Elizabeth Trad/Classical

1601 Park Drive

School District

Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
Type

public

School Map for Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 02, 2023

My daughter has been at Elizabeth since Kindergarten. Not considering the COVID period, all of her teachers have been great and seem to care about their student's progression and learning. Most of her teachers have taught at this school for many years and I love the dedication. The teachers communicate with the parents well regarding upcoming assignments, grades and any issues and concerns. This school has a small feel, and the PTA really keeps the families involved in what's going on at the school and put together great activities. I also appreciate how the PTA supports the teachers and create ways for parents to show their appreciation as well. I love the “Leader in Me” theme of the school and how they incorporate the 7 habits into everything they do, it teaches them to not only be accountable for their actions but also how to prioritize what's important and make good decisions. The front office staff is very friendly and always nice, Ms. Combs always makes sure to greet you with a smile and help with whatever it is you need. She seems to really enjoy what she does and it's nice to have a pleasant person in the front office representing the school. The counselors are also awesome, they are able to communicate with the children effectively in ways to which the children can understand and feel a connection. I love how the counselors are hands on and they are extremely supportive. This school also had the same principle for I believe 20+ years who recently retired but the new Principal, Mr. Brann has stepped right in and is doing well. I am glad to see that he was afforded this opportunity to move forward given that he was the Assistant Principal for many years. The only complaint my daughter has is that the cafeteria staff isn't too friendly.Overall, ETES is a great school, although it is not as diverse as it was when my daughter started, she is still thriving and doing well. She will be moving on to 6th grade next year, but we have enjoyed our time here.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2017

The teachers are not invested in the children. When you as a parent are trying to be proactive and you see that your child needs additional attention they act as if nothing is wrong. They stay out of work alot too. The students are mostly minorities yet there are hardly any minority teachers. It is not diverse. The only time the staff is excited is when they are trying to raise money. They send all types of communication home about that. Trying to get information about academics is like pulling teeth.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2017

I have to disagree with the above comments. I was very excited to get my child in to Elizabeth Traditional because of all of the awesome things I had heard about it from past students and parents. One of the first things I realized is that some of the teachers are capable of handling conflict with students, such as bullying (which occurs with children) most are not. Their overall approach is to ignore the situation with the hopes that it will go away. If a parent is too proactive or assertive for your child, they will begin to blackball you to the staff and pass every issue (small or large) your child has off to you. Every issue, even ones par for the course in childhood is made to be a major issue until you either take your child from the school or your child begins to suffer. Parents who do not participate at all (which are numerous) seem to be valued more and worked with on more consistent basis. Issues that may have a racist undertone are NOT even discussed and are blatant. The curriculum is good and for the most parts you have "some" great educators who care for the students but there is no diversity in the teaching staff. Mainly all of the teachers are Caucasian and service staff are African American which I feel gives a large demographic of the children a subliminal message of inferiority and if your child is a minority student none of these staff members can relate to their issues or even knows how to deal with them. Their needs to be some sort of cultural awareness classes given to the staff so that they could at least develop a "respect" for their students various cultures, after all, they are children and had no choice in the skin they were born in. ETES prides itself on being diverse but is becoming more "urban" with the same issues as most CMS schools, even though it is a magnet school. Lastly, the educators have no proper dress code and are usually dressed unprofessionally, with short dresses on women and slovenly men which does not give our students, which already have no role models proper examples of leadership. The leadership tours are "mock ups" of a dream that once was Elizabeth Traditional. Be very careful about enrolling your child, you will thank me later.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2016

Amazing staff and teachers. My child has excelled beyond my expectations. She is currently in 1st grade. I'm so excited to have her little brother joining her next year!
Submitted by student on January 04, 2016

I absolutely LOVE ETES! I feel like my child is getting a private school education here. The administration is very strong, and both Ms. Spencer-Smith and Mr. Brann show very great leadership skills. I feel very fortunate for my daughter to attend here. This is our 3rd year with ETES, and my youngest child begins next Fall!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2015

This is our 2nd year at ETES. We could not be happier with the curriculum and staff. We are excited about the new year and everything 1st grade has to offer!
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2014

This is a great school. Principle, teachers and staff have been friendly since day one. My daughter is currently in the fourth grade and a high achiever. She loves the school, and I believe you and your child will love it as well!
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2013

ETES is an amazing school with a wonderful staff that encourages parental involvement. I am so glad all 3 of my boys will get to experience the atmosphere that ETES offers.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2011

This is an amazing school that offers a quality education to the children and a staff that embodies the ethics needed to produce higher learning. The school offers a diverse ethnic environment, which encompasses the 'real world' to prepare students for higher learning, becoming an ambassador for their communities and personal achievements. Certainly, one of the best learning institutions offered in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County schools.