The Epiphany School of Global Studies

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

Posted: April 12, 2025

As a student for over 6 years this inclusive Christian school gives opportunities to learn Japanese,Latin,Spanish and more! Is teaching me and my friends incredible test taking skills for college, cool interactive science projects, great writing skills and history knowledge. I am also so thankful to be in suck a safe environment without bullying or exclusion!

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

Posted: July 15, 2024

I went to this school for a long time. I learned so much and had amazing travel experiences with my former peers and teachers. It was overall a safe environment that encouraged kids to step out of their comfort zones. However, the school administration favored certain students, specifically those of richer backgrounds. You can very easily see this favoritism, as the same people are selected for certain opportunities, despite the school priding itself on being fair and equal. The faculty is hit or miss; there are some phenomenal teachers, but there also teachers who get too involved in students’ personal lives.

Posted: August 10, 2022

I absolutely love this school. My child was a very shy child and only after 1 1/2 years she was able to speak to over 200 parents/staff on stage. She has the confidence to speak to adults and take charge and she is only 7. The Spanish immersion is one of my favorite part of this school. The class sizes are small and teachers are easy to get in touch with. You won’t be disappointed!

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: August 10, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

I went to Epiphany a couple years ago, and my siblings still attend. While this school does have issues with power hungry parents and a gap between the upper class and middle class kids, I think this school has a few bright shining gems that make it worth while. The first and most important is its college counselor. Unlike most schools where you are lucky if the counselor even know your name, epiphany’s counselor works with students on a 1:1 basis to write college essays and prepare for interviews. She makes sure every student has the chance to go to college after graduation. Additionally, because of all the work she puts in to highlight student strengths and build confidence, many get scholarships for school. I currently attend a top tier school with a near full ride.

The other perks include international travel opportunities (one of which is covered by tuition in 9th grade), a close knit community of students and teachers, and small class sizes. Almost all of the teachers there are excellent, and I couldn’t have asked for better recommendations or mentors.

One of the cons of epiphany is that because the school is so small, it has difficulty accommodating for the “different kids.” Kids with severe learning disabilities are not helped as much as they could be in a public institution, but minor ones can be reasonably accommodated. Kids in classes above their grade level have a hard time adjusting schedules to fit their non tracked classes, but that is getting better. Additionally, epiphany classes are very demanding and require a lot of studying and assign a lot of homework. It’s pays off for APs, but sucks while you are doing it. Finally, my biggest con with the school is the power hungry parents. The school board is overbearing and creates a trickle down effect of inequality in rule enforcement.

All in all, epiphany has its issues. Every school does. Some issues are more severe depending on your life situation. I would recommend this school if your child already does well and needs a place to challenge them and prepare them for college.

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: April 2, 2022

Posted: March 16, 2022

The Epiphany School of Global Studies is a small independent school. It's website advertises offering a "vibrant adaptable" environment. Although there are a few kind, dedicated and innovative educators. In my experience, the school falls short of its promises. In my time there, I have watched the school struggle for an identity. The leadership solution is to hire and fire staff members. Without intelligent leadership, the school will continue to struggle. It is my opinion that the school has only maintained enrollment due to its position within the community. Many parents have openly expressed that they are only there because they felt it was the only option in town (they were not satisfied with the public school and did not want to drive out of town to attend Parrot Academy). I think this has allowed the school to exist without raising its standards.
My children attended for a short time and as an educator, I was astounded at the antiquated approach to education and lack of leadership. The Head of School appears to be completely uninvolved with the power hungry Assistant Head of School, who is frankly out of touch with current educational philosophies, running the show. My children are on both ends of the learning spectrum. When we relocated, my high achiever who was enrolled in AP classes and receiving high marks, was significantly behind (she had to to repeat some required classes at her new school). My child with learning differences is now receiving support to help her thrive which further highlighted the subpar support she received while enrolled at ESGS. In addition, the Upper School has many struggles guiding its student body. Discipline is skewed depending on parental status in the community and transgressions are covered up. Lastly, the homework load is ridiculous and it does not encourage or reinforce learning. It is busy work! Tests are not returned in a timely manner and writing is graded not taught. My oldest overachiever was often stressed out because a she didn't have the option to review mistakes of previous assessment before having to take another. Although a few teachers who seem to enjoy their calling, the majority appear to just be collecting a paycheck. Again this comes back to the leadership. After observing the Assistant Head of School (and his mood swings), I can understand why they would be unmotivated. I deeply regret enrolling my children at this school.

Posted: March 16, 2022

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Posted: February 29, 2016

Posted: February 29, 2016

Posted: February 29, 2016

Posted: February 29, 2016

I cannot say how much this school has helped my child grow. She used to be so shy and reserved, but she is now willing to get up on a stage and perform in front of all her classmates. She has great friends, and her teachers truly adore her. We're a middle class family, so we won't be able to take advantage of all the opportunities the school offers, but they also make sure there are plenty of things to do for kids whose families are on a stricter budget. I cannot wait for her to go on the freshmen trip in two years. They used to go to Guatemala but now they are going to Costa Rica. I'm glad she'll be able to have that experience with her classmates. I've also really appreciated their move to an online gradebook. Plus, no ridiculous standardized testing to stress her out! We love Epiphany!

Posted: October 2, 2015

My son is biracial & has been fully accepted by both the student body & the staff at ESOGS. As far as I can tell the communication between staff and parents is great. I am thankful that this opportunity is available for our son.

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: June 10, 2015

The good: Some really good teachers, generally smaller class size. The bad: your child had better be white, affluent, and have no learning issues if you want them to fit in, teachers have favorites, there are cliques and some students are excluded (I even heard them being called "lame" by one Epiphany student), and its a one size fits all approach to learning.

Posted: May 29, 2015

My elementary-age child was repeatedly sent to the principal's office for very minor classroom issues. The teacher kept a secret disciplinary record without my knowledge in order to "build a case" against him. I was told by an administrator that medication would be necessary to correct his "attention issues." I have never been spoken to so disrespectfully in my life. This school is worried about appearance and liability, and does not care about students as individuals, regardless of what they say. I am furious about the way we were treated and would not recommend this school to anyone. Will not be returning next year.

Posted: February 2, 2015

I'm not sure about the other reviewers, but I have had a great experience sending my teenaged children to Epiphany. I have found the teachers to all be very accessible, and they are quick to contact me if my child is developing any bad habits. I love the sense of community there and how well the teachers know their students. It definitely feels like a family, and I know my children are going to be well prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead. The tuition does require some sacrifice on our parts, but I feel it is a worthy investment into my children's future.

Posted: January 27, 2015

Poor, poor, poor communications with parents. You would expect the school to let you know when your student was missing assignments or performing poorly but the school keeps this a secret from the parent that is paying the tuition or notifies you so late that you can't do anything to get the student back on track.

Posted: December 16, 2014

The worst at returning graded assignments in a timely manner. Even public schools have online access to grading records. Why am I paying tuition to get grades three weeks late?

Posted: November 13, 2014

I am a parent of an elementary age student that attended Epiphany for one year. Despite smaller class sizes, the curriculum does not use the lower teacher-student ratio for individualized instruction. The security is comforting to an extent, but as a parent I did not feel welcome in the school. There is no racial diversity, and no children with disabilities or differing backgrounds. The "travel opportunities" offered are out of most family budgets, with a trip to the Grand Canyon offered at $2000 per person. Spanish is the only language offered and is compulsory (K-2 classes are Spanish immersion for all subjects). If you have a child who learns well sitting at a desk, will always follow directions and do what they are told, and is of average ability, then this is a good choice for you if you can afford it. If your child is a hands-on learner, struggles to sit for extended periods of time, or needs more individualized attention (gifted or struggling), I suggest looking elsewhere.

Posted: October 2, 2014

This is our 8th year at Epiphany! We are so lucky to have this wonderful school in our community. My son is a freshman at N.C. State this year and is well prepared for the rigors of the engineering program. Epiphany's caring teachers, the school's high expectations for excellence, the service to our community and the generosity of the Sparks family, to mention only a few of the positives, makes Epiphany the journey we have chosen for our children.

Posted: January 29, 2014

Both of my daughter s attending Epiphany. One has graduated and is soaring to new heights! Epiphany states it is a college preparatory school and I will agree! My daughter says she was fully prepared for college. She watched her roommate struggle as a freshman. As a parent, I was never worried about her leaving the "nest". The global travel opportunities prepared her to not be afraid of the world, and to go out and explore it. It prepared me, the parent, that she has confidence and can truly go out and tackle the world! Thank you Epiphany for preparing us all!

Posted: June 29, 2013

We moved to New Bern about a year ago and enrolled our child at Epiphany and have had such a wonderful experience. The teachers are warm and friendly and care about the students and we have had nothing but a warm reception from the whole school Faculty . The education here is first class and the global travel program is amazing!!! We're so thrilled to be here and appreciate the extra effort the school makes on behalf of the students and parents. Thanks so much!

Posted: June 27, 2013

The school is a fantastic place for students, with incredible academics and amazing global studies program! My kids have traveled the world, and the school has a great sports program, too. The music program is pretty good, too. It's also a Christian school, but it's welcoming to everyone. I highly recommend it!