Freedom Elementary School

Freedom is a great neighborhood school with well qualified teachers and good parent involvement. The kids and the families that attend this school are great. Freedom has all the top technology in their classrooms, computers, smartboards, etc. There is an after school sports challenge with a different sport each month.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sincerely pleased with Freedom Elementary and the complete staff. I moved here from the Washington DC area and was concerned that my children would not be as challenged intellectually in the Colorado Springs area however, the curriculum is exceptional, the teachers are superb and the Principal is suited perfectly for this school. I have had many interactions with Mr. Marin and his staff and must say that each concern regarding my children was immediately and professionally addressed. The staff has also brought issues to my attention to ensure that I remain aware of what is going on daily with my children. This staff reaches out to parents by multiple means: newsletters from teachers, emails, phone calls and letters home so there are never any surprises. As an educated parent with high standards, I will say that Freedom Elementary has far surpassed my expectations with their staff, curriculum, activities and overall presentation of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

there is bulleying going on at freedom elementary, i have seen and heard it before and after school, so what is going on inside the school? The principal is horrible and very rude, his main concern should be about the children,and adress the parents concerns. Let's see what happens this year??
—Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartener and a fourth grader at Freedom. I am extremely impressed with both of their teachers. Each class has a variety of skill levels and the teachers expertly adapt curriculum and activities to every level. They use laptops, workbooks and group activities to teach. There is strong parental involvement at this school, which makes it stronger. All grades are taugh Spanish, art, PE, & music. They have school plays, an after school optional PE program that enhances their experience with different sports (only $10/3 weeks - a great deal!), student council and a green club. I think the principal has a genuine desire to make this school a success. I volunteer on a weekly basis and I have never witnessed bullying or dangerous behavior. The children are well-behaved in general. My daughters have thrived here and look forward to next year.
—Submitted by a parent

We had a wonderful kindergarten teacher & we were so pleased with the kindergarten program as a whole. I would have been very happy to have our child in the class of any of the kindergarten teachers at this school. Our child is now a 1st grader & once again we are just thrilled with our child's teacher. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher for her. Other positive benefits of this school are the "specials" of music, art, Spanish and PE. In addition, there are several great afterschool programs such as the Science Matters in Colorado science club, sports challenge, etc. This fall they had a special hands-on Science & Technology night & in the spring they have a hands-on Art night. I have read several comments referring to the principal. His personality is such that he does tend to come off a little harsh at times. However, if you get a chance to work with him in a smaller setting, such as a PTA meeting, you are able to see a different side of his personality. I truly feel that he has the best interest of the children at heart & he really strives to have a top-notch school that provides a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

The prinicpal is very rude and acts like everyone else is beneath him. If he were to be moved to a school that better suited his personality (maybe high school) I really wish i didnt have to take my child out but i cant let my child feel like they dont want to go to school..The principal is horrible, doesn't address parent concerns, its his way or no way.. most teachers are good but some are really not....
—Submitted by a parent

We love the teachers at this school. We were very sad to see Ms. Tammy leave us from the front office though as she was always so polite and helpful. The prinicpal is very rude and acts like everyone else is beneath him. If he were to be moved to a school that better suited his personality (maybe high school) the school would be perfect. I have no respect for that man at all.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at freedom for 3 years and will be pulling our daughter this year. The principal is horrible, doesn't address parent concerns, and is very rude. Class sizes are ridiculous (30 kids in 3rd grade classes!) And the principal is doing nothing to help ~ come on, how can a 1st year teacher handle that many kids?! The school is beautiful and has many good teachersl, but unfortunately has a terrible leader.
—Submitted by a parent

We just finished Kindergarten at Freedom. What an excellent first year! Great teachers and great programs. I am very excited about every student learning Spanish.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome! everyone should go here. Everyone is friendly and there is no bullies!
—Submitted by a parent

The entire school - teachers, staff, parents and students - is committed to making learning a great experience for all who attend Freedom. The teachers keep the parents updated on how each of their children are doing, if a problem arises and always looking for parental input. We all work as a team to do what is best for our students! Freedom Falcons really do soar!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Freedom could be a great school if they had respectable leadership from its Principal. I think the Principal is rude and does not make hisself available to address parents' concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal is very involved. Beautiful school. Very clean. Teachers are great. My son loved being there. Very organized!
—Submitted by a parent

I was a parent interested in obtaining a waiver from D20 to D11. My niece attends Freedom and I thought it would be great if she and my son could attend school together. I was treated so poorly by the school principal during registration that I immediately had a change of heart. The office gave me erroneous information and informed me my waiver was in place and I was ready to register, which was not the case. I would never recommend this school to any one based on my personal experience.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the second year that we have been at Freedom, and while it does have growing pains, we have been happy with the quality of education the kids are receiving. Our biggest complaint is the safety of the kids regarding drop off. The drop off system is a nightmare, especially from a safety standpoint. We tried addressing this with the prinicipal last year, but nothing was resolved. Unfortunately, someone will probably be hurt before this is taken care of.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started 2nd Grade when this school opened in the fall of 2007. The teachers are top notch and there is good involvement of parents overall. Many programs are available students. It is the newest elementary school in District 11 and is a state of the art facility, utilizing geothermal energy to heat and cool the building. Because this is only the second year of operation, there are some growing pains associated with a new school, but nothing that cannot be overcome with time. Website URL: www.d11.org/freedom
—Submitted by a parent