Pikes Peak Prep

I am so disappointed to the point of being appalled. My kids have been in several schools in their elementary, JrHi & Hi school careers and I will say hands down that this has the by far the worst experience yet. Our child is set to go at another school for next year. Don't just beware, don't even consider it if you value good schools!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids go here and they are excelling. The school has gone through a lot of changes in the last few years, however it is better than ever. There is new leadership that is making a positive difference in the schools traditions and culture. Academics are excellent because of the dedicated staff. I would definitely recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 kids have been at this school for 3 years and I have to say that Pikes Peak Prep has seriously let my kids down academically. In my sons freshman year they did not teach Algebra 1, instead they taught consumer math, which is not needed. Then decided that algebra 1 would be taught in the senior year AFTER algebra 2. Plus this year my son had the top GPA in the 10th grade and when tested for entrance to a top school, his scores said he should be going into the 9th grade. And if he did summer school in english and math and passed algebra 1 they would let him into the 10th grade, which he is about to finish at Pikes Peak. My daughter tested better but will still have to take summer school and probably struggle in the 9th grade. The kids get no homework and it shows. Both my kids say they aren't learning anything. Beware!
—Submitted by a parent

My experience is based on 2 years of 1 child attending this school. There are definite benefits and deterrents. In general, the teachers are engaged and truly try to connect with students. However, with the seemingly high turnover rate of teachers/staff and personal observations of staff visibly upset over "school business", I question administration. I personally have experienced problems with school coordination, communication, staff attitudes, unresponsiveness, and staff saying one thing and doing another, or not following through on suggestions/improvements made and agreed upon. For a school that has been operating for several years, I'm amazed at the common disorganization/lack of planning and variable/unpredictable nature of things like student drop off/pickup, after school on/off-site activities, bussing, and school organized activities. I think a small group of staff/teachers do want to provide quality and varied activities for students but there aren't enough interested people (incl. students/parents) to pull much of anything together. In general my kid enjoys PPP and has excelled but I don't feel confident in PPP. I will be enrolling my kids somewhere else next yr.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff. Great technology. Engineering Program. Early college. And it's K-12 so all my kids can attend.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my childrens' second year at this school. And, they are doing so well academically, but the leadership, communication and accountability need to be worked on. Right now, they have a leadership "team" that I have yet to see respond to issues. Ever since they fired the principal early in the school year, they have been barely staying a float. I feel like any concern I bring to the attention of the leadership, that I am getting pawned off on someone else. Nobody can answer a simple question because they honestly don't know the answer. I find it odd that they have students and teachers rating this school on this site, and giving it positive praise, when the morale among the teachers has started to drop as well. We are definitely jumping from this sinking ship at the end of this school year to never return. I'm also advising all of my friends and those new to the area to stay away from this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Pikes Peak Prep has a long ways to go to live up to its hype. The first step that must be taken is for the school leader to be truthful to the parents that are at her school. It is run as a very tight ship, the small short hallways at the school are tightly controlled so no speaking above whispers is allowed. The main method of conflict resolution with students is suspension. There is also a strong push at the school as mandated by the elite school board for many more students, probably doubling class size. I found that the education here is good, the teachers are well qualified but the administration sees the students as money not as people. When the principle lied to me for the 3rd time about increasing my sons educational challenges to keep him from being bored, his mom and I moved him to a D11 school with a much better track record and a much better educational environment. I would be very cautious about enrolling my child here and document all conversations with school officials.
—Submitted by a parent

My children had a terrific year at Pikes Peak Prep. I love the culture of this school. Every single person from the Principal, the teachers, even the janitor really show they care about kids. The principal personally tutored my daughter so she would catch up. I really like the code of conduct this school has. They do not allow students to bully or say put downs, like other schools do. They teach and show respect. Parents feel welcomed and appreciated at this school. Any time I stop by my childrens teachers and the principal greet us and make a point to talk with me and my husband. I like the way decisions are made for what is best for all the students. My children love the school and they made amazing growth! This is the best school, all kids should be this lucky. I want to thank all the staff and especially the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Pikes Peak Prep is a wonderful school. The teachers are dedicated to their students and work collaboratively to ensure that all students achieve academic success.The small environment and K-12 experience allows all students to feel part of a community.
—Submitted by a teacher

Great music program and a safe environment with a hard working staff. Small and personal, a tight community.
—Submitted by a teacher

...I have been going to Pikes Peak Prep for about 2 years and I can honestly say it's one great school! At PPP I am able to have free breakfast,which is a good thing because it helps you stay focused all day. The staff are happy to help a student at any time. The teachers really care about the students and always have time for us.In conclusion, I believe that this school is the BEST EVER!!!

This is the best school. We are military and have two kids who were behind because we have moved around a lot. My children have been in many schools already, but I love this school, The teachers at Pikes Peak Prep worked hard to bring my kids up. But this is the first school where the principal spent time helping them with reading and math. She is great. She always responds immediately to my calls and helps with everything. She taught my daughter how to sound the words out and use clues from the reading. The school has such a nice friendly feeling. All the teachers and the principal show they care about the children. The school has some really neat programs like art, music, and Spanish. I like how the school communicates with parents. They have monthly newsletters, weekly grade reports, and the principal sends out emails and calls the parents for important information. My kids are so happy in this school. Every morning they wake up and cannot wait to go. This is because all the staff work so hard.and are so nice. My daughters are caught up and are even doing some work in higher grades now. This is a miracle considering they were behind when we came to Colorado.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. The entire staff is dedicated to the students. They committ themselves fully to making these students successful. This is a small, initimate environment where the staff knows the students and their families. The music program is offered to all students who attend (K-12). All students are provided instruments without a cost to the family. After school private music lessons are provided to the students for FREE. The high school offers a Middle College Program in which students can take college classes at Pikes Peak Community College - the cost - FREE. Therefore, student can graduate from Pikes Peak Prep with an Associates Degree. Families should explore the charter school system. There are a lot of great options including Pikes Peak Prep.

This school is a great find. The classrooms sizes are small and the school is a community. Students are known by name and the teachers are passionate, energetic, and knowledgeable. This school welcomes all children that want to learn and provides a safe environment for every student. This school has an amazing music program, with free instruments, and offers intermural sports. Free tutoring is available twice a week and a variety of clubs once a week. A middle college program is also offered with free college classes at Pikes Peak Community College. Overall this school is a well rounded, small, inviting K-12 FREE charter school. Come visit today!
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a currently enrolled student at Pike Peak Prep and I truly believe that this school has changed my attitude toward learning and education. Since I started here last year I have never achieved lower than a B average in all of my classes. In fact, I was nominated to attend a conference in Washington D.C due to my academic achievements! Next year I will be attending college classes during my current enrollment and will graduate high school with college credits. Any high school student can excel at this school and I encourage anyone who wants to reach academic greatness to visit our school!

I am currently enrolled at Pikes Peak Prep as a Sophmore. This is my second year at Pikes Peak Prep and I love this school. There is nothing else I could ask for, this school is a small safe environment where my Mother feels safe dropping me of every day. Now let me tell you about the teachers and the staff. If I had to choose one word to describe them I honestly COULDN'T, so I would have to say they are awesome, caring, loving, and always there for you. The Counselor is the best of the best so dont get jealous, its just the truth. There are many good things about this school, for example the free after-school tutoring, and free music classes. There's much more but you'll just have to find out on your own.

I am a student at Pikes Peak Prep, and I really have been enjoying my time here. I really like the teachers and I like the students. I feel super smart now that I switched schools two years ago to this school. That is because I have excellent teachers. I really like how everyone wears uniforms, so there is no reason to pick on people or focus on clothes rather then academics.

I am a junior at Pikes Peak Prep and this is my second year here. There are many good things about this school. The first is the college program, which offers free college classes and books, and the teachers are very passionate. PPP is a K-12 free charter school and it is easy to make friends at this school. This school has a way of making you feel like you can accomplish anything that comes your way. I have grown academically and I am looking forward to college.

As a staff member here at PPP I love to recommed our school to anyone who has a child grades K - 12. We can offer an excellent learning enviroment through small classroom sizes and dedicated teachers. PPP can also offer the extras alot of parents are looking, such as free music lessons, spanish classes from the elementary to high school, sports and clubs.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is a great example of what creative education can accomplish. Being K-12, it services a high risk population through the love and care of its teachers and administrators. Come take a tour of the school and watch our dynamic staff and our engaged kiddos learning above-average material every day. There's no ceiling to our learning here and we are looking forward to more and more students graduating with college credit and/or associates degrees by the time they are done here at Pikes Peak Prep.
—Submitted by a teacher