Ranch Creek Elementary School

My child was recently bullied at school and I wanted to write in to share our experience. I was contacted immediately by the administration and while the name of the student involved was kept confidential, I was informed of everything else. I was very pleased with the way the my child's teacher and the administration handled the situation, and I thought that they were extremely helpful! Our family has nothing negative to say about this school, we think that it is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

I was at first thrilled with this school. The teachers were kind, committed, and wonderful! The administration were warm and kind to my children. However, in becoming more involved, I realized that there were deeper problems at hand. Most problems are swept under the carpet, and not truly addressed. Parent involvement was seemingly encouraged, but then left in the "schools hands to solve the problem", to no real avail. Information regarding bullying could not be shared from the teacher to the parent. The child had to be the source of information whether, or not they were bullied. Teachers seem afraid to say anything negative, therefore, no real help and learning can take place, because concerns are not addressed. The biggest concern for me is that they withhold information from parents. I feel they slip policies, "counseling" sessions, withdrawal of major privileges, and bullying by, until parents demand notification. They use the term "confidentiality" to hide any problems. The teachers are amazing with their circumstances. The overall school restrictions, lack of parent communication, and dishonesty are my only concerns from the administration.
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE Ranch Creek! The staff is very friendly and the teachers are truly AMAZING!! I was very surprised at the negative comment below regarding the Principal and VP. I couldn't disagree more. They have both been incredibly friendly, caring and helpful. The environment of this school is warm and friendly. The rules that are in place are for the safety of our children. When I drop my children off every morning, I know that they are at a safe school with caring teachers and staff! I am thankful every single day that we found such a wonderful school for our children!!
—Submitted by a parent

So far we have had a great experience at Ranch Creek. I have only come across friendly, kind and supportive staff. My daughter is thriving and has gained an abundant amount of knowledge and skill her first year here (kindergarten). I love that she is learning Spanish as well!
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible Administration! Don't even consider it! Our children have attended this school since it's opening in 2007. I wish we liked it, as we live very close by, it has great technology, nice library & the tools to be a great school. The downfall: the principal & vp. At first, the principal seems to be a nice person, but as you get to know her & see her true colors, you realize she is not. She cares only about her agenda. If the quality of teachers, parental satisfaction & comfort of students is compromised in the process, so be it. She fails to recognize that she works for the community & students that this school serves. The vp is her crony. The environment of the school is cold & stifling. There are a million different ridiculous rules that the children are constantly worried about breaking. Parental involvement is not welcome & is almost discouraged. There are a couple of good teachers that have stuck it out over the years, but for the most part the good teachers leave quickly. We have hoped for improvement, but will instead go somewhere new. There are other great schools in D20. Learning can be fun, but you would never know it walking through the halls and classrooms of RCE.
—Submitted by a parent

Ranch Creek is a fantastic school! Our oldest has special needs, and the entire staff (principal, vice principal, counselor, AND teachers) came alongside us to help him thrive at school. The principal, Mrs. Paulson, is very warm and welcoming and is incredible at remembering the names of not only her students but also those of their entire family (including siblings not yet attending Ranch Creek). The staff does a great job challenging the students in the midst of varying academic strengths. For example, when our son and a few other students in his grade demonstrated advanced math skills, they developed a small group of students to work together on more challenging math concepts. Their Spanish program is phenomenal, and we love their focus on IB attitudes - emphasis on cooperation, empathy, respect, integrity, etc. We look forward to sending our younger kids to Ranch Creek once they are old enough!
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely LOVE Ranch Creek. My oldest has been at Ranch Creek for 5 years and my youngest is in Kindergarten there. We have loved every one of the teachers that my kids have had and they do a great job of challenging my kids - whether they are excelling or struggling. From day one, the principal has greeted my entire family by name when we come to school activities - including my 2 youngest who aren't old enough to attend school yet. She is out front every morning (even when it snows), greeting all of the children by name. Like others have mentioned, I have no idea where these negative ratings have come from because we have had a great experience at Ranch Creek. When I have had concerns, I have been able to share those concerns immediately with the staff and come up with a great solution for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school! My kids are in kinder and first grade and they love their teachers. My kids love learning Spanish too on a weekly basis. Thank you Ranch Creek :)
—Submitted by a parent

I moved my children here after my oldest child, who has special needs, was bullied horribly at another D20 school. I have found the staff here to be responsive to our needs, very educated about my sons disability and the children in his class to be very nice and understanding. I was very up front about our issues with the other school and I have found this school to be very proactive concerning both my children. I would recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended TCA (the classical academy) and now has been at ranch creek for 4 years. We absolutely love this school...and I'm a very picky parent!
—Submitted by a parent

I do not understand the negative comments posted here, and wonder about their authenticity. I have two children who attend Ranch Creek. The energy the teachers provide create an exciting learning environment. My kids have never complained about going to school! The carpool is smooth and effective. The principal is highly involved and always visible. This school is wonderful! My son has ADHD (un-medicated) and the teachers/staff are wonderful about accommodating and meeting his needs.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been wonderful. We recently moved here in the middle of the year and were welcomed with open arms. My kids have thrived here with academics and personal relationships. Is it perfect? No school is but I could have not asked for more during our transition time.
—Submitted by a parent

I have expressed my pleasure before about RCE and I would like to again now that it is the end of the year. My children have thrived at this school. They are happy and excited to go everyday. Yes, we have had some challenges also but I am a firm believer that the parent has to really participate to get the full effect. My kids receive alot of encouragement and praise for their accomplishments and the choir is outstanding. I love it there and so do my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. They are meeting the needs of my children, one of who has special needs. The admin and staff know the names of every student. When walking through the building you can tell the students are happy and that their educational needs are being met. No school situation is perfect but the staff at Ranch Creek do a great job of making sure each child's needs are met. We love Ranch Creek. Thank you for an outstanding job well done.
—Submitted by a parent

Can't say ENOUGH good things about this school. This is our first year at RCE. Our kiddo is a tricky one with an IEP and several learning difficulties to work through. The administration, counseling staff, and classroom teachers have loved our child as much as we do, and he is having a big-time turnaround this year. Our family is so, so thankful for this wonderful school. If you're reading these reviews and see negative ones, just remember that parents with strong negative feelings tend to dominate websites like these...so take those reviews with a grain of salt. Most families we know at RCE are extraordinarily happy with what goes on there.
—Submitted by a parent

Ranch Creek ES has been a disappointing school so far this school year. We have choiced out for the 2010/11 school year. We are so glad there is the choice program to get into a decent school. Pitfalls are an understatement. School is a work in progress and needs to completely turn over the remaining original administration here. D20 is sought after and this school is below par
—Submitted by a parent

While all schools have their pitfalls, ranch creek is a fantastic school! the staff is kind and genuine, and my kids love it there.
—Submitted by a parent

After 1 1/2 years at this school we decided to choice out for 5th grade here and go to a better school in D20. One of the main problems is -bullying is done here and it is not addressed properly. Someone will eventually get seriously hurt at this school. Concerns fall on deaf ears.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with many of the other posts here. We built a home in Wolf Ranch so our children could attend a brand new D20 school. The home and neighborhood are amazing....the school has been a disappointment. We did choice out this year. Therefore I need to pay for after school care vs my children taking the bus home like they had from Ranch Creek. The problem at this school is low moral and the principal is at the root of it.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was new to this school this year. I read the reviews after we were enrolled in the neighborhood school. I wish I had read them first. Dealing with the principal has been exhausting. One of the teachers my child has does not have control over her class and the children have no structure in the class. They are reluctant
—Submitted by a parent