Columbine Hills Elementary School

We have attended a variety of schools for different needs, and we have always been pleased with the care and instruction and interactions with this school. Our children have a variety of learning needs, and they strive to meet their needs in most situations.

I have 2 children that attended Columbine Hills Elementary. They both have very unique education needs and the school did a great job meeting those needs. One child was identified as gift and talented and needed an Advanced Learning Plan. The teachers worked hard to meet her needs academically and socially. My other child is dyslexic. She has had a very positive experience, especially with the SPED department. The school is very intentional about using appropriate research based interventions to meet the needs of all students. My daughter received an Orton-Gillingham based reading intervention. The SPED staff understands how to teach the interventions and they partner with the classroom teachers to apply the skills they are teaching in the classroom and they are always working on closing the student’s gaps. The teachers work to make sure that ALL students (not just SPED students) have appropriate accommodations to support learning in the classroom. The school provides ongoing trainings for the staff throughout the year so they are constantly bring in new ideas and strategies. The school has added alternative seating options in classrooms. If I ever had any concerns or questions about my children the teachers always were there to listen and address my concerns. We would problem solve together, if it was need be. During IEP meetings my opinions, ideas and concerns were always address. If changes were needed to the IEP they were done in a timely and appropriate manner. My child is moving on to middle school and I feel Columbine Hills has done everything that they can to prepare her. She has made great growth and feels confident as she makes her transition. She has great accommodations that will help her in middle school. There are so many ways to participate as a parent at Columbine Hills to make sure you are an active part of your child’s education.

The principal is good at this school but she is limited as to what she can do with the union. Teachers have too much control and play favorites. Disabled students should not attend this school. They do not make accommodations nor have the experience to properly educated special needs students. We have been in attendance at this school for 4 plus years...I will not let my younger children attend this school in the future.

We have had children in Columbine Hills from K to 6th and I must say Columbine Hills is a very good school. Just like with any occupation there are some teachers/employees that are outstanding and some that are a little lacking. Overall, we have had wonderful experience with the teachers in every grade. Most have been very communicative for both good and not so good things that happen (yes sometimes things happen when you put twenty 9-year-old kinds in a room together :-) ). I feel like the school is very good about dealing with bullying and make every effort to make a safe environment in the school. The principal is doing a great job and is pleasant to work with and is available when needed.