Pennington School

Pennington is a very good school, the teachers are very professional and I am happy that my son's education is on the right path. Would recommend to give him more home work, so that he spends more time in reading/writing.
—Submitted by a parent

Pennington is a extremely harsh school. The send a letter home because my child had to many early dismissal, either because the were sick or for the doctor. The principal and vice principal are very harsh while the Guidance Counselor is very helpful. Also, The 7th and 8th grade math is treats the kids horribly.
—Submitted by a parent

Pennington is an absolutely great school and the best public school I have ever observed and I have observed many in my career! We could not be happier with the Administration, the teachers and the students. A school where the 8th graders are polite to the 1st graders, we will not move just to keep our daughter in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Best school in PWC area, have 2 kids in this school, kids improved a lot every day, academic standard is a lot higher than regular public schools, uniform part is the + sign on an A rating.
—Submitted by a parent

Take this from a student of eight years! I enjoy it alot I feel that you become a family not only with the kids in your grade but all grades. The middle schoolers are very helpful and respectful of the younger kids and they look up to us. There is little to no bulling and It has very high academic standers. We are a school of excellents and an excellent choice for your son or daughter. The teachers are all very helpful and kind and they all have great teaching methods. Sending your student here will be a plus in the long run.

Amazing school! We transferred our son to Pennington after a disappointing Kindergarten year at our neighborhood school. Pennington is a family, children do not slip throughout the cracks because there are none. Communication with the parents is amazing. This school really does focus on Excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids just completed their 1st year at Pennington. The teachers were professional, approachable and communicative. They sent home weekly notes/newsletters to share information about lifework (homework), community service opportunities, the character traits and quotes/poems they are learning and even birthdays. The principal is an educational professional who fosters an environment of safety & learning. The kids seem to love her. There were 2 parent-school leadership meetings (Fall&Spring). She supports the family-like community through words & actions. My kids love the mascot "Big Blue" & enjoyed the choices of afterschool clubs. Students are recognized for academic, service, character and artistic acheivements thoughout the year which helps to keep learning/growth in focus. The PTO & Advisory Council are superb. The required hours of parent involvement keeps ALL parents involved. The Fine Arts Gala and Year End celebrations were wonderful. The summer reading and math will ensure that the kids are prepared when school resumes in Sept. The small class sizes, new renovations and uniforms are just nice bonuses. We are impressed with Pennington and look forward to continuing.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend Pennington. When entering Pennington four years ago, I had no idea what to expect, I am so happy I listened to a neighbor and applied. My children are happy, the teachers are happy and the Parents are great! Lots of Parent involvement and the PTO is exceptional. The uniforms are a plus and the children resite a creed every morning. Great School!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Penning from the 1st - 8th grade and has received an exceptional education. She was in the Jr. Honor Society then and is now taking mostly "Honors" classes now that she's in the 9th. Her study habits are impeccable and I credit Pennington for all the work and training tthey instilled into the her when she was very young. For parents who think going above and beyond to contribute to your childs acadamic success is a "hassel," I'd like to beg to differ because it so worth it. Pennington "Cannot" be compared to the average neighborhood school. It's not just a place to send your child. It's a family, one that learn together, play together and succeed together. I still think Pennington is the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Agree that this is the best school ever. The emphasis is on academics and the teachers are truly committed to getting the best out of each child. I agree that it's not for everyone. But if you want the best for your child and are willing to put in the time and committment you will see the results in your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome! Best school ever, my children loved it, lots of parent involvement! The teachers there have tons of great knowledge to pass on to your kids.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is now in the third grad at Pennington and has been there since the first grade. He and I absolutely love the school. It is a bit more work but I feel that he is getting really good study habits/work habits that he wouldn't get at the regular public schools. I think there is a focus on making the child successful. I love that the parents are very involved in their student's schooling.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Pennington for 1st and 2nd grade. Many of the students were above grade level at the beginning of first grade, but the curriculum was the standard county curriculum and little was offered in the classroom to challenge the students particularly in mathematics. My child was offered the gifted program, but this only for one hour per week and much of the activity would not be related to mathematics. Because Pennington requires application and parents volunteering the parents are very involved. My family has two working parents, one sick child + other children with after school activities. Pennington required too much of Mom's time supporting commuting and volunteer requirements. If you are a busy parent, you will get the same curriculum at your neighborhood school without the hassles of Pennington.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in the elementary level (grades 1-5), not the middle level (6-8) Plus: Structure, high academic standards, uniforms, small number of classes per grade level, informed and pleasant Vice Principal. Minus: Unjust punishment (focus on misbehaved kids; many get disciplined for the actions of one), impersonable and uninvolved Principal, teachers a bit hypocritical (some teachers hold high stds. for the students but do not live up to that same std. in the way they assign work or communicate with parents), lack of a joyful learning environment (that elementary students should experience in school). My child has no disciplining issues and is doing great academically. But the environment is simply not producing a student who loves to learn. Think long and hard before making your decision and don't be afraid to pull them out just because you got in with a lottery system.
—Submitted by a parent

Fewer students per grade level, involved teachers and administration, high academic standards. Very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Pennington from 1st grade thru 8th grade and if I had to do it all over again, I would. The school is focused on academics, which is fine with me. It would be nice though to have some sports programs for at least the middle schoolers. Best thing about the school though is the uniforms. I never had to worry about seeing children dressed in inappropriate clothes at dances. They are all so well behaved it is incredible. But alas, my daughter is off to Hylton this year and if it is half the school that Pennington is, I'll be thrilled. Hats off to Mrs Stockton and the rest of the staff!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Pennington for 5 years now and I have nothing but praise for both the teachers and administration. It feels as if my daughter is in private school there. All her teachers have always given very personal attention to her, known her strenghts and weaknesses and worked closely with the other grade level teachers in a team. I feel the kids get so much personal attention from everyone because it is such a small school. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of Pennington.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! I have lived in PWC county for more than 20 years and I have a 4, 8 and 12 year olds we have had children in four different schools and have had some great teachers and some poor teachers in all four schools. What separates Pennington is the committment of the parents. It is a big committment for the parents, but the the result is a system of excellence that encourages the average teachers to be excellent and the excellent teachers to be great! The parent commitment builds a strong interactive community where excellence is the standard. Pennington is the best 1-8 in PWC.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Pennington student, and my child recently attended for her 7th and 8th grade years. I have to say that I wish there were more schools like Pennington because then I woud have sent my own children to such a school when we were previouslly living out of state. What I love about the school is the old fashioned standards of behaviour which are held up for each student. It is true that some parents actually are a bit more lax with their children's behaviour, and so they might call normal something which is lacking in manners or self control. Next, I know that Pennington recently enjoyed a very low turn over rate, which is evidence of the hard work directed twards teacher retention. I am happy that the administration, staff, and parents know how to identify and solve a provlem. Great school all around!
—Submitted by a parent

My son will enter 3rd grade this year, and he has been at Pennington since 1st grade. He has had a wonderful experience, and I could not be more pleased with this school. In first grade, he was identified as being slightly below grade level for reading. His teacher assured me that all measures would be taken to ensure that my son's reading would improve. He was placed in the reading lab, given the support that he needed, and by the end of 1st grade he was reading above grade level. In 2nd grade, he was accepted in the the gifted and talented program based on his reading ability. I do not think that we would have had such a success story at another school. Once identified, my son was immediately given what he needed, and he excelled. The teachers and principal are outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent