Andersonville

Both our children attend Peirce and we've had a positive experience here so far over the years. The IB curriculum and school community as a whole is organized and intentional. I feel that my students are receiving a good education from knowledgeable and thoughtful educators. Peirce offers resources and opportunities for students to be creative and grow as individuals as well. My hope is that my students continue to feel included and valued here, and that communication in the school community continues. They have just hired a new Principal, after the previous one retired, and I have found the administration and faculty to be professional and supportive. The parent community is also incredibly active, and that makes being a part of Peirce fun for all.

I want to share my family's experience with NCA during the 2024-2026 school years. When the school year began, our daughter, then three, became anxious about attending school and frequently expressed fear about her classroom environment. One notable incident occurred during a field trip. When my daughter felt uncomfortable and stepped out of a group photo another parent wanted to take, the lead teacher reacted harshly, getting to her level and warning her that if she couldn’t follow the rules, I wouldn’t be allowed on future trips. This upset my daughter and intensified her fears. Another troubling incident involved a bathroom accident. My daughter asked to use the restroom but was told to wait until the class finished eating, leading to an embarrassing situation at the start of lunch. Then calling me at work to pick her up or clean her due to her negligence. The classroom environment was overly rigid with a militant approach. While structure is important, play and social interaction are crucial too. Children were restricted to one center for 45 minutes, and lunch had to be silent. As a room parent, I saw how much the assistant teacher was admired by the kids for her warmth, which encouraged our daughter to attend school. On a positive note, my daughter’s PreK 4 teachers during the 2025–2026 year were exceptional. Their kindness transformed our daughter’s experience and made her feel valued. However, the previous year’s lead teacher, along with the principal, continued to create an unwelcoming atmosphere for both my daughter and me. During my short time at NCA, I was saddened by the departure of many dedicated teachers, raising concerns about the school climate. I witnessed unresolved student conflicts and parent concerns, with bullying not consistently managed. I often was disrespected by the principal, especially when I began advocating for my child, which led to being labeled as a problem rather than a partner in her education despite volunteering over 550 hours. I perceived favoritism within the community and teachers. Overall, my experience raised serious issues about leadership, communication, and school culture. The school felt cliquish, which contrasted sharply with the sense of community described in other reviews. My hope is for meaningful changes to ensure all students and families receive the supportive experience they deserve, starting with improvements in leadership.