Antioch Elementary School

The PTO is given a lot of power at the school. The focus seems to be on fundraising more than education. I have never personally dealt with the principal, but several parents have commented that she is not easy to deal with. The education is adequate but the students are not gaining a love for learning. The school makes the students miss recess and walk laps for the most minor infractions . There is no consistency with classroom discipline, even with in the same grade level. My child as well as many others in our neighborhood are unhappy at school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended Antioch Elementary for the first half of his Kindergarten year in 2011. As time passed by, we noticed a change in him. He started not wanting to get up in the morning because he dreaded going to school. He began having breathing problems, due to high anxiety caused by his teacher and any other staff member because they expect so much out of even the Kindergarteners. I did not like the way I was treated by some (including my son's teacher) at times either. I'm not sure his teacher even really enjoys being around kids from what I could see. I felt bad for my son. This was his first year of Elementary, we were excited for him, and his experience was not turning out the way we had hoped it would. I'm not saying the school was terribly horrible. But there is a big difference in that school and the school my son now goes to, that is not in Union County, or Meck. County, or even in the same state. Maybe things have changed since my son attended Antioch. I just know that he's actually happy going to school where he is attending now and does really well, because they aren't so hard on the kids. And I'm happy to take him! : )
—Submitted by a parent

My children have enjoyed high-quality, caring teachers & good friends. This school curriculum is quite EOG focused. It seems this creates an atmosphere which can sometimes be stressful & dull for students & teachers. The school/PTO is constantly raising money for projects. Meanwhile, Union County cut Spanish classes from elementary schools last year. I wish that taxes were sufficient to support the school better.
—Submitted by a parent

When looking to move to the Charlotte area we were told what a great school Antioch is. Through interviews with principals and parents at other schools in the area we felt that a move into the Antioch district was the right choice. Since moving here we have come to the conclusion that we were wrong. Elementary schools should be warm and nurturing and should foster a love of learning. In the year we have lived here my children have gone from loving school to dreading waking up every morning. Miss an assignment, walk the trail. Forget homework, can't go back to get it. Talk at lunch..forget it. What happened to the consequence fitting the issue, missing recess for not doing homework or teaching with positive reinforcement. The kids are learning that there are consequences for everything and very little praise. Teachers are always yelling, kids look unhappy as a result. The place is filthy...I wouldn't let my dog into the bathroom there. The only good I can say is that they got rid of the total nut free policy this year so I can send normal kid food for snack and lunch. Strong PTO but focuses too much on fundraising (we have done 5 already and it is only January).
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first child to enter school so I don't really have a lot to compare it to, but we love Antioch! Our daughter is now in the 1st grade and we have seen the transition of principal from Mr. Hoover to Ms. Dillon. We loved Mr. Hoover. He brought so much energy to the school. Ms. Dillon was his asst. principal so she seems to be following in his footsteps. Everyone, from staff to teachers, is so friendly and caring. As a working mom I can't always participate as much as I would like but I'm never made to feel bad about that. Our daughter is performing very well academically. We couldn't be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has really thrived at Antioch. The teachers are very caring. The students are well-behaved, for the most part. The PTO is amazing and works incredibly hard to improve the school, and treat the staff and school to wonderful experiences.
—Submitted by a parent

Antioch is a wonderful school! I love the administration and the PTO is fabulous. We are moving out of the area and are so sad to leave this wonderful group of teachers, and parents. I wish there were more extracurricular activities but this is a Union County thing and the prinicipal would like it as well but he has to follow rules. Highly recommend Antioch to anyone moving into the area. Warm and welcoming. Lisa C.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! My kids have been going here since it opened in 2004. The teachers are great and the administration is wonderful. The energy of the school is high and everyone is very enthusiastic and happy to be there. If the neighborhood we live in now gets reassigned away from Antioch, we will be moving so my youngest can continue to here.
—Submitted by a parent

Antioch is a really wonderful school. The entire faculty - teachers, assistants, office personnel, administration - all really have the kids' best interests at heart. They care so deeply about how to best cater to each child's learning style and how to maximize their elementary experience. I'm especially excited about how each child is challenged at his/her particular level rather than being all routed down the same text or subject level. Each education plan is definitely specific to the individual child's level. I can't say enough great things about this school!
—Submitted by a parent

The new administravtive staff is wonderful, especially Mr. Hoover. He is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

A new principal this year is making great strides. There's no reason this school located in an affluent area shouldn't be fabulous. Mr. Hoover understands that, and it taking full advantage of engaged kids and eager parents. I wholly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just began kindergarten in September and is having so much fun learning. The principal is new this year and has been very visible and accessable to parents. I'm glad we chose to send our son to Antioch.
—Submitted by a parent

Have been very pleased with the school so far in this school year. My son seems to be doing very well, and have no complaints with faculty or administration.
—Submitted by a parent

The leadership is not there for parents. Anything you have to say falls on deaf ears. I am looking at other schools for next year. I will not return to Antioch.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very unhappy with this school. I found this school to be very cold. The leadership is useless. Large teacher turnover. I am looking for private school for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal is anti-parent input & anti-parent involvement. I've never seen a school where more people are looking to leave it & that includes the teachers. It is a shame b/c it is a beautiful new school.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall good quality academically. AIG program is excellent. Would like to see more extracurricular activities offered to students. School opened in 2004, but already at capacity, with several trailers. Feeds into either Sun Valley MS/HS or Weddington MS/HS depending on your school boundary.
—Submitted by a parent