Pleasant Union Elementary

1900 Pleasant Union Church Road

School District

Wake County
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:11
Type

public

School Map for Wake County 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 April 07, 2024

I’ve had kids at PUE from 2018 to the present, and wholeheartedly recommend it. The teachers really care about the students, and the students feel it – it’s not uncommon to see kids hugging teachers from prior years in the hallways. The teachers tend to stay for many, many years, which sends a message about this being a happy, supportive place to come to work. The principal (Mr. Tunstall) is a visionary and strong leader – since he arrived two years ago, I have seen changes in academics (more differentiated instruction in core subjects), facilities (updates and improvements), and an investment in staff professional development and morale (via conference attendance, teacher of the year recognition, and wellness & appreciation programs). He encourages his staff to participate in community building events like Spirit Nights and other PTA fundraisers, and he collaborates effectively with the PTA to ensure resources are wisely spent to maximize benefit at the school. And Mr. T even allowed himself to be dunked in green slime for the students’ enjoyment to close out the annual Fun Run!The parents are very supportive of the PTA, which is highly organized and draws on leaders’ specific expertise to make sure all students have a well-rounded experience and staff members feel appreciated. The PTA funds things for students like cultural arts programming, social-emotional resources and online subscriptions, field trip scholarships, and enrichment programs like Odyssey of the Mind, Scripps National Spelling Bee, Science Fair, First in Fitness, chorus, and safety patrol. In the past two years, the PTA has allocated $10,000 to revamp the library’s book collection, and bought water bottle refilling stations, and basketball hoops for the gym. The PTA supports teachers with annual classroom supply stipends, funds for professional development, and frequent appreciation events. The PTA also organizes annual programs like the Boosterthon Fun Run and the Scholastic Book Fair, and monthly spirit events. All around, this is a great community to be part of!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2024

My daughter attended her first year of Pre-K at Richland Creek Elementary, but the 2nd year at Pleasant Union Elementary. There’s been a significant difference in her progress since she’s been at Pleasant Union. The Pre-K teacher is a lot more organized and structured and her assistant is more engaged with students. My daughter loves going. One note, the current Pre-K teacher will be retiring in the next couple years. So this could change the quality of education. Another note, the special education Kindergarten class is not one that I would put my kid in.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2023

PUE is a really good school. It's located in a very wealthy area of Raleigh. Many of the families are transplants from other parts of the country. Parents have described this a small "private school" within a public school. The school struggles on equity, in part, due to a high number of wealthy families. This also impacts the test scores. Most students test well above the state average; however, the ones who test below seem slow at improving. The principal is fairly new to school but is an effective leader at getting things done at the school. There are a lot of school and fundraising events. The parents do volunteer a lot but many parents just like to donate their money, which is great too. The school is located in really nice area, away from any crazy traffic. Probably the worst thing about the school is the terrible carpool lines.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2022

The special education program is not a safe environment. My 3 year old son was attending the afternoon class for only 2 weeks. In the beginning we were told that there are transportation services but then the special education teacher said please, please and please don't use it because they are extremely late. So we had to make arrangements in both our work schedules to take our son to and from school. Basically we drove him there at 12:45 and then picked him up at 3:15. The teacher said could we put the diapers on with the straps so it can be easier for her to change my son diapers. Dad explained to her that they were too small because our son is larger than a size 7 diapers. However, we did it because we noticed his diaper was not changed one day. Then randomly dad decided to go up to the school 10 min. early to see our son and he was being pounded on by an older child at the playground. Meanwhile both teachers siting there and watching with no attempts to stop the interaction (Class size of 5 students and 2 teacher).
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2021

Both of my children attended PUE. We had an excellent experience all around. GREAT teachers & staff. Very supportive and caring environment. Highly recommended!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2020

My son wishes there were 1000000000000 stars to give. We've had a great experience with PUE.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2019

Absolutely amazing school! All the teachers so far love their jobs and it shows with no turnover in teachers or faculty!! Hidden Gem
Submitted by parent on December 26, 2018

This is a great school! I'm amazed at how quickly my child has learned to read and add in just 5 month's time. Teachers are great here.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2018

We have two children at PUE and will soon add our third. We have had an amazing experience so far! Mr. Biles is involved in the school community. He is present in the classrooms and in school activities. He leads by example. The front of house staff, Ms. Baginski and Ms. Britt are some of the kindest, most courteous and nurturing staff. Our children LOVE their specials teachers dearly. They rave about Ms. Hopper and Ms. Freer and also love attending PE, media and technology. The teachers are wonderful communicators and the community of moms, dads, students, PTA, faculty and staff is extraordinary. Top notch public school!
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2017

I have one child in third grade, another in Kindergarten. The teachers are wonderful and inspire my kids to do their best. Great parent communication and the principal is very hands on and involved. Nothing but great things to share.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2016

Having had three children attend Pleasant Union, I have experienced the full range from exceptional teachers to completely mediocre ones. As a result, I rate Pleasant Union as Average because unfortunately, the excellent teachers are offset by the unmotivated, minimally invested teachers. (Truly, coming from another school system, some of the teacher and support staff at PUE are the most dedicated, passionate, creative and hard-working I've ever had the privilege to teach my children.)This Average rating applies to the administration, too. You have efficient, kind and excellent support staff in the office, but the principal appears lackluster, self-interested, and concerned more with protecting the status quo than taking decisive, assertive action in the best interest of the students and their families. We chose public school for the diversity and the fact that there are excellent teachers. We accept that, unfortunately, not all teachers / administrators strive to be the best and that some are free-riders.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2015

I cannot say enough great things about this school. I have twins in kindergarten and it has been a wonderful experience. Everyone in the school really cares about the students and their success. It feels like a community with a lot of parent involvement. My children would rather go to school than track-out camp.
Submitted by other on July 08, 2015

The 5th grade team is fabulous. The teachers are dynamic and creative which included a lot of great projects (track 4) -Heritage Day, Science Fair, Wax Museum, and more. All of the staff is warm and friendly. The administrators have a clear vision for the school and are personable on every level. This school is a gem, its a public school with the feel of a private school.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2015

I love this school. We transferred to this school when my son was in the 3rd grade. Unlike our last school, we feel very supported by the administration and teachers. When my children needed extra help, everyone rallied to provide what was needed. Now my son is about to finish elementary and I'm so sad to leave. My daughter still has a couple of years. Yay. Like all schools there are good teachers and less-good teachers. By and large we've had mostly good teachers and we've been lucky enough to have 3 GREAT teachers. My only complaint is the lack of diversity among the student body and faculty. The assistant principal is a woman of color so that's a start.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2014

The principal is arrogant...the K-3 teachers are pretty good, but the 4th grade teachers are awful!!! As a parent volunteer, I am appalled at the way a few if the 4th grade teachers talk to the children. Plus, the classes get exponentially bigger in 4-5th grade because they drop a track. Like the school, staff and most teachers: but we are moving our kids out of PUE at the end of 3rd grade
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2013

We have had three children go through Pleasant Union; our youngest is attending now. The adminitration is SUPER! The teachers really care about the children they teach, and our children have ALL loved the school! This is truly a school with exceptional parent involvement! Pleasant Union is a FANTASTIC school!
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2013

Welcoming school with exceptional leadership. Everyone, from the cafeteria workers to the principal, embraces the values of education. The amazing teachers work with your child's strength to help them learn and excel. This is a North Raleigh treasure.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2013

My daughter is a kindergartner at Pleasant Union. I absolutely love this school. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Her teachers Ms. Bandi and Mrs. Gobel are fabulous. They both really care about their students and vicce versa. My daughter comes home every day talking about her great day school and all the cool things she's learn. Thanks Pleasant Union for proving there are still great public schools around.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2012

We love Pleasant Union! We had two children attend Pleasant Union years ago, and now we are starting out again with another child in Pleasant Union. When we went to register our child, we found that a lot of the staff is still the same. The teachers truly care about the education of the children! My child's kindergarten teacher, Ms. Bandi, is an exemplary teacher. It is obvious she loves what she does and she is loved by ALL her students (and the parents)!! Parent involvement is great; we built relationships with alomost every parent in our child's class. We couldn't be more pleased with any other school!!