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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I never got to go over my cousin studying in this school, and the comments I think it's a great school =D
I absolutely LOVE Prairie!! It is an amazing, diverse school! One thing that makes this school diverse is the different kinds of cultures and races. I am in 6th grade and I am loving my teachers and the principal, Dr Cassady! She is a great principal, if she weren't she wouldn't bother to learn some of the students names! She know my cousins name, my brothers name, and my name. She encourages students to learn and listen to the teachers to be successfull in their future lives. I have never gotten straight A's in my life except for now in 6th grade and I know I will continue earning them with the way the teachers teach the students. I think if it weren't for Prairie the former students wouldn't have now graduated. Prairie is a school to go to if you want to succeed!
It is your own child's fault if they don't want to put in the effort to be a better student. The teachers at Prairie actually do help a lot. Maybe you're not doing your part as a parent in making sure that your child is taking every opportunity given to improve their grade. I love Prairie and always have. The only thing my kids hate is the dress code. It's better than being put into uniforms though.
—Submitted by a parent
It is basically an APS school with CCSD badge on the front. It is similar to Overland with no communication with teachers. Oh yes, you kids will be allowed to fail semester after semester if you are not on top of it. If your kid has bad grades don't expect a call unless they get in trouble. Trying to get in better school district or school (he has 3.0 gpa) because I see the writing on the wall and just don't believe Prairie or Overland prepare kids for success unless your idea of success is your child in the Military or Massage Therapy degree from Heritage College. I want more and want teachers that believe and teach my kids that also.
—Submitted by a parent
The teachers at Praire are always willing to help. Many stay late grading papers, doing after school activities and tutorials. And they make sure that all students learn and understand the material. The principal, Dr. Cassaday, is a great prinicipal. She encourages the students, and informs them every week on PNN. PNN is a news broadcast by the studnets. The academics are outstanding. There is a class for everyone, and the core classes are selected specialy to suffice each students needs and abilities.
Terrible school I can't wait for the year to end so I can get my daughter to a school where the teachers/counselors can help her succeed.
—Submitted by a parent
This is my daughter's first year at Prairie. I am so grateful for everyone who works with and for the students at Prairie. My daughter comes homes from school and has so much to chair about what she has learned during the day. She loves the creative way the teachers present materials and how they recognize her individuality and encourage her. There music program is also wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent
this school is great diverse and the teachers stay late to make sure their students are getting all of their workvdone and that they understand it
—Submitted by a student
I went to Prairie for 3 year and it's absolutely a wonderful school. I love how they split the academics up up in 3 communities. The teachers are so nice and if you have problems they deal with it the best that they can. I know that because I used to have problems daily and the teachers would comfort me and tell me they would deal with it and they did. My name is Katie Malina and I was in community 3 the time I was at Prairie and the 3 years I was there I felt like family. The prinicipal Dr. Cassiday is such a sweet woman and she brings happiness to where ever she goes. Prairie has great excellence and is very diverse. In fact Prairie is the most diverse in the county. Prairie has a lot of activities and every year they go to a Colorado Bulls ga
—Submitted by a student
This is a wonderful school! I Have been going here for 2 years now and will complete in 8th grade year here also! The teachers are just wonderful leaders and always making the children a better learner! They make sure the child get the education that they need! Also the princible Dr. Cassady is a great lady! She brings joy to the classes and makes sure that it is a safe inviroment for us students! I love how the school divides up into 3 parts!I love my community, wich is number 2!I have grown to love and have so much care for the teachers in 7-2a! They are just wonderful teachers and outstanding friends! This school also has a clean enviroment. Every morning I just look foward to going back to prairie middle school!
—Submitted by a student
this school is organized and has lots of great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent
There is always room for improvement. I believe the teachers actually care about the students who attend this school and are willing to go that extra mile to improve education. The knowledge base of many of the theachers is above average.
—Submitted by a parent
This is the best place ever. Never would my children go to another middle school. Prairie has wonderful teachers, students and a great principal. I love how they put the kids into 3 communities so they may focus more on teachings.
—Submitted by a parent
My children both attended Prarie with wonderful results. One with a learning disability received the kind of attention that prepared her for high school. My youngest child went from Prarie to Regis. Why is he successful at Regis? Because he went to Prarie.
—Submitted by a parent
My son has gone to this school for two years. The curriculum is poor at best. The teachers have no control of the classroom which creates a negative learning environment. I fear for my son's physical amd mental wellbeing.
—Submitted by a parent
I have been impressed with the staff and students at Prairie. My son is in the 8th grade, and is excited about going to school! The teachers are invested in our children - helping mold characters as well as minds.
—Submitted by c. kissinger, a parent
I would not want my child to attend any other school than Prairie. Dr. Cassaday is a TERRIFIC leader and the administration is top notch. Everyone at the school cares about the students. Diversity is our strength and students are not just taught a rigorous curriculum, they are taught life skills in dealing with people different than they are. The band program (including the newly resurrected Jazz Band) is phenomenal thanks to the leadership of Martin Martinez. Parental involvement could be higher, but the ones we have spend a lot of volunteer hours because they love the school, students and staff so much. The new Springboard curriculum (pre-Advanced Placement classes)is going well and challenging our students.
—Submitted by K. Snyder, a parent
I went to Prairie for only one year and I already know that it is one of the best school years of my life. There is such great students there and Dr. Kassaday is the best! The teachers are fun out of school and in school. I would love to go back there again!
—Submitted by a former student
My child was relocated here after having his home destroyed from Hurricane Katrina and losing all his lifelong friends. I cannot thank the school faculty and all who were concerned with adjustment and counseling enough for their supreme efforts. To say that this school is awesome is an understatement and I want you to know how very much we, as parents appreciate everything you do.
—Submitted by a parent
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.
574 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Reading was 73% in 2012.
574 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.
574 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.
550 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.
550 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Writing was 62% in 2012.
550 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.
551 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.
552 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.
552 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
The state average for Writing was 55% in 2012.
552 students were tested at this school in 2012.
2012
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
| All Students | 59% |
| Female | 61% |
| Male | 58% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 50% |
| Asian | 83% |
| Hispanic | 52% |
| Multiracial | 68% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 74% |
| Free lunch eligible | 53% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 66% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 72% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 16% |
| Students without disabilities | 65% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 33% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 61% |
| All Students | 61% |
| Female | 68% |
| Male | 55% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 55% |
| Asian | 83% |
| Hispanic | 50% |
| Multiracial | 73% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 78% |
| Free lunch eligible | 53% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 64% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 79% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 18% |
| Students without disabilities | 67% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 19% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 68% |
| All Students | 40% |
| Female | 48% |
| Male | 33% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 34% |
| Asian | 57% |
| Hispanic | 33% |
| Multiracial | 46% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 53% |
| Free lunch eligible | 36% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 43% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 10% |
| Students without disabilities | 44% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 14% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 44% |
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
| All Students | 54% |
| Female | 54% |
| Male | 53% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 47% |
| Asian | 79% |
| Hispanic | 48% |
| Multiracial | 59% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 64% |
| Free lunch eligible | 44% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 60% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 69% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 14% |
| Students without disabilities | 56% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 18% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 57% |
| All Students | 59% |
| Female | 63% |
| Male | 56% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 54% |
| Asian | 79% |
| Hispanic | 51% |
| Multiracial | 69% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 74% |
| Free lunch eligible | 52% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 57% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 75% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 17% |
| Students without disabilities | 62% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 9% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 64% |
| All Students | 52% |
| Female | 61% |
| Male | 44% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 47% |
| Asian | 76% |
| Hispanic | 43% |
| Multiracial | 66% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 65% |
| Free lunch eligible | 43% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 59% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 8% |
| Students without disabilities | 55% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 9% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 58% |
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
| All Students | 39% |
| Female | 42% |
| Male | 36% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 34% |
| Asian | 69% |
| Hispanic | 32% |
| Multiracial | 38% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 52% |
| Free lunch eligible | 32% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 51% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 47% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 7% |
| Students without disabilities | 43% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 12% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 43% |
| All Students | 51% |
| Female | 56% |
| Male | 45% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 48% |
| Asian | 73% |
| Hispanic | 42% |
| Multiracial | 43% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 64% |
| Free lunch eligible | 41% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 51% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 70% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 13% |
| Students without disabilities | 55% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 5% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 56% |
| All Students | 39% |
| Female | 39% |
| Male | 38% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 31% |
| Asian | 69% |
| Hispanic | 30% |
| Multiracial | 43% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 56% |
| Free lunch eligible | 32% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 47% |
| Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch | 48% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 5% |
| Students without disabilities | 42% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 2% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 44% |
| All Students | 41% |
| Female | 52% |
| Male | 32% |
| Black (not Hispanic) | 38% |
| Asian | 81% |
| Hispanic | 31% |
| Multiracial | 43% |
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | n/a |
| White (not Hispanic) | 53% |
| Free lunch eligible | 34% |
| Reduced lunch eligible | 46% |
| Students with disabilities (IEP) | 5% |
| Students without disabilities | 45% |
| Limited English proficiency (LEP) | 7% |
| Language proficiency status - not applicable | 45% |
In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.
The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
See Colorado's state standards
Source: Colorado Department of Education
GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
All students
Female
Male
All students
Black (not Hispanic)
Asian
Hispanic
Multiracial
White (not Hispanic)
All students
Free lunch eligible
Reduced lunch eligible
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch
Students with disabilities (IEP)
Students without disabilities
Limited English proficiency (LEP)
Language proficiency status - not applicable
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 34% | 6% | ||
| Hispanic | 30% | 28% | ||
| White | 29% | 61% | ||
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 6% | 4% | ||
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 0% | 1% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program | 61% | N/A | 35% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per FTE teacher | 14 | N/A | 17 |
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12600 East Jewell Ave
Aurora,
CO 80012
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Phone: (720) 747-3000
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