Columbine Elementary School

Very disappointed in our experience.. The emphasis on biliteracy - specifically Spanish literacy is a real asset to the latino community - however native english speaker suffer and are held back by the overall lack of fluency. This should not be a neighborhood school - it is in effect a charter school. The parents in the (immediate) neighborhood go to other schools that do not have 80% or more ESL. Home prices in the attendance area suffer because of this fact. The people whose taxes support the school do not feel served by the school. Generally very disorganized. Of course there are gem teachers - hope you get one. We wanted to be happy here - and really tried to be positive about the experience and the benefits - but it soured very fast beginning on day one when the new building opened.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves going to school everyday. He is ahead of schedule in reading and math. The adminstration is super helpful. My only complaint is sometimes its a bit unorganized as far as afterschool programs and communication
—Submitted by a parent

Me and my partner are very happy with Columbine. The principal is always available, parents involved are truly commited to our children's education which brings communities together. The staff and teachers are qualified and they always look for ways to improve our kids education. We started Columbine a year ago and we look forward for our kid to be proud to finish (mastering both languages!) his elementary school at Columbine.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school! We've been there for 4 years now with 2 daughters and love it! What's best about this school: Spanish (or English, depending on your native language) as a 2nd language as part of the curriculum, wonderful teachers and principal, great parents, diversity that's hard to find in Boulder county, and awesome atmoshpere!
—Submitted by a parent

I think columbine is an amazing school, fantastic program w/ wonderful caring teachers and a great principle
—Submitted by a parent

The ratio for non English speaking is very high. The level of education is very low. My child is losing interest in school. Not recommended. More attention is given to non English speakers.
—Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the last posting of 1 star stating that the school should not be a neighborhood school. Here is an exemplary school in terms of highly educated teachers, proficient in both languages, involving English and Spanish speaking students in an immersion program with outstanding progress year after year.
—Submitted by Elizabeth Glass, a parent

While the building and grounds of the school are very nice, I don't think this school should be a neighborhood school. They have a strong focus on bi literacy, and if that is not one of your priorities it seems like a lot of time is wasted on switching kids back and forth between classrooms. Also by splitting up kids by native language it really creates a separation and once again a lot of time is wasted trying to get this kids to connect. Something that would normally happen in a classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff is great! and all the children come first! Learning and love in seen there and children are very happy! There is a lot of spirit and pride in there "Wild Cat " school!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This school serves the needs of children from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, and serves them very well.

I love Columbine because of the supportive families, the diverse student population, and the hard-working, dedicated, and passionate teaching staff.
—Submitted by a teacher

I love the small class sizes and that all of the teachers are concerned with providing my children with a great education, despite their varied learning styles.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is one in which the individual value of each student is always remembered. The teachers try to teach lessons in a way that is personally relevant to the students and adapted to their individual needs. They attain this goal by focusing on the development of critical thinking and by providing activities that address the development of the complete student, including intellectual, physical, emotional social and ethical development. As one of the areas only bilingual schools it offers a safe environment for Latino students and their families, instruction in Spanish as a Second Language for English speaking students and serves as a model for schools across the United States seeking a path towards unity and equality for students and parents from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

Differentiated learning, respect for families, no stigma attached to non-native English speakers, passionate teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Columbine bilingual teachers are highly educated and they are fully committed to their mission of making Columbine the best bilingual school in the county and the state. They face a challenge because of the diversity in this school population, but with the support of their Principal, the parents as well as of the community they will conquer their goals.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff...caring teachers

Columbine has the challenge of educating a population that is 80% Free-Reduced Lunch and largely English Language Learners (English as a Second Language). Its highly qualified staff is trained in 'differentiated' education, in which learning is tailored to the specific needs and abilities of each child. In this way, they are able to meet the needs of ALL the children in the school, regardless of race, background, income level, etc. We are a middle-class family with two bright, English-speaking children, and they are thriving at the school.
—Submitted by a parent