Aspen Creek K-8 School

My child has been at Aspen Creek for 3 years now and I must say that we have had great teachers all three years. The leadership is getting better, I really like the newer vice principals. The atmosphere is clean and safe. The curriculum appears to be in line with Colorado standards. I do think we need an actual spelling curriculum and the school is working hard to improve writing. I feel it is an above average school but that with our resources we could be much better. PTA is in the process of revamping how money is spent and what supports we need. I am glad my child attends this school and I have joined the newer PTA effort to make it even better.
--Submitted by a parent

This school cannot claim diversity. If you are afraid to be different, yes, go elsewhere. But if you want to celebrate and share your differences, we welcome you. My kids are first generation Americans. The teachers love them. The kids love them. If you or your kids do not fit in, please don't blame it on the school, do something about it! Invite a parent over for brunch. Have a few play dates. I am so greatful for our teachers. My intelligent son was so shy and reserved at the biggining of the year. He is now outspoken and confident. ...and HAPPY!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is one big clique for the surrounding neighborhood. The parents are very aloof - this transfers to the students. If you want diversity-look elsewhere. My daughter hasn't "fit in" with these cliques since kindergarten. The special education programs sees a huge turnover. This school seems obsessed with CSAP scores, and keeping extreme discipline in the classroom - at the expense of creativity.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent with a doctorate from the University of Colorado, I'm here to say that Aspen Creek K-8 is... well, it's off-the-hook. Two of our children have attended for a combination of 5 years. Both of our children read, write and do arithmetic above their respective grade levels. The teachers and staff do a great job. Aside from academics, there are various events put on during the school year, like Fall Festival and Spring Fling. It's a wonderful place for our kids to get educated. I understand that there is a waiting list for those that live outside of the Aspen Creek K-8 to get in. Boom... Enough said...
--Submitted by a parent

I really like this school when we first started 7 years ago, the teachers were great as well as the support staff. My younger son has ADD and learning disabilities and the special education teachers have been wonderful for the most part. There is a very high turnover rate, which has been hard for my son because he is contantly having to get to know new people. It takes him a while to open up to people and with the special education teachers changing so much it has made it more difficult for him to progress as much as I think he could have if he had the same therapists. Some of the middle school teachers are rude. I have contacted the principle several times and have never been contacted back. I am seriously considering moving my 4th grader to another BVSD school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am extremely critical of public education but am thrilled with this school. My son is in the middle school and my daughter is in Kindergarten. They have both had a great year and I could not be happier with the teachers or facility. Highly recommend.
--Submitted by a parent

The school has really great opportunities, and programs to help us get organized and educated. As students we are very lucky to have great supplies and resources. The school has a wonderful library, computer and science class rooms. We are equipped with a gym, outside basketball, tennis and baseball fields. The counseling office staff is a plessure to talk to. It is easy to be able to talk to the conselor about personal problems. However, the majority of the staff is rude and unhelpful. The teachers look down on us as a group. Instead of individuals we are stereotyped as reckless adolescents. The new principal this year has not said one kind word to us. Everytime we meet with him, he yells at us and tells us the negative we have in us. It is hard to respect someone who puts us down consantly. They don't give enough credit to 8th.
--Submitted by a student

The standards for academics seem to be in line with other Boulder Valley schools, but the inclusiveness of the Aspen Creek school community is lacking. There is a disconnect between the kids who live in the neighborhood and attend versus the kids who don't live there. As early as kindergarten, we are seeing signs of children, girls especially, being exclusive and downright nasty. Also lacking is diversity. The parents seem apathetic.
--Submitted by a parent

Our experience with our autistic child has been one of frustration at times and pure joy at some of the amazing para support that this school has offered our child. The current principal, retiring much to many parents great delight. However, we have been fortunate to have some amazing staff members filling in the gaps. A new assistant principal was hired this year and is amazingly supportive of the school as well as the special education of all of our children. There is a high turn over rate at this school which makes it turbulent at times and the arts department is lacking as well. Hopefully with a new principal this school will finally be what it could be with the with the proper leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

We had a wonderful experience at Aspen Creek. My daughter started Kindergarten here and loved it! She also loved the K care experience and wanted to go everyday. We moved here from California and my son started second grade at Aspen Creek. The first week was tough but now he says that this school is awesome. He has ADD and has received extra help through an IEP and his reading has improved. Parental help is welcome. There are usually so many who want to help that it's hard to get a chance! I recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent