Palisades Episcopal School

13120 Grand Palisades Parkway

Charlotte, NC 28278

38 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

School might be good for preschoolers. Hight turn over of teachers, the academy standards are very poor. There are not enough teachers, if you have any question or need assistance they rarely respond.I deeply regret the time and money spent on my child's education here.
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2024

We had a great experience at PES. My daughter graduated 8th grade after being at the school for 10 years from junior kindergarten.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2024

We have two in lower school and have had a great experience at PES. Every school has its flaws but we are and have been very pleased thus far.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2024

We have two children in lower school, and our experience has been nothing short of wonderful! The teachers and administration infuse the school with a remarkable sense of love, faith, and joy each day. Our entire family has cherished the opportunity to get more involved, and we truly feel fortunate to be part of such a special community.
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2023

My family and I can't say enough great things about this amazing school! The unhurried learning environment truly fosters an atmosphere of curiosity and engagement in the classroom like no other school I've seen. As a former educator, I love the school's differentiated approach to teaching children where they are while also instilling a joyful love of learning in all students. The curriculum connects topics across all disciplines of study which helps students develop a deep understanding of content without the basic repetition of facts. All grades (JK-8) enjoy numerous off-campus field trips throughout the year as well (I think last year the school had over 85 experiences planned!), which makes students love to come school. Highly recommend PES!
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2023

Our family has had a great experience at PES! We love the teachers and school!
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2023

We have been part of the Palisades Episcopal School community for 8 years and we absolutely love the school, faculty/staff, and community. PES is a wonderful school where each student is known and loved. Through hands-on learning and differentiation, my children develop a love for learning and are able to thrive.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2023

My child is receiving an excellent education at PES. The teachers and support staff have gone above and beyond in order to help her succeed and grow. The smaller classroom environment is an ideal setting for students to learn and grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally. There are many opportunities for field trips and service learning experiences. My daughter feels known and loved at this school. I couldn’t ask for more.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2023

We love this school and believe it is the best fit for our children! We have a child with a learning disability who is well supported both inside the classroom and outside the class with one-on-one tutoring services that are also provided at the school. Our oldest is in middle school and thrives in an environment that is academically enriching and hands-on, while also unhurried and supportive, with a curriculum that connects content across all disciplines. The school offers art, music, chorus, Spanish & Latin, PE, equestrian, plus all the other core content areas. Middle School also offers competitive athletic teams, including volleyball, basketball, golf, tennis, cross country, and flag football. There are many after school enrichment options as well for younger students, including golf, chess, piano and guitar. My favorite thing about this school is that it cultivates a true love of learning in students while giving them time to explore and discover their own passions. It also instills a sense of service and citizenship in students as every grade from JK - 8 participates in multiple community service projects throughout the year. Having taught in the public school system for many years, I much prefer this enlightened approach to education (verses an environment that centers on teaching to a test for most of the year with additional classroom management distractions happening due to many, many discipline problems).
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2023

This school is very small, so if you are looking for small size this is perfect. Academics are very behind compared to some public schools. Each teacher covers multiple subjects, and the school is very expensive for what they offer.Pros:Perfect for people who live in the Palisades neighborhoodSmall sizeGood for Christian familiesCons:It's not strong academicallyStaff turnoverNo electivesThere are no band classes or instrument training
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

My children attended this school, one for almost the entire elementary and middle school experience. I bought into their marketing for many years and believed my children were better off at a small, "sheltered" school. However, I highly regret this decision and recommend others think before putting their children here as well. According to PES, my children were high achieving. But when they were moved to the public system, they were behind (especially in math). They didn't have the academic strengths PES claimed they had. The switch to high school didn't allow for entry into Honors classes because the public school system does not accept the PES coursework as gifted/talented. In addition, they do not recognize the testing PES does (the ITBS) for entrance into GT for ELA. After we left PES, it was uncovered in the public school system that one of my children had a learning disability that was essentially ignored while attending school there (most likely so they could keep getting our tuition checks). My child went for years without help (despite getting all A's at PES with glowing reports from teachers). I believe the teachers are good, but were pressured by the admissions and administrative team to make these types of reports. They have to put on a front that all students are "joyful"! Teachers who have left shared with me the bullying tactics that go on from the Head of the School. Teachers all end up leaving because they can't afford to work there due to such low pay and toxic administration. Students are a revolving door as well and retention is an issue. With the high quality public systems in the area (as well as abundant amount of private school choices), don't waste your money here. They "talk the talk" with their marketing (which BTW they will continually ask you to donate even MORE money than you are already paying in tuition), but at the end of the day, they don't live up to being a strong academic institution. If you ever decide to leave (regardless of your reason which may be very valid), be prepared to be blackballed by all who are associated with PES (which is super Christian of them). I'll occasionally see someone who is on the admin team (which ironically seem to be the only ones who stay when board members should be getting rid of them) out and about in town, and they completely ignore me despite many years of supporting the school. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY like we did.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2022

I am a Palisades lifer and graduate. Every day I am grateful for the foundational education that Palisades provided for me. Not only do I feel academically prepared in college and beyond, I feel that Palisades contributed to my character. The academic experiences — as well as recreational — were unbelievably transformative. Community service projects here are fantastic and truly memorable. I continue to participate in community service even after graduating. The PES has made me a forever compassionate contributor to my community. At PES, the faculty is truly passionate about shaping their student's minds to be kind, joyful, and brave. I always felt supported and motivated by my teachers as a student who struggled with mathematics and a learning disability. Instead of ignoring my struggles, my teachers patiently assisted me after classes because they TRULY wanted to see me succeed. Thank you, PES!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2021

We love this school and have been there for over five years so far! Both my children have a love of learning and an inspired curiosity that has been instilled in them because of this school's mission and amazing teachers. They feel safe, cared for, nurtured and challenged in ways many other schools fall short. They are treated as individuals and met academically where they are DAILY. As a teacher for many years, including teaching in the public school system, I can't say enough PES' challenging, diverse and differentiated curriculum, focus on hands-on learning experiences, moral and character development, and even the opportunity to be engaged in middle school athletics. WE WILL BE PES LIFERS because we know and trust this school is BEST preparing our children for high school, college, and beyond!
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2020

We could not be more pleased with our decision to send our children to PES. Our children are just beginning on their educational journey but we look forward to the opportunities they will have as a part of the PES community. We feel strongly that PES is "education the way it used to be" in a positive sense, we feel the small community at PES supports our children and gives teachers flexibility to be creative and meet students where they are academically, while also offering incredible opportunities for enrichment.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2020

Appalled that they are considered a “Christ-centered” school yet tolerate obscene behavior in order to keep students from leaving. So much bullying going on here yet everyone is turning a blind eye
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2016

I agree with another reviewer that the school does not live up to its ideals. Classes were disruptive, and teachers were not in control or even observant of problems between students. Many teachers are inexperienced. Many families have left, so ask about family retention statistics. For those who leave, the door is slammed shut--no one calls to say goodbye or thanks. At the new school, we found that our kids were behind academically and had to struggle to catch up, which was a shock because we were always told how smart our kids were. We are glad we noticed problems early on and moved. There are lots of bells and whistles at PES that will impress the parents, but basic education is being missed.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2016

We are in our third year at the school. Everything we have experienced has been fantastic. The curriculum, individualized attention and meeting the kids at their own achievement level is something you just don't find in the public schools. The love and spirit of this school is palpable and worth every sacrifice to send our kids here!
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2015

I would like to start off by saying I don't normally rate anything on line and or even bother with reviews because they can be misinterpreted. However I would like to take a moment to say that i absolutely LOVE - PES.... This school is like an extension of our home and values as well as learning. The teachers are FABULOUS - EVERYONE of them I am so happy that my son has found a school that allows him to be himself and grow to the heights that are limitless. Thank you PES for doing what you do and NO words can describe how grateful we are to you for being here for our children. It is a true testament that with GOD all things are possible. Sometimes I dont have money for alot of things but I look at my son and how HAPPY he is at school and it makes EVERY sacrifice we have worth it. We the BLADES love you and please keep up the GREAT work you are doing Malinda
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2015

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 parent on August 03, 2014

Our children attended Gaston Day before moving to PES. We have liked PES better - smaller class sizes and poorer performing teachers are mostly gone (although be prepared to supplement where needed). It is amazing the children feel like they are part of a community and support each other across the grade levels (plus k-8 only is so much better), so the learning atmosphere is just right. Sports opportunities are better for PES students (ie PES students play whereas other schools kids ride the bench). What PES could improve on is its sophistication with addressing low performing aspects of curriculum and/or teachers, and have a far better growth plan. We will keep our children at PES because we know PES challenges are manageable compared to other schools (where many of these same challenges exist, but the student community and learning environment is not at the level PES experiences year over year), the classes will remain very small and tailored to learning, and the better teachers PES is attracting and retaining will, over the long term, provide its students with an optimal environment that most other schools in the area have been unable to foster as a school culture.