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Joyful Journeys – October 2024
As parents, we’ve all been there—trying to create the perfect balance between giving our kids a well-rounded childhood while keeping ourselves (and them) from burning out. But maybe we’re chasing the wrong thing.
Joyful Journeys – September 2023
PES offers a Middle School Service Camp every summer to rising 5th-9th graders.
A healthy body leads to an active mind. That’s why Palisades Episcopal School students enjoy twice weekly physical education classes to pave the way for healthy living.
Games, outdoor play, gardening, tennis and golf are included to teach cooperation, skill development, sportsmanship and overall good health. PES caters to students’ individual interests and even offers afterschool clubs like Girls on the Run and CrossFit to enhance physical development.
All of our efforts combine to create a lifelong love of good health and true well-being.
PES coaches create championship teams that teach leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and the joy of working toward a shared goal. The PES Gryphons proudly compete in the Charlotte Gaston Athletic Association with conference titles in basketball, golf, volleyball, cross country and flag football.
- We offer tennis and golf classes at Palisades community amenities.
- Our PES Equestrian program is available for students in grades 3-8.
- 90% of our middle school students participate in school athletics.
- Our Gryphon Athletes have won 38 Regular Season Tournament Titles since the inception of our Athletic Program in 2011.
because you
keep me
healthy.
Energizing the Body
PES Equestrian, a USHJA recognized riding program, offers a unique opportunity for students in grades 3-8 to learn good horsemanship, sportsmanship and rider skills. Classes meet weekly at the Palisades Equestrian Center and focus on the English Hunter Jumper riding style. PES is a United States Pony Club Riding Center, so we follow their curriculum with classroom and hands-on units on grooming and safety, plus equine anatomy, first aid and health care.
Equestrian builds confidence, self-reliance and physical fitness — and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. For more information, email the Director of Equestrian with questions or schedule a visit to see our breathtaking facility.
Nurturing the Spirit
At PES, we help students find the joy that comes from finding a deeper purpose in life and making a positive difference in the world.
That’s why we pair the Episcopalian practices of prayer, faith study and chapel with service learning to help students figure out what they love and to have the courage to stand by their convictions. While we are a Christ-centered Episcopal School, we affirm and welcome the faith perspectives of all our students and families to create a comfortable atmosphere of belonging, kindness and grace.
PES helps students connect the head to the heart. When students blend what they learn with who they are and what they believe, something wonderful happens – they see the impact they have on others.
We gently guide our students to apply their individual passions to meaningful, relevant projects that make a real and positive difference in the world.
Our program helps students find the joy in citizenship and helps them create ongoing relationships in the local community. Service learning at PES fosters the civic values of integrity, courage, responsibility, compassion and hard work to build the strong foundation that bright futures rest upon.
PES views The Arts as a universal language that inspires acceptance, community and creativity. That’s why it is an essential part of our students’ weekly education experience. Years of research show that music and art instruction is closely linked to academic achievement, social and emotional development, civic engagement and equitable opportunity, and directly impacts motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork, thus inspiring students to embark on a lifelong journey of joyful learning.
- All PES students enjoy the unique opportunities to perform in a full-length musical, join the Gryphaliers chorus ensemble and participate in the Annual Eleanor Neal Talent Show.
- The PES music curriculum teaches basic musical concepts like beat, rhythm, pitch, scales and notation. Students are also taught the art of singing, receive instruction on different types of musical instruments and explore different music styles for weekly chapel songs and other performance events throughout the school year.
- 100% of students receive weekly music and art instruction as part of their core curriculum.
Palisades Episcopal School is devoted to preparing students for a rich, full and successful life after leaving our program. In fact, our former students are award-winners who go on to participate in clubs, the performing arts and sports on both the high school and collegiate levels. After college, PES graduates enjoy roles in leadership and service. To learn more about life after PES, see what PES grads are up to.
PES is proud of our students’ accomplishments. It is a great honor to share our list of high school and college acceptances.
The middle school teachers are wonderful at answering questions and helping students navigate their way. My child has developed independence and confidence in his ability to handle school with very little need for parental help. He is thriving academically and socially, and looks forward to going to school everyday!
PES middle school parent
I really appreciate how organized and connected the PES curriculum is across various grades and disciplines. I am blown away by how available the teachers make themselves for our students. Teachers do a great job getting the kids to socially interact while also spending one-on-one time with them for differentiated reading and writing time.
PES 4th grade parent
I am so appreciative of all the hard work and effort put forth by all at PES. Teachers go above and beyond to make this a magical time for students with engaging, hands-on lessons. My child is learning and enjoys school every day!
PES kindergarten parent
We are so thankful for PES and the work teachers are doing with our children! It has really been incredible to see first-hand how much they have learned in less than one year. PES is incredible and we would not want our children anywhere else.
PES kindergarten parent
PES equipped me with the skills necessary to think critically, develop my own thoughts and opinions, and stand firm in what I believe in. I can confidently say PES has set me up to be a well-rounded student – and person!
PES alumnus
PES does a great job encouraging students to get involved in activities outside of the classroom. I felt confident to do more in both high school and college because PES prepared me so well academically, socially and emotionally. PES’ learning environment was my baseline and greatly influenced my college and career decisions.
PES alumnus
Whether your student wants to join us full time or drop-in on occasion, PES’ Afterschool Program offers fun, flexible and convenient opportunities for enrichment. Our program features weekly themes with art, music, reading, drama and physical education activities designed to engage minds and ignite hearts. For more information or to register, please contact our Afterschool Director.
5 days: $345/month
4 days: $280/month
3 days: $220/month
2 days: $160/month
Drop-in: $30/day
In addition to our Afterschool Program, PES students are also able to enroll in a variety of exciting Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities offered by off-campus organizations. For the 2023-24 school year these offerings include:
- Chess Club
- Horseback Riding Lessons (in partnership with The Palisades Equestrian Center)
- Music Lessons (piano and guitar)
- Golf
- Basketball Training Clinics
