High Peaks Elementary School

I have three kids at High Peaks (K, 2, and 4). My 2nd and 4th graders are in the TAG program. We have been very happy with how accommodating the school has been with the needs of the kids for new challenges (For example both of those kids needed to move up a grade in math and were allowed to join the next grade level during their math time). The TAG coordinator at the school is very motivating, supportive and encouraging. The kids do great projects and units in their classrooms as well. The teachers are fantastic and the school is warm and close-knit. We couldn't be happier with our choice!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has been at High Peaks for three years. I was drawn to the idea of core knowledge learning and impressed by how the staff seemed to work together. However it has not been a good fit for us. The community is very competitive and elite. I feel like it is too rigid and there isn't room for discovery. My child is very anxious about school and always worries about getting things "wrong". I can only concur that this has been reinforced at school because we do not function that way at home. The model at HP is 2 weeks on a particular subject and the assessment. So there is constantly a push to get the information and then test - test -test. It's too much. There is warmth and happiness missing at that school, unfortunately.
—Submitted by a parent

High Peaks just keeps getting better and better. The staff is focused on making sure that students feel good about school and become lifelong learners. There are many extracurricular offerings for students, teachers are always looking for how to improve, and the school community seems very positive. What a gem right here in Boulder!

I can't say enough good words about High Peaks. If you are serious about your children's education, that's the school for them. It provides very solid elementary school foundation that eases the transition to middle and ultimately to high school. The curriculum is very engaging and rigorous (not too much though) for the elementary school level. The teaching staff for the most part (with a few exceptions) is excellent. The TAG program is very good too. The social environment is very welcoming. I have my second child at High Peaks and it is just getting better and better. It is one of the best elementary schools in Boulder.
—Submitted by a parent

Three of my children attend High Peaks and we absolutely LOVE it! We have had nothing but great experiences with all of the teachers and staff. Even though High Peaks has great scores and has won numerous awards, they are continually looking for ways to improve. Our children feel completely safe, cared for, nurtured and know that they can ask for help (and get it) from any staff member at any time. The staff is absolutely concerned with children's emotional, social and educational well being. The staff has been very proactive and has been successful in making sure that bullying does not become an issue at school. The Administration's door is always open. The Principal, Lora de la Cruz, has demonstrated that she seeks opinions from parents and staff before making decisions. Even though it might not be the most popular decision, she makes decisions based on what is best for ALL of the children of High Peaks. From the office staff, to the teachers, to the parents, this is the most welcoming school my children have ever attended.
—Submitted by a parent

Great, caring staff! Awesome curriculum! Fantastic experience that prepares students for middle school, high school, and beyond!
—Submitted by a parent

High Peaks has top scores, but I urge you to avoid it if you care about your child's emotional and social development. I had two children who attended, and they became anxious and angry every school year. Although there are many good parents, many are ridiculously over ambitious on their children's behalf. Now that both are in more emotionally healthy schools, there has been a complete turnaround in their attitudes. I am sorry we ever set foot in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful core curriculum school. The atmosphere is very conducive to learning. They are supportive to the children and encourage parental involment. My daughter loves going to school. Each child progresses at their own level.
—Submitted by a parent