Willow Creek Elementary School

My child entered in the 2nd half of the school year and as the parent of the "new kid" I couldn't be more happy with this school. The teacher is absolutely wonderful and the kids made my child feel welcome and involved. This school is also fun for the kids. My child enjoys going to school and looks forward to it everyday.
--Submitted by a parent

We absolutely love this school. We are in district, but this is not our home elementary so we enrolled through Colorado "School of Choice" options. We investigated nearly all of the elementaries before we chose this one. This school encourages parental involvement - many of the lower grades have at least one (and sometimes two) parent volunteers (for about an hour each day). The teachers treat the kids with respect, and they get respect in return. The older kids are supportive of the little kids - my 1st graders report several 5th grade "friends". I have one average child and one advanced child. Both childrens needs are met in the classroom, and I feel like both kids are challenged appropriately.
--Submitted by a parent

Willow Creek is as great as you want it to be. It could be better if the traffic flow at morning and afternoon pickup was less chaotic and intimidating. (The streets and fire lane are not designed for discharging and picking up passengers while double parked. Pedestrians should cross at the crosswalks - they're staffed!) The library, gym and other facilities are awesome- esp since th ebig remodel. The teaching staff are great - an excellent balance of newer teachers and been here forever teachers. G&T feels a little stale and set in it's ways. Also too easy for parents to push their kids in. The neighborhood is awesome and having the school in the community is great.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the worst school my son has been through. The teachers are not friendly and knowledgeable. And sometimes you can feel that some of them even do not like kids. What I can say is that this place is a nightmare to children.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband's and my favorite part about AA is the flexible grouping system. Students are tested all year long to gauge their current ability levels and to identify learning gaps. For example, my son, an early reader and a quick student, had fallen behind this last year in comprehension skills. Instead of keeping him in the advanced group, he was moved to the standard group for more support. He's getting the attention he needs at the level he needs right now, and he's doing great. Maybe next year he'll be in advanced again, maybe not, but he's being taught according to his NEEDS. How many schools can say they identify and then address and accommodate each student at that level of detail? Not many I imagine. We are thrilled by the school's determination and ability to make "challenging each student at their level" a priority and a possibility.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children go to Willow Creek and we could not ask for more. My son has some learning difficulties which have been met with compassion and understanding by all the staff members. They seem to know when to push him to grow and when to ease up on him so that he is not overwhelmed. My daughter is in her last year and we are sad she is going to have to move on. A great community and excellent teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with previous comments that Willow Creek is a tremendous elementary school. We have been very happy with the education our children have received here. Now, for the downside: For many years, the neighborhood has been divided when it comes time for our fifth graders to move up to middle school. Half go to West Middle School and half go to Campus Middle School. There doesn't seem to be any explanation for this, other than "it's always been this way." I consider this a bad situation, which is further compounded when the middle schools unevenly distribute our students amongst units, leaving some kids without a social support system during the tender first year of middle school. It's time for CCSD to fix this problem, and the sooner the better!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending this school since 2nd grade and we love the school. The teaching methods employed by the teachers, their selection of syllabus and the way they challege the students to excel is commendable.
--Submitted by a parent

I am in agreement with these posts. This is a great school. We also go out of district and love this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We are out of district and had to apply to get into this school. We are so fortunate because nearly every grade has a wait list. Since we transferred we have not been disappointed. Our school search was extensive and involved interviewing public, charter, private, and magnet. After at least 15 interviews this was our #1 pick because of its balanced approaced towards education. The parent involvement, quality of teachers, and administrative leadership are execellent. This school is a two time Blue Ribbon winner. Its high academic standards are balanced with a nurturing and caring environment that teaches students about compassion, responsibility, and wellness. As the post below states it is worth it to stand in line to enroll at this school. You will not be disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent