Winterville Charter Academy

I disagree with the bad reviews of this school, most of which were written 3+ years ago. Contrary to what you read or hear, the teachers, admin and staff DO care about your child. They take situations seriously case by case. Please realize that the word "bully" is usually used incorrectly and in some situations, the child who claims they are being picked on are not 100% innocent either. Bullying is described as an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behavior that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. Most likely it's parents who are using the word "bully". Parents aren't holding their child accountable and want to blame someone else-the teacher, school, "the system". My child's grades and social emotional health have improved since enrolling in this school. Everyone's child is different and every experience is different. One person's opinion should not stray you from making your own decision about this school. I challenge parents to give to this school a chance to impress you. Make your choice based on your own opinion and experience, NOT someone else's. This school ranks higher than many Pitt County Schools. You can even schedule a tour in the school's website to see it for yourself.

I was excited about this school, I wanted my child to go the distance, K-8 but when the administration AND national heritage academies completely ignore bullying, protect the staff while punishing the children for speaking up and disregard the concerns of the parent. It's time to go. My child's physical, emotional and mental well being is more important than a test score, tutoring can fix a grade but emotional scars take years to heal. Racial bias is blatant (see 2021 headline about racist teacher) and leaders are very disrespectful to the parents they want to "partner" with. Narcissistic, environment with many of the leadership being the bullies of students and parents.. proceed with caution and communicate daily with your child to know what's happening in school because often if they (or you) go to leadership with an issue it will be ignored

I wish there was an option to not provide any stars at all. My child started here in kindergarten & had to deal with the pandemic. Due to that gap in schooling, there was a lot to catch up on once returning to school full time the following year. My child & I have had the same experiences each year between the lack luster teachers, dean, & principal. Not being from here, I had no idea what to expect, but was hoping for much more. They sell you on a dream & once you cash it in, it’s like a big scam. Learning: There’s so much thrown at the students at once, there’s no time given to actually digest what was taught. The homework never matches what was taught in class. Their grading scale makes NO sense whatsoever. At times, they don’t even send home graded work to even give parents an idea of what’s going on. Theyre supposed to be “above” grade level compared to public schools & they really can’t afford to do that. Teaching: Most of the teachers aren’t even certified. More less do they have qualifications or the know how to deal with the kids properly. That goes for the administration as well. They’re the leaders & they set a TERRIBLE example. Every last one of them. They lie, yell at the kids, take things from them, & at times grab/yank them. Social Emotional Support: What a joke. Theres 1 male teacher & a new secretary who you can tell have a heart w/in their chest cavity. For the rest of the staff that I’ve come in contact w/, I’d love to know where they were found because they’re horrendous. My main issue is w/ the principal. If you try to address something, she’ll pass you to the dean (who does nothing by the way) or gives endless excuses for whomever is in question. There’s NO accountability, it’s only expected from the CHILDREN. Family engagement: They love to say how they require parental partnership but with the same breath disrespect the parents. I had the principal ask another employee “what is this? Who are you talking to? A student?” I was standing right there with my child (she pointed at me)i was not in anything remotely close to the school uniform. This year, in colorful words she tried to insinuate that Im a bad parent &how she deals with different parental dynamics & deals w/ them all in a productive manner. That statement stemmed from me bringing to her attention how another teacher was treating my child. She is literally a sheep in wolves clothing & needs to be replaced. She’s supposed to set the example,& she sets a bad one.

I send both my children to this school. We decided on Winterville Charter mostly because academics are very important to us. We cannot say enough great things about the past two years. Our children are doing better than we expected. The teachers in K-2 have been amazing. They do get weekly homework packets that we work on nightly, I believe this is great in helping not only the children learn but for us as parents to review with them the work they are doing in class. The teachers K-2, along with the Dean have been available when needed. Our children also say they enjoy going to school and have enjoyed their teachers as well.

This school is absolutely awful. The teachers and deans laugh at concerns and I've even heard a teacher use a slur. In the past, I've gone to multiple teachers about bullying and they do not take it seriously or believe you. They sum up everything to "drama." I've also gone to them because I suspected one of my friends was being hurt at home. The deans just laughed at me and didn't take anything seriously. I've been sexually harrassed multiple times by other students, and nobody seems to care. The only good thing about this school is SOME of the teachers. Other teachers called out my twin sister in front of the whole class for showing signs of ADD. I've also had breakdowns in class due to anxiety, and some of the teachers don't care. I've had a breakdown in the middle of class multiple times due to one teacher, and she still hasn't been fired. This same teacher also criticized me for not turning homework, even after I informed her I was at a funeral. She didn't care I was grieving and gave me a 0 for not turning it in on time. My guardian emailed her about this incident, and she never acknowledged it. Overall, this school is awful. Only send your kids if you want them to have the worst school experience.