Joyful

Learning
PES, I love
you because
I belong here.
Kindergarten Student
About Us

Nestled on a nine-acre campus in the Palisades Community, PES offers North and South Carolina students a well-rounded education through joyful, hands-on academic and recreational pursuits. Schedule a visit to learn more about all we have to offer.

  • Average Student Teacher Ratio of 9:1
  • Optimal Class Size: 18 for JK & K, 20 for 1-8
  • 100% STEAM integration across all grades
  • 100% of students learn Spanish & 100% in grades 3-8 learn Latin
  • 100% of students participate in Service Learning
  • 100% of students participate in Visual & Performing Arts
  • 90% of students participate in Middle School Athletics
  • Average amount of teaching experience for our faculty/staff is 13 years
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
  • PES is a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES)
Experience the Wonder of PES

We are eager to share the joyful atmosphere of PES with you. Schedule a visit at a time that’s convenient for your schedule.

Program Overview

PES instills in students a joyful love of learning, social responsibility and strong moral character by focusing on the art of learning. Children learn more, grow confidently and feel better prepared when the atmosphere is one of joyful discovery. Our well-rounded students excel and are prepared to be lifelong learners and world changers. We accomplish this through:

  • Daily Devotions
  • Weekly Chapel Service
  • Integrated Service Learning
  • Off-Campus Learning Opportunities
  • Humanities and Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology
  • History and World Studies
  • Foreign Languages (Spanish and Latin)
  • Art and Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Education
  • Middle School Athletics
  • Girls on the Run
  • Equestrian
  • Afterschool Offerings

Joyful

Our Student Body

PES is proud to offer a diverse environment that helps students respect and appreciate varied backgrounds and views.

Ethnicity/Racial Identification (2023-2024 school year)

  • Caucasian 50%
  • African American/Black 36%
  • Multi-Ethnic 8%
  • Asian American 4%
  • Latino/Hispanic 2%

Religious Affiliations

  • PES is a school honoring Christ, inclusive of all faith perspectives. Our families’ varied religious affiliations are part of what make PES so richly unique and diverse.

Socio-Economic Diversity
  • A vibrant Indexed Tuition Program ensures socio-economic diversity at PES.
Leadership
Team Members

Kerin Hughes
Head of School

Sybil Cohn
Lower School Director

Emily Frye
Director of Equestrian

Monique Gilbert
Director of Advancement

Rusty Menchaca
Athletic Director

Shanna Morales
Business Manager

Melissa Puno
Middle School Director

PES, I love
you because
you inspire me.
Grade 3 Student
Our Mission

Palisades Episcopal School (PES) is a school honoring Christ and committed to providing a classical education challenging the mind, body and spirit.

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) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Board of Trustees

John D. Williams, Chairman
Paper Excellence Group / Non-Executive Chairman

Charles T. Davidson, Vice Chairman
Moorland Consulting Group / President

Jim Fussell, Treasurer
The Fussell Group / Founder

Dr. Stephanie Jackson, Secretary
Pleasant Mill Pediatric Dentistry / Partner

The Reverend Josh Bowron
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church / Reverend

Peter C. Browning
Peter Browning Partners, LLC / Founder

Dr. Steven Gilchrist
Novant Health / Family Medicine Specialist

Paige Goff
Domtar Paper / Vice President of Sustainability

Joe Semmelmann
Clark/Powell / Sr. Account Manager

Kerin S. Hughes, Ex Officio

Transportation

PES offers morning bus service to the areas surrounding our school. A minimum of six riders is required and we create routes based on the riders’ locations. Monthly fees apply.

Experience the Wonder of PES

We are eager to share the joyful atmosphere of PES with you. Schedule a visit at a time that’s convenient for your schedule.

Employment

Extraordinary people wanted.

We invite exceptional candidates who want to support our students’ joyful love of learning to submit their applications, resumes and portfolios for consideration. Download and complete the forms and return with the required supporting documents to: Palisades Episcopal School, ATTN: Head of School’s Office, 13120 Grand Palisades Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28278. Or complete your submission via email here.