Kings Crossing

My first experience with EFES was attending an orientation with the then “new” principal and assistant principal. We shared enthusiasm and energy to a new relationship. The Pitchkettle community is packed caring people but I do not see that carrying through to the school. I met only two parents in my child’s class so far. I see the classroom environment vicariously through the eyes of the teacher, my child and the other students. According to your website EFES rates among the bottom 3 schools in this city. This rating is based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity. Question: Are the GreatSchools ratings official? Why is the gap so huge? What can the community do to close the gap?My evaluation below is based on their potential

My daughter was bullied by her classmates. We reported it multiple times, as did the parents of the other student in the class who was also a target for their insults and isolation. Some attempts were made by the staff to stop the bullying but the group - especially the girls - took advantage of the limited supervision. It continued and built to the point where both girls are in counseling. My daughter frequebrly broke down in the car when i picked her up and she sobbed all the way home. After 2 episodes where i drove her straight to the ER we decided to withdraw. Then came the $3k withdrawal fee we had to pay because SCA wouldn't expel the perpetrators. Im still struggling with why they would charge us to escape the constant anxiety that attending this CHRISTIAN school caused. Nor why the bullies had no code of ethics to adhere to and weren't held responsible for their behaviors. I cant help but think that even some staff members were targeting her. She had her hair dyed a beautiful shade of reddish brown and despite being told twice that her hair was fine, they made her dye it basic brown after attending the first week of class. They have a dress code ans she followed it while the bullies didnt. Children of staff seem to get a pass as there is now a girl from her class that has purple hair. I dont have room to write about the inconsistencies in the dress code as applied. One teacher, knowing her love for horses; shared his experience eating hiorsemeat steaks while on a trip abroad. My daughter's friend is in Counseling and trying desperately complete the school year... that $3k withdrawal fee is stiff when tuition is only $8500. We canceled a planned Chriatmas vacation and used the money to keep our daughter safe. I find it interesting that a girl who never had more than 10 kids in her whole grade has left that school and is now thriving at public school with 450 in her class. Shes loving it. Her smile is back. And she has learned so much more at her new school. So. If youre pretty mainstream stylish, like to sneak around while at school, and want to pick on people whose personal style is different than yours then its quite possibly the place for you. If not then I recommend you consider carefully before getting caught in a one sided contract where there are apparently no exceptions from that $3k fee even if the environment leaves you with mental and emotional anguish. Find a good youth program at a local church. Its been the best for my kids.

Our family has been part of NSA since 2022, when our daughter started PreK3, and choosing this school has been one of the best decisions we've made for our children.What stood out immediately was the sense of belonging. During our first tour, our daughter walked right into the classroom and joined the other children in their activities. At other schools we visited, she stayed close to us and seemed uncomfortable, which was very unlike her outgoing personality. The warm and welcoming teachers created an environment where she immediately felt safe, happy, and included.The community at NSA is truly special. Every staff member knows our children by name, not just their classroom teachers. From special subject teachers to administrators, everyone takes the time to know the students personally. They notice when a child is having a wonderful day and when they may need a little extra support.NSA has provided both a nurturing environment and a strong academic foundation. Our daughter is reading chapter books confidently, developing strong math skills, and growing into a curious, capable learner while still maintaining the joy and excitement that every parent hopes to see in their child. She is now reading books like Magic Tree House independently, beginning multiplication concepts, and comes home excited to tell us about science experiments, planets, and the many things she is learning in class.The early childhood program does an excellent job balancing play-based learning with strong educational foundations. Our younger child comes home proudly singing the alphabet, showing us early math skills, and sharing colorful art projects. It is clear that learning is both meaningful and fun.Communication between teachers and families is excellent. Teachers regularly share successes, concerns, and updates through notes, emails, and phone calls. We always feel informed and supported as parents.Beyond academics, NSA feels like a family. School events throughout the year bring parents, students, faculty, and staff together, creating meaningful connections and lasting friendships. Our children genuinely love going to school each day, and hearing their stories about what they've learned and experienced continues to reassure us that we made the right choice.From the moment we walked through the doors for our first tour, it felt less like visiting a school and more like finding a second home for our children.