Just posting to comment that it's amazing how quickly schools change. Ten years ago, when my kids were in elementary school, TPES was stronger than PBES, and PBES was considered the "weak link." I think it goes to show how much depends on the principal and school administration.

I went to both TPES and PBES and loved them. I have some fantastic memories from both schools.

Out of boundary family with kids in these schools. They are far better schools than our home school and we feel lucky to be there. A couple of years ago, PBES dealt with a bullying situation involving my child perfectly. In the same year, TPES principal sent a letter home lecturing parents on using the term "bully" erroneously. So, I can see where someone may have issues with that at TPES. However, I will say that I have a boy on the small and quieter side and he didn't have any issues at TPES.

I've felt that PBES is the stronger link between the two schools in terms of academic challenge. Having a solid above-grade peer groups allowed both schools to give my children work appropriate for them. That's HUGE after being at a school where that wasn't possible.

Neither school felt like major test prep to me.

12:26 - I am sorry for your experience.

We just moved here last year and my daughter started 3rd grade at PBES. We love it and she has had a great year. She fit in quickly, had a great teacher and learned a lot! I think her class size was around 26 or so. Good luck!

We left TPES due to physical attacks on our kindergartner, perpetrated by another child. It was probably an anomalous situation, but it was handled poorly, over months, by the teacher and principal. Our child became frightened of going to school. Other kids that we know are doing great there, but they are physically larger children who can defend themselves better. It's just a really large, chronically understaffed school. Good luck.

Bump

We're thinking about moving in bounds for these schools, and were wondering what current/former parents there think of them. In particular, do they foster a love of learning? Are your kids challenged? Is there too much focus on prepping for the state tests? I've looked at the test scores and the demographics, and feel fine about them.