Flatirons Elementary School

My daughters attended Flatirons for 3rd-5th and 1st-5th grade and loved the school, the teachers, the parents and their fellow students. It's a sweet neighborhood school with a true sense of community where students feel welcome and safe. For students with special needs, Flatirons is really good at including them in the classroom and giving them support as well. My daughters learn to love learning there and always wanted to go to school.
--Submitted by a parent

We switched to Flatirons after 2 years of paying for a private education. We have been impresed. The principal does an amazing job of relating to students. The teachers have created a great team of students all learning together. The community supporting Flatirons is amazing. There aways seem to be parents in the classrooms - and the teachers take the time to train them so they are actually helpful. We recently attended the Fall Festival and loved the opportunity to meet other parents in such a social setting. The playground was remodeled over the summer with great equipment that helps develop physically strong kids. We are grateful to get to be part of such a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed, though I think the status quote is being met some what. The lack of concern for safety is my biggest complaint. I notified the front office about the way a school bus would park ( with front angled towards the street ) blocking the view of a crosswalk sigh making northbound traffic unaware of the cross walk ( only one ). Most schools I've seen have a crossing guard with a sign, Flatirons does not!!! as of may-5-2009. I was told my child was behind in her reading a year and a half after she had already been attending, I requested a different literacy teacher but they did not have the resources to do so. I am letting my child finish third grade there, but that's it! I am moving her to a school that has a better track record. My child was doing great before Flatirons!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience relates indirectly to Flatirons and indirectly to all of the elementary schools in the district. If you are relocating to Boulder, visit the schools and do your research. In general we found the attitude of the school environment (including district, school and parents) to be complacent. Safety and security are not top priority the way they are at other schools we have experienced in other regions. The playgrounds are full of hazards. The academics are not strong. Not that we are pushy in that area, but I often felt that my child was being given busy work. I also found it very difficult to find opportunities to volunteer both in the classroom and in the school. To be fair, Boulder has a unique community mindset. We moved from out-of-town and found it difficult to assimilate.
--Submitted by a parent

Our 2nd grade experience included excellent personalized attention from a fantastic teacher, some great creative activities in the classroom, and an environment that fosters personal academic growth, improved social skills, and good discipline. We wouldn't recommend this school nor it's sponsored after-school programs for children with lots of creativity; we have had to search outside of the school for this outlet.
--Submitted by a parent