Panther Run Elementary School

Panther Run is an amazing school!! A++

Panther Run is a great school with administrators who truly care about every student. They have been challenged by the "siphoning" of students by the excessive number of charter schools that have opened in the vicinity, many of whom will not accommodate students who need any type of accommodation. The school works hard to meet the unique needs of every child and creating a welcoming, respectful community that reflects the neighborhood.

My son just finished Kindergarten this year and it was an overall great experience. We were new to the area and coming from an area with a slightly (majorly) different approach to early childhood education and I was concerned with the "kindergarten is the new first grade" idea. I still wish there was more time for free play, recess, and fun hands-on enrichment during the class day, but overall, I think the teachers make the best of this new reality and my son came away enjoying school and feeling successful. I really can't ask for more than that for Kindergarten-- I was less concerned with his number of site words, and assessment scores (though he's fine there). My only real hope was that he would enjoy school, learn that working hard, being disciplined, asking questions, and working to find the answers could be a gratifying process. I wanted him to learn that school is a place full of loving, happy grown-ups that earn and deserve his respect and where he will be supported as a learner. He got that at Panther Run. Other highlights: Lots of opportunity for parent and family involvement, front office staff that is always happy to see you, a principal who is always present and buzzing with positive energy, teachers and support staff who seem happy and supported.

I went here from kindergarten to fifth grade and found it to be a loving and safe place to grow up in. When I was there, the state was going through massive budget cuts, but the staff always found a way to keep the students happy and engaged, despite the limitations. My experience here was amazing and I left the school with a family and good friends that I continue to talk to. The diversity here is incredible, you don't understand how great a situation it is until you go somewhere else, and the teachers are kind and know what they're talking about. I would rate it a 10/10. PIF-WIAMAD!