and majority have their Masters Degrees. Yes, not every child can be in the 100th percentile, but if tutoring or additional services are needed the teachers can provide this help or direct the family to what services may be needed. Our children are confident, good leaders and are surrounded by children and families that believe in their strengths and their weaknesses. PES continues to grow each year!
—Submitted by a parent

Palisades Episcopal School has been great for our kids. They have exceled in their learning and they like the small classes where everyone is involved. We really appreicate all the teachers and staff have done for us over the past three years and we are looking forward to our children continuing their education at PES.
—Submitted by a parent

Sending our kids to PES was a huge mistake. We thought we were going to a school that provided "a superior education". We were wrong, the education is mediocre, at best. The teachers are fresh out of college with no experience or aren't certificated. The education is particularly weak in writing, math and science I thought they were teaching my children "how to think", well if you haven't first studied basic math facts or grammar rules, you can't perform well. We are not alone, many, many other good families with smart children have left the school. The sad part is the Board and administration have their heads in the sand. I'm writing this so that other well intending families don't make the same mistake. We wasted some important years and a lot of money. We are left with very expensive tutoring bills to catch our kids up to their peers. I'd be surprised if the school makes it with the new "free" public school being built at the end of the street. Ask questions about standardized test scores, family turnover and teacher experience and credentials before you sign up! Everyone seems safe and loving, but there's not always a lot of substance behind the fluff.
—Submitted by a parent

PES has been such an incredible experience for my son who is in his second year at the school! As a former teacher my expectations have been greatly surpassed. The love, compassion and commitment to each child's individual needs is comforting as a parent and sets a foundation of confidence and love of learning. My son loves going to school and he continually surprises me with not only what he has learned but how they teach him to think and come up with multiple solutions in any situation. My daughter will start JK in the fall and my husband and I are very excited to see her benefit from all the wonderful things that make up PES!
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot recommend third school, due to the current leadership. The staff is ok. Some teachers seem to really care, but others do not. My child no longer attends the school. I was told for years that nothing was wrong with my child. But I knew something was amiss. After further testing (on my own) I was right all along. I guess I would have never known as long as I wrote my check every year to PES. Cannot recommend, public would have been a better option.
—Submitted by a parent

I can relate to every review whethr great or sub par. I agree, I often question the focus of Christianity in the lesson, when I looked at my daughter's calendar for JK it was a block of 30 minutes, which is not acceptable when you state you are a Christ honoring school. I can not speak on behalf of the Head of School and BOD because my contact was limited to " Hi -------" when they saw us. However what I can say, is when there was a lost of employment in my home, theyw orked with us, and did not hesitate to make sure we came back even with the financial difficulty and working with our family. I know that in CMS what my daughter learned in JK was being taught to the entering kindergartners, so the children are most assuredly ahead. I agree that the older children step up and acts as leaders and treat the younger children like family, with Book Buddies reading time, walking them to chapel on Thursday, my daughter would always point to a older child that was in 5 or 6 th grade and say there is my best friend such and such, as that child was a friend and a mentor. I do not feel there was any favortism, as we came from a bigger school where I felt like a stranger not a parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Watching my sons grow and respond to the world, I am continually reminded that a real education is not a simple transfer of information, not a competition, but a gradual process of awakening compassion, deepening understanding, and fostering the development of imagination, curiosity and will. Learning well doesn't always mean scoring high on a test but it does mean acquiring the tools necessary to take on the most challenging work of all - becoming the person you were meant to be. The combination of structure and freedom, nurture and challenge, education and exploration Palisades provides has given my young man the opportunity to truly bloom and begin his path of discovery. It is a very special place and a refreshing approach to developing children. I challenge you to try to find a school any better.
—Submitted by a parent

PES is a wonderful school and I cannot think of having my daughter anywhere else. The teachers are wonderful individuals who find teaching moments in everything, not just classroom instruction. The curriculum is such that the subject matter is taught across all subjects. This teaches the students how the subject is intertwined in all areas - and they learn! From bird club to Latin, my daughter is learning so much more. For those that think the Board is hidden, I challenge you to simply look at the letterhead as all names of the Board are clearly identified and would welcome any calls. People who think the Head of School shows favoritism are just being petty in my opinion. She has children of her own at the school and these people cannot separate - or respect - the fact that she is sometimes "Mom" and not "Head of School" all the time. In the third grade, my daughter is learning Spanish (this isn't an immersion school ) and conjugating verbs in Latin. They are learning how God is great and how helping others is important in all they do along with being challenged in all subject matters. PES is wonderful and a blessing!
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed by our kindergarten experience last year. The class had 21 students all crammed into a tiny room. Absolutely no individualized instruction and negligible hands-on learning took place. Half of the students were too young for kindergarten and did not turn 5 until Sept., Oct. or even Nov. Faculty did not know how to motivate students to learn except by rewarding them with stars, stickers, treasure boxes, etc. Learning was not valued as a worthwhile activity in itself. The reward systems created a stressful environment that encouraged students to rush through their work. It was definitely not the "unhurried" environment that we were promised. Systems used for classroom discipline at PES were no different than what is found at the local public schools. Specials were a complete joke. Half-day field trips were numerous, rushed and often unrelated to anything that the children were studying. Parent involvement consisted mainly of fundraising and bringing sweets to classroom parties. Many parents are content with the school merely because it keeps their children out of the dismal CMS system. There are literally no other independent school options in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed by the lack of quality leadership at the school. Teacher turn-over is VERY high (nearly 100%) in only a few short years in existence. The school claims to 'teach children how to think". This is NOT the case, rather it becomes a race to be done first and not produce quality work. We found our child's quality of work declining rapidly in order to appease the teachers desires to be done in hurry. Rewards were rampant, which is not how children should be taught "how to think". Look closely at the statement and mission of the school as many of the phrases are trite and meaningless. Lastly, realize that many of the reviews of this school swing from 1 to 5 with the 1's coming from parents who expected MUCH more for their children. The remaining come from parents who are pleased to find an alternative to a public school but aren't expecting much from their school. Parent involvement at the school only stemmed from fund-raising and very little education involvement. Very disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

WASTE OF MONEY what you receive here you can get at any school, even the free ones. They tell you it is a creative and individualized learning environment it is NOT it is all memorization, repetition, and conformity. Discipline and clip giving are just short of military school expectations - children are taught through fear, condemnation and negative reinforcement. Positive testimonials are either coming from teachers or administration whose children all go there, or founding families and friends of theirs, all of who receive preferential treatment and attention. Leadership is horrible, backstabbing, superficial and full of deception. The Board of Directors exists in name only; you cannot get contact information for any of them to voice administrative complaints. This was the worst year and investment of our lives.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at PES for three years. We have been so pleased with our decision. We are excited to be part of a school that is growing and thriving. Our children are being stretched mentally and spiritually. I have seen the administration and teachers pour their hearts into our children. My husband and I believe people, not buildings or playgrounds make a great school. My children love going to a place that is safe, nurturing and challenging.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible Waste of Money- Looking for a private school in the Charlotte area? Check out Providence Day, Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Country Day, or Gaston Day. The other reviewers are so right about nepotism. Another thing, the motto is "Teach Children How to Think". That is insane...children naturally know how to think. Scratch beneath the surface if you plan to send your child here. Would you pay $10,000 ++ a year for a "gymacafechapeltorium" and no playground and trailers? This school had so much potential and they got it all wrong.

We have been with PES since day one; its growth and success is due to the dedicated teachers and staff and the vision of the school leaders. PES is like an extension of our family; my children love going to school and have flourished because of the diversity of offerings and, as parents, we have enjoyed getting to know other parents who are dedicated to their children's academics and to their school. PES is only entering its fourth year, therefore it is to be expected that there is room for improvement. The BOD and administration are working hard to continue to develop and fine tune all aspects of the school. Not only is its growth and success due to the dedicated teachers/staff and the vision of the school leaders, it's also the amazing PES families who make it such a special place. Without a doubt we made the right decision.
—Submitted by a parent

Palisades Episcopal School continues to wow us! My husband and I could not be more impressed with the leadership, faculty and staff. The curriculum is rich and challenging. We always feel welcome and involved. Our children love school and love learning. Thank you PES!
—Submitted by a parent

As parents of a student also identified as a Duke TIP scholar we would like to credit our students own merit for this achievement not the school. This school had potential. The lack of leadership has damaged the school. The reviews that have cited deficincies are spot on & can't be refuted. From our vantage point this is how we see it: NO Board accountability;NO teacher liasion;NO vice principal;NO txtbooks;NO set curriculum;NO print only cursive;NO nurse/1st Aid training;NO line between professionals of school & neighborhood families;Nepotism is king;Christianity only in name; Retention of great families & teachers is a real problem here. The board seems to have blinders on. As parents you are not allowed to petition the board & members of this board are not public knowledge. Only so many new families to recruit to fill these gaps. Will this be the eye opener?
—Submitted by a parent