Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

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.