654 Castine Way
Wilmington, NC 28412

As a teacher of 20 years I can only say that I’ve never in my life seen a school run so poorly after Mr. Sutton left. Fights, non certified “educators”, drugs, sexual promiscuity, and no accountability.

Terrible safety, constant bomb/shooting threats. Fights all the time and even a student designated "fight week".

Our experience at Anderson Elementary has been consistently disappointing. While the school advertises structure and inclusion, the actual culture is dismissive, inconsistent, and at times manipulative. If your child is neurodivergent or has a 504 Plan—especially one without outward or visible challenges—expect them to become the default scapegoat in behavioral situations.Context is rarely considered. A child can be shoved and, if they push back, they’re the one written up. The school claims to “treat all issues equally,” but the reality is surface-level discipline that ignores nuance and discourages parent involvement. Substitutes have even referenced prior infractions in front of peers, making comments like, “Are you going to behave today?” or “You were difficult last time.” When I raised this to the vice principal, the response was a rushed nod and “okay,” with no sign that it was taken seriously.One substitute later claimed my son was “disrespectful.” When I asked the teacher for clarity upon her return, she replied, “I’m sorry, I can’t. It just said he was disrespectful.” No detail. No context. No explanation. This level of vagueness in disciplinary reporting—especially when it affects how a child is perceived long-term—is absolutely unacceptable.When I questioned the vice principal directly about these patterns, I was told, “Maybe the teacher was just looking out for him,” and then, “Maybe you just need to talk to her directly,” rather than offering to mediate or follow up—despite my original concerns dating back to February still being unaddressed. When I brought this up, I received a flat, “Well… do you want to set up a meeting, I guess?” The lack of concern and chronic deflection speaks volumes.When questions can't be answered, the school hides behind “policy.” If you have concerns or needs, expect to be responded to with an automated email, and when policy doesn’t hold up, silence follows—leaving parents feeling erased, exhausted, and dismissed.Add to that a blatant culture of favoritism: my son was marked tardy walking in as the bell rang, yet I watched children of staff slink in minutes later through a side door without consequence. When I asked why, I was told, “Well, they’re supposed to be tardy.” That response said everything.This isn’t a supportive school. It’s an insulated institution that protects its own, not your child. If you expect communication, accountability, or ethical conduct—look elsewhere.