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Intimate class sizes and low student-teacher ratios are at the heart of joyful learning here at Palisades Episcopal School. Ours is a unique learning environment that fosters curiosity and creativity in your child. At PES, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We celebrate individual strengths and talents to help students find a lifelong love of learning and a path that amplifies their unique gifts.
PES is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). In addition, PES is a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES).
Honoring our Artists of the Month is such a joy. In Lower School, this month’s featured artist painted a watercolor still life of North Carolina fruits and vegetables, with apples so carefully painted that they feel almost real on the page.
In fifth grade, our artist created a standout Smokey the Bear poster, using depth, shading, and contrast to make both the message and the artwork truly stand out. The mix of materials and thoughtful details shows a level of focus and skill well beyond the typical classroom project.
Our eighth grade artist was celebrated for a powerful Day of the Dead portrait completed during the Latin Art unit. Bold color choices and purposeful patterns honor the style of the original artist while revealing a strong, emerging voice of his own.
Across every grade, these pieces reflect what happens when students are given space to grow, take risks, and see themselves as artists. Congratulations to our December Artists of the Month!
Third grade marked the 67th day of school with a brand-new 6–7 celebration, and it quickly became a fan-favorite. Students wrote and delivered six or seven compliment cards, added to their growing total of 67 acts of kindness, and settled in for sixty-seven uninterrupted minutes with "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane."
They kept the theme going with a math Gimkit where every correct answer was a 6, 7, or 67, sketched “67 digits in disguise,” and moved through a morning mingle designed to help them “find someone who…” in the spirit of 6–7 connection.
To wrap things up, they held a lighthearted “funeral for 67,” complete with student-written eulogies that had everyone laughing. It was the kind of joyful learning day that we hope our students will always remember!
Meet Mrs. Angela Burns!
Now in her third year teaching Kindergarten at PES and her 18th year in education overall, Mrs. Burns brings joy, energy, and a rich family legacy of educators to our school community. She holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from PennWest California University, and her passion for learning shines through in everything she does.
This year, Mrs. Burns is especially excited for one of Kindergarten’s most beloved traditions: Holiday Tradition Projects! Each year, families are welcomed into the classroom to share their unique cultural celebrations, creating meaningful connections and memories for our young learners.
She’s also thrilled to introduce a brand-new field trip and service initiative through the Innovation Barn. Kindergarteners will explore the recycling and upcycling process and participate in a hands-on service project: transforming old T-shirts into dog beds, toys, and leashes. It’s creativity, sustainability, and community service all in one!
Outside of school, Mrs. Burns loves spending time with her family, including her daughter Amelia (PES 2nd grader) and her son Julian, a soon-to-be PES student. Together, they enjoy fun family outings, making memories, and cheering each other on in all of life’s adventures.