Coyote Hills Elementary School

My son attends a very good school near Coyote Hills elementary. I have heard by word of mouth about the outstanding homework club put on by the aftercare program. The program pays teachers to "tutor" each grade level of kids except Kindergarten. The parents have say they see such a great difference in their children's academic achievement.
—Submitted by a parent

We absolutely love our school. We moved back to Colorado and didn't know which way to turn. We took a chance on moving to the suburbs and couldn't be happier. CHE has an inspiring, positive environment for children to flourish during their day. The teachers are top-notch, motivational and caring. They are concerned about each student's success while making learning fun and challenging at the same time. The principal's letter on the website was the final deciding factor, thank goodness he has lived up to and beyond our expectations. There is an authenticity at CHE that is hard to find in public schools (with the exception of the Cherry Creek School District.) Most parents are involved with the school in one way or another. The PTCO committee is extremely well organized and the meetings are interesting to attend. Overall, I rate this school as a "high five!" We count our blessings every day.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Tallyn's Reach looking for a great school and we sure found it! CHE is definitely one of the best schools by far. Parent teacher communication is excellent, kids are motivated and happy to learn! Excellent learning programs and kids are usually reading a grade above.We can't say enough good things about CHE! Wonderful PTCO, teachers and staff! Unfortunately, we've had to move to the East COast and we sure miss this school. Our kids are at least 2 grades above in reading and Math and are bored out of their minds! We've looked at several schools and most of them focus on the kids that need catching up, which is good but no program for the above average ones. CHE focus on all the kids and no one ever felt behind or above.
—Submitted by a parent

Loved the school overall. However, Mr. Smith the principal could use some courses in dealing with staff, students and parents. I did not feel he was connected at all with them or should I say not connect with those he didn't consider in his "inner" circle. The school (teachers) has great communication with parents regarding up coming events, etc. I just don't feel that Mr. Smith participated as much as a principal should. Regarding, the: turkey trot, walk a thon, parents night out,etc. I am very disappointed with how he would exclude KE. No yearbook page, or acknowledgement for the teachers and ALL their hard work. I had some meetings with him about my children and felt that my concerns fell on deaf ears.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here in 2008 and my son started 3rd grade with a 1st grade reading level. The school got him reading proficiently and he excelled in learning across the board. Thank you so much CHE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Not totally as "incredible in a good way" as others might say. My child attended this school 3rd -5th grade. Many of my child's standardized test scores fell the first two years. I had no success in getting the school to help stop the "free fall" OR determine the cause. I resorted to outside costly summer programs and private tutoring. Finally we got to 5th grade and had group of GREAT teachers and a GREAT year. The current principal is wonderful . I wasn't to keen on the prior one. My disappointment is in the way Coyote did not react to my child's needs over our first two years there. If your child is average or just below average...you might find that this school does not offer the support your child will need. Another problem I saw during 3rd and 4th grade was too much standardized testing and too much focus on preparing to test. Not enough focus on LEARNING. I'm pretty sure my child began to freeze up every time there was yet another standardized test . Again.,the current Principal is doing a super job and is more responsive to concerns from his staff and from parents. I just wish he had been there sooner.
—Submitted by a parent

Incredible school! My son has been at Coyote Hills since Kindergarten and he has loved it since Day 1! His teachers have all been "Par excellence" and the principal and staff are fabulous (new and old). The reading and math programs are tremendous. I have never seen an elementary school with such high reading standards. It is amazing. Parent involvement at this school is huge and it is a wonderful parent/teacher/student community. I'd rate it 10 stars if it was possible!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Coyote Hills. We relocated from the East Coast last summer, so naturally I was a little nervous about putting my two kids in a new school. even though I was aware of the possitive reviews and excellent test scores the school already had. Boy were my worries silly ! Coyote Hill soared way above my already high expectations and desires. The school is amazing in every way! The reading program is the finest elementary program I have ever come across. And the teachers and staff are on top of everything. Every unique idea that the Principal has implemented has turned out to be positive for the school and students. I bought my house where I did to be zoned to this school... and boy what a great decision that turned out to be !!
—Submitted by a parent

I was excited when we bought our new home near Coyote Hills beacause we'd heard the test scores are good and the neighborhood is newer than our old one. What we found was disappointment though. The focus is on getting high CSAP scores and not on teaching the kids how to think critically. I'll take our old elementary school on the other side of the district any day. We're going to open-enroll our kids in their former school next year. It will be worth the drive! Nearly identical test scores but much better education.
—Submitted by a parent

The gifted education is very good in the older grades and the younger ones are challenged too with their reading and math.
—Submitted by a parent

Great administration. Great problem resolution. Great parent involvement. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Coyote Hills Elementary is an excellent school and we're proud to say that our kids go there. The teachers are outstanding and they really do care about the students. They have excellent arts and music programs. Active supportive community.
—Submitted by a parent

We're now in our 3rd year as Coyotoe Hills parents, and could not be happier with the teachers, staff and culture. Our son has been encouraged and challenged, and has excelled in this environment. The best part is that he still loves to go to school very day.
—Submitted by a parent

In many respects, this is a fine school. However, in the area of gifted education, it receives a D, at best. The prevailing view at this school seems to be that GT kids are smart and will always do well. WRONG! When a GT child is underchallenged, it leads to a lack of motivation and subsequent behavioral issues: lack of focus, lack of organization, inattention, etc. In a word....BOREDOM. This school's approach to gifted ed is not to enhance the material or the classroom experience but rather to merely supply ever increasing amounts of homework, of the same standard classroom material. There is no challenge through differntiated and more challenging material. So, if you have a bright, engaged, motivated child, this is not the school for you. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school. Great teachers, really great music, art and PE teachers, new facility. My kids love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely awesome school. Couldn't ask for anything better!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a top-notch school. The principal is outstanding and really wants what is the very best for students. All students are successful at Coyote Hills. Every students receives an individualized education. The principal is a master at hiring! The teachers are amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

Creekside is a school that strives to make their students above average academically. The parental involvement far exceeds what I have ever seen from a PTO. I can't say enough great things about Creekside.
—Submitted by a parent