Great class! David is very thorough and incredibly knowledgeable! I've taken his class twice and…read moreplan to do it again for my next renewal!

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.

I have had my very best educational success with this school. I'd highly recommend it to anyone…read more Yes, it does cost more because it's a private school, but if you choose the right program, do your work and apply yourself, it makes every dollar spent worth it!

I would not recommend this school at all!!! They never answer the phone and when it comes to…read morefinancial things they do not communicate with you what so ever. They make you want to just withdraw and go somewhere else.

Our family has had a wonderful experience at Tate's School. The teachers invest deeply in their…read morestudents and take the time to understand each child's unique learning style, strengths, and areas for growth. We have seen our children develop not only academically, but also socially and emotionally through the individualized care and attention they receive. Tate's provides a strong academic foundation while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, all while instilling a deep love for learning. We also appreciate the emphasis on outdoor time, outdoor learning opportunities, and the variety of specials offered throughout the week, including art, music, PE, computer, and Spanish. These experiences create a balanced and engaging school environment. What truly sets Tate's apart is its people. The teachers, staff, administrators, and Tate family genuinely care about children and their families. From day one, we have felt welcomed, supported, and known. Tate's offers a unique culture and educational experience that is unlike any other school we have encountered, and we are grateful to be part of the community.

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.

Strayer University is awesome! I started as a campus student at Strayer but due to being a single…read moremom with a hectic schedule and no sitter, I had to switch to Strayer's online classes. I was really nervous about the switch at first but the dean and advisors were so helpful and understanding on how hard it can be for students to balance school, home life and work, they truly made the transition a breeze. I have found all my classes at Strayer to be both thought provoking and intellectually stimulating. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my experience at Strayer and I am honored to be able to say I have had the privilege to attend such a fine University with a team of the most caring, understanding and motivational professors and advisors (Academic, admitting), that encouraged and supported me every step of the way; which gave me the strength to achieve my degree even in the most trying times of my life.

This studio is SOOOOOOO AWESOME. Everyone is super duper nice and sociable. The classes are…read moreengaging and fun and help us grow so much. The energy is so good at CEDS and I really don't think you could find any place like it!

Our daughter started dance this past year at Creative Edge. It was seemingly affordable ($40 per…read moreclass, per month) and we enjoyed that we could pay easily online. The studio is sorely lacking, in my opinion. The narrow hallway and small waiting area make it nearly impossible to transition kids and parents in and out of the space, especially when there is no designated changing room and storage area for kids to leave their bags, clothes, street shoes, etc. And there is no viewing area for any parents that wait for their kiddos (unless you stand in the way and look through the open studio door. Classes are only 30 minutes, so it is not worth it to leave and come back. We do love that they work with families on the costs for classes and recital costumes and that there are two recitals per year at the local Grove Theater. The owners are very kind and energetic. I wish they had taught my daughter's class, which was instead taught by a high school student. I feel like the teen instructor, paired with a very short class session, made it so that my kiddo didn't really grasp any of the ballet basics during her time here. We appreciate the intro to dance and socialization our child had here, but she will be going to a different studio this year with comparable costs, a better studio space, and taught by adults.