Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

This is a wonderful school and has really supported all three of my children (K, 3rd, 6th grades) academically. The middle school recently achieved a grade of A on the state ranking system (coloradoschoolgrades.com), of which there are only a handful in the Colorado Springs area. Elementary received a B with improvement over previous years. Attitudes are positive, teachers are engaged. Parent involvement is mandatory. This is our first year here and I could not be happier that my kids went to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great, but it is time to get a new administrator, he has no idea what he is doing and he is losing great teacher because of it. He tries to run the school as a dictator and only his voice is to be heard. My daughters have gone here for 3 years and he get worse each year. My daughter has had 3 teacher in 1 year, ridiculous!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending BLRA since the day the doors opened. He started there in kindergarten and is now a 6th grader. While the school has had its ups and downs and growing pains throughout the years, I would most definitely recommend BLRA to anyone. I do miss the old CAO, Mr. Dinnel, as I thought he was much more engaged in the school, but Mr. Franko is doing a good job. We've only had a bad experience with one teacher, who is thankfully gone now. The support staff is incredible. I also love the overall tone of the school and the sense of community. Parents are very involved. Yes, there are required volunteer hours, but most parents have no problem going above and beyond that just to be a part of their child's school and education. We recently moved into another school district and my son was given the option to go to a standard public school, wear jeans every day and walk to school. He declined. He enjoys his time at BLRA. He feels supported and like he's a part of something there. And when it comes time for his little brother to start kindergarten, he will most certainly be enrolled at BLRA. I just hope the proposed high school is up and running in time!!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers have been fantastic for our children, going out of their way to help our son who needs a little extra attention. There is a wonderful community feel to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

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

This School is great. My daughter is in first grade and loves everything about the school. This is her first year at BLRA and she wants to attend thru 8th grade. I would highly recommend
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school so much. We took them out of regular public schools. They get more hours in the day compared to traditional public schools. I believe they are so much further ahead. My kindergartner has learned much more at BLRA than my other children at public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a kindergartner and he has learned so much this year at Banning Lewis Ranch. I am a teacher myself and I have very high expectations and so far they have met them all. All the kindergartner teachers are fantastic. So far very happy!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been in the school since Day 1. Was very upset to think at first that we were not going to make it in, due to the long waiting list. But, was so glad when we receieved the call that we had made it in & to a free, Full day Kindergarten program which has the 3 most professional & caring teachers & aides! Though, it was a brand new school, I was very impressed right off the bat! And, from then, it has only continued to get better & better. From an even better principal to all the sports, clubs & other extras the school has to offer now! The curriculum is terrific, love that my children will be aware of the world around them & that they get to perform & participate in front of their peers & family, what fun! My children love attending school every day!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at Banning and I have to say it is an amazing school. We attended the Stallion Round up, it was very well organized. It was nice to be able to see the school and meet my sons new teacher. My only thing we are unhappy about is the way the resell was handled and the constant asking of money from the PTO. Last year they did things for free and included all families. The teachers are wonderful, the sports programs are in their second year and there are alot of clubs. Overall the school is great.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Banning Lewis Ranch Academy. I have learned so much and have learned more than my friends that attend public school. After reading the other review I have to agree that it is sad to see the prior pto board leave. They did so much for our school. Everywhere you look you can see where they touched the school in a positive way. I really enjoyed seeing them in the school. The president was always friendly and willing to listen to our thoughts and ideas. I keep hearing the word the next level by the new board, there isn't a next level unless it is down. I will miss seeing them this fall.
—Submitted by a student