I never thought I'd be writing a review like this after spending thousands in donations on top of…read morenormal tuition. The school does not live up to its marketing pitch. However, most of ESK's flaws will not be readily apparent to those visiting. You'll likely assume that your kids are in a small class and teachers are working with them. But, if you read no further than here, I suggest that you consider what ESK is actually teaching (the actual core curriculum) and compare it to national, local, or other private school standards. It falls drastically short - particularly in reading, history, and science. They don't even have textbooks or teach basic phonics in the lower grades. Problems: 1) While they hang their hat on the student/teacher ratio, the additional teaching assistant more often just allows the teacher to slack off. This surprised us because, like most people, we thought that more teachers would mean more attention. However, that didn't happen. 2) Instead of the usual schoolwork, a lot of class time is spent on projects designed to continuously impress the parents. Regularly, you'll get something like a laminated book with a storyline about how mom and dad are awesome. But, at the expense of this, there's not much time for the true nuts-and-bolts of teaching your kid. Among other things, ESK skips over phonics and does not even have textbooks to send home (just copies of worksheets). Since ESK doesn't conduct tests or assign grades, parents may not notice deficiencies until it's too late. It's a "participation trophy" philosophy that is, in the end, harmful to kids' academic success. The fuzzy standards also help teachers do whatever they want in teaching. This is particularly true for one 1st grade teacher who favors studying butterflies and outdoors over reading and writing. Likewise, in Kindergarten, our child went many weeks without doing reading assignments because the teacher just didn't send anything home. In second grade, the teacher had a love for Civil Rights, politics, and Black history. Again, fine material for older kids or college, but not for 2.5 months of class time in second grade. The peculiar history lessons also created confusion since there was no clear timeline or context (as one would have with most American history textbooks). 3) Schools should be apolitical. As a middle of the road guy, I'm bothered by right or left political indoctrination of my elementary school kids. In this instance, ESK has a decidedly liberal political agenda and incorporates it into the curriculum. They also teach inappropriate content at a young age. We had enough when our 7 year old child was assigned a book entitled, Maya Angelou: Journey of the Heart by Jayne Pettit. On pages 16-18 of this book, there is a graphic description of a young Maya Angelou being molested by her mother's boyfriend. 4) If you plan on earning money to pay the $15,000 tuition, be prepared to take a lot of time off for the various activities during the school day. Very little, if anything, is scheduled for after school. 5) The new headmaster is an ineffective leader. He previously led a NC charter school ranked average by that state. Moreover, unlike the former headmaster, he lacks charisma and was unable to handle routine issues. 6) If you are a Christian, you'll be disappointed by the fact that ESK seems to shy away from embracing the religious aspects that could offend someone. During the holidays, there was always an email practically apologizing to non-Christian students for having Christmas and Easter events. Overall: There are much better options in Knoxville. ESK puts on a good front. But, it is woefully deficient in how it prepares children for later academic success.

Wow! What a great school. We have been so impressed. I love seeing pictures and videos of what goes…read moreon during the day through the parent-teacher app. Our daughter started JK4 with a basic knowledge of some sight words and what sounds letters make. Within 3 weeks of class, she was reading... and FAST! She also tells me certain arithmetic facts and wants me to quiz her. She's made great friends here, and I love that she gets to play outside often. The teacher incorporate outside activities into the lessons. I appreciate that her weekly schedule includes P.E., library, art, music, and two foreign languages. I also like that the cafeteria food is farm-to-table. Parents are encouraged to participate and visit. The students attend chapel every day, and I love when my daughter tells me what she prayed about. I have no complaints about ESK.

You're on the phone with your girlfriend She's upset…read moreShe's going off about something that you said 'Cause she doesn't get your humor like I do I'm in my room It's a typical Tuesday night I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like And she'll never know your story like I do' But she wears short skirts I wear T-shirts She's cheer captain And I'm on the bleachers Dreaming about the day when you wake up And find that what you're looking for has been here the whole time If you can see I'm the one who understands you Been here all along so why can't you see You belong with me You belong with me Walkin' the streets with you and your worn-out jeans I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be Laughing on a park bench, thinking to myself Hey isn't this easy And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town I haven't seen it in a while since she brought you down You say your fine I know you better then that Hey what you doing with a girl like that She wears high heels I wear sneakers She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers Dreaming about the day when you wake up And find that what what you're looking for has been here the whole time If you can see that I'm the one who understands you Been here all along so why can't you see You belong with me Standing by and waiting at your back door All this time how could you not know Baby, you belong with me You belong with me Oh, I remember you drivin' to my house in the middle of the night I'm the one who makes you laugh When you know you're about to cry And I know your favorite songs And you tell me about your dreams I think I know where you belong I think I know it's with me Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you Been here all along so why can't you see You belong with me Standing by and waiting at your back door All this time How could you not know Baby you belong with me You belong with me You belong with me Have you ever thought just maybe You belong with me You belong with me

I use to go to this school in third grade to fifth grade I go to ESL and I'm behind everyone in…read morescience and a little in reading. When ever you good written up and you have to spend a day a pack and work all but lunch, Suzanne Eubanks makes it a hole lot pain In you butt you can't talk all you can do is work will you have to and threw food is nasty once we found mold in the food. Some of there milk is expired. They do have fun day in the end of the school year. Like field day. If you in fifth grade you get sprayed by a fire truck and theres a kick ball game but you only get one kick. I rate this place a three star.

Tate's School is a dream learning space for kids and parents alike. Beyond its impressive campus…read moreand mountain cabins classrooms, Tate's has a serious curriculum taught by dedicated educators who teach advanced content using holistic learning approaches through which kids naturally develop key practical skills. We value the life skills that our children are developing and the care that they receive by their teachers and the School personnel. Tate's School is a family run center that feels warm and safe by the children and their parents. We observed in these years that respect is a very important value at Tate's and, being an expat, multicultural family, is a key aspect that we hold in high esteem. We wholeheartedly recommend Tate's School, for those searching for a serious, competent educational center where children and families grow strong networks.

One of the best learning environments I've ever experienced. The curriculum is well rounded, the…read morecampus is beautiful, and to top it off the teachers are so caring and compassionate

First of all, it is concerning and a red flag when prior posts that might reflect negatively are…read moreremoved. Because an institution touts itself as being excellent isn't necessarily a fact. Yes, considering what is available in this area, this might be an option for Christian education. But CAK is lacking in several areas. The teacher turn over rate is high. Therefore consistency in programs is not there. The school has grown, which is not necessarily a good thing. Administration needs to be more careful in monitoring the growth. What is being sacrificed in order to bring in revenue? Our expectations for this school were high as we just had an excellent experience (in another state). The atmosphere was TRULY happy and joyful. Lots of high-fives, hugs, and esprit on the entire campus. It was palpable.. From both faculty and students. And top-notch programs where students were achieving academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Sadly, for the rate of tuition, CAK is average.

This school is amazing! Compared to all the other schools I've been to this place is the Bomb!…read moreTeachers are nice and make class very interesting, and it keeps my classmates and I engaged in the topic(s)

Nice campus. Huge campus. They host a lot of athletic events and camps. Easy access off US-Rt40.read more

They need to hire better teachers. 6th band 3 months in and we haven't learned a single song not…read moreeven hot cross buns. You have to pay to do everything. What even is the point of school when there's ChatGPT and Gauth. they don't even teach us anything useful, in addition they expect us to eat raw cold nasty food everyday. you can't get food if you don't have money, which is exactly what I said about having to pay for everything. Even if you have a medical condition they won't let you go to the bathroom or nurse. In addition to the nurse, she will just check your temperature then send you back to class. I would recommend dropping out of this school if you were able to drop out before 9th grade. Do not recommend do not send your kid here,no wonder it has 1 star.

The principal ignores violent threats and doesn't tell parents what happened…read more The kids get in fights often and the teachers don't get paid enough.