Academics
At Palisades Episcopal School rigor is not defined by hours of homework or endless busywork, but rather by a depth of study and the challenges generated by intellectual inquiry. Our academic program immerses students in coursework that inspires them to think critically, problem solve and collaborate as global citizens. In the primary years, our classical study grounds students in the critical skills necessary to be successful learners. Students then utilize their knowledge and skills in the intermediate and middle grades as they investigate historical controversy, Socratically debate literary themes and dissect algebraic equations.
As a liberal arts, neo-classical institution, Palisades Episcopal School offers students opportunities for ongoing STEAM integration by seamlessly weaving together scientific, cultural, technological, mathematical, historical and literary investigations into daily lessons. Learning is multi-dimensional and dynamic and prepares our students for high school and beyond.
- 100% of PES graduates are accepted into their best-fit high schools
- PES ranks in the 95th percentile nationally based on students’ scores on the ERB Test (Educational Records Bureau)
- Over 70% of middle school scholars receive the President’s Award for Outstanding Excellence
because you
challenge me
every day.
Essential to a PES education is the regular opportunity to experience learning. Pop into our classrooms to find sixth graders using physics to test their hand-made marshmallow rockets, fourth graders building a sugar cube Great Wall of China or kindergarteners performing as Presidents in their simulated wax museum. To make learning come alive, our students must be regularly engaged in dynamic and meaningful experimentation, simulation, Socratic dialogue, group projects, writing workshop and more.
As part of our focus on experiential learning, PES students take regular field trips to experience first-hand accounts of history, science, art and literature. Examples of field trips include:
- Dissecting cow eyes at Catawba Science Center
- Visiting the South Carolina State House in Columbia, SC
- Hiking Crowders Mountain
- Taking black-and-white photographs and writing poetry at Congaree National Park
- Touring the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro, NC
PES students live and breathe their learning far beyond the limits of their classroom walls.
PES embraces individuality, diversity, curiosity and respect for all. PES honors the unique learning profile of each of our students. Recognizing that children learn differently, we readily incorporate multi-dimensional instructional strategies to foster the growth of our learners.
PES provides an unhurried and creative learning environment where children are encouraged to find the joy in learning. With mastery of skills as the goal, rather than just memorization of facts, a PES student is provided time to think, discuss, process and apply their knowledge which in turn promotes intellectual curiosity and creates lifelong learners.
PES actively and proactively addresses the needs of all our learners by collaborating with parents and, when needed, their chosen support professionals to ensure that we provide accurate, timely and well-conceived educational plans for our children. Support professionals, such as therapists, psychologists and tutors work directly with our staff and families during the school day to provide assistance to students.
At PES, our responsive classrooms are safe, joyful and challenging learning environments that prepare every child for lifelong learning success. Our classroom lessons are active and interactive, set a positive tone for learning, create opportunities for autonomy and independence and teach the necessary 21st century skills of critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation. Success in our changing, global world depends on individuals who can participate as effective communicators, team members and problem solvers. Our responsive classrooms instill these skills in our students.
Elevating the Mind
Our world is in need of more adept and creative problem solvers who will be prepared to make a positive impact as global citizens and change the world. At PES, we are preparing our students for this role by regularly engaging in study that encourages them to see issues from many points of view. We provide them opportunities to build an appreciation and respect for cultures, religions and languages other than their own, and to see themselves as global citizens. Through these experiences, our students develop greater cultural competence and are prepared to explore and make an impact on the world.
