Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

We move every 2 1/2 years. My 8th grader has been in a lot of schools. his one was just awful for us. My special needs second grader did not get what she needed there, and my older daughter was treated terribly by the teachers. The teachers and staff lack experience. The principal is removed from what goes on, and th curriculum isn't the greatest. The teacher's inexperience and the principal's lack of involvement made our time there horrible. Very glad Colorado offers the school of choice program.
--Submitted by a parent

BLRA is an impressive school. My oldest has been attending for a few years and I am constantly impressed by the quality of education she recieves. It is obvious the teachers and administrators are tuned into what kids need. Things have shifted quite a bit over the years, but I like the fact that BLRA is willing to try new things. Education has changed so much, but BLRA keeps learning fun for kids in a high stakes world. I want a GREAT education for my children and I get it at BLRA! It would be nice to see the parent community show appreciation for those who work so hard for our kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Our kids currently attend BLRA and it is a very good school. We have had one terrible teacher and some great ones. I would say it is one of the best but lacks a little behind TICA. BLRA leadership is trying too hard. The focus is on the numbers and mandates and not the kids. Learning has to be fun for kids to buy in and excell. If you could somehow merge TICA and BLRA you would have the BEST school anywhere. TICA has the fun atmosphere and academics and BLRA has everything else - especially the more well thought out campus and more rounded and diverse classes
--Submitted by a parent

Withdrawling my child after five years at BLRA. I thought the school was amazing the first few years, but after CAO Dinnel left, the school has went down hill and extremely fast. The new CAO Franko, doesn't care about the students, their parents, or any programs that would be a fun aspect to the children's fun part of a school's experience. I was extremely disappointed by the huge turn around of staff members from last year to this year. The majority of the teachers that they got rid of, were the best ones that were at the school. Now the class sizes are around 31/class, they have lost their library education classes held weekly, until last year. Each year things are being taken away at the child's expense. The only thing that keeps the school going forward is the parents and the fact they you are forced to volunteer your time and it is logged and tracked. It's unfortunate that most of these reviews are coming from new parents to the school, but give it time and you will see the true happens behind the scenes that the staff and CAO don't want you to know. I had volunteered and worked at this school for years and will not waste my time anymore or my son's future either!!
--Submitted by a parent

this school is the best school my daughter has ever been too the principal and teacher are wonderful and lets not forget Tammy who is also wonderful and a big help couldn't ask for a better school
--Submitted by a parent

We are pleased with BLRA. I hate to see people knocking PTO. There is no pleasing everyone. PTO is one of the few sources for fundraising. Considering the budget cuts state wide, I am not sure what parents are expecting, especially when we pay $10 for an art fee and that is it. I am all for new ideas and change, as well as keeping things that work well. Everyone involved, in whatever area, needs to be thanked instead of complained about. If a parent doesn't like something, they should get involved and help make it better. Thanks to all parents and staff who help make this school as great as it is!!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful! My daughter attended Kindergarten here and loved everyday of it! Mrs. Simon is the best! I feel this school is equivalent to private education (and I know this from experience). It is small enough where alot of teachers and staff knew my daughter on a first name basis which she loved and I did as well. The communication from this school was great...weekly updates sent via email. The teacher was available to talk in person or email. This school has full day kinder with recess, Spanish, Art, Music, Library time and PE. Many schools in the nation do not offer these today!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My daughter has always been in the top of her class, and the teachers are always finding ways to challenger her. I spend a lot of time volunteering at the school and I interact with the staff and teachers. They are all wonderful. I always feel welcome when I come in. This school is wonderful. I'm excited to have my youngest start there in a year.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended this school for 4 out of 5 years. The school overall is incredible. My children love it. The teachers, staff and administration truly care about the childrens education. My only concern has been about the increased fundraisers. All we hear from the PTO is money money money and no information on where the funds are going. The past PTO boards have been great, parent involvement was at a peak and great things were done for the school. This year has lowered the standard of this great organization. It is to bad. I want to thank the parents involved in the past years, 2 and 3 for giving so much of themselves to make this school great!!! What happened to our great fundraisers, santa shop, spring festival baskets, etc. The wheel was recreated with many flaws.
--Submitted by a parent

This has been a great school. My child has gone 3 out of the 4 years and it gets better every year. As with any new school, it was a bit bumpy at the beginning but it's getting it's stride. There have been many extracurricular activities added and the staff turnover has settled down. I see some people complaining about the length of the Paragon curriculum but you have to remember that it covers all the "soft sciences" of history, georgraphy and social studies. I recommend this school to everyone.
--Submitted by a parent