Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy

It's worth the drive! We live 12 miles(one way) away and after many many hours of research and a few tours, we chose CMCA as the school for our family. Our oldest is in Kindergarten this year and we are very impressed by what he is learning and how fast he is learning it. His teachers are very responsive and open to parental involvement. The campus is always open to parents to come and observe their child/children. I never feel like an outsider in my child's education, but instead as an active partner in teaching him. There is excellent communication between teachers, staff and parents. Teachers and other staff are always available via email. You can access your child's grades/attendance records online. The school and each grade level sends out a weekly newsletter letting you know what your children are going to be learning the next week and any other things of importance. All that said though, this school isn't for everyone, so do your homework first. I think a majority of the disappointed parents had different expectations or ideas of what CMCA is. This is a school of choice, just make sure it's the right choice for you.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome to say the least. Don't let the neighborhood fool you, it's what goes on inside that really matters. We moved from out of state and my children had to attend summer school to catch up. They have since excelled and I'm amazed at what they're learning. My daughter was in the 3rd grade and was studying the same thing that I was in my colllege classes. The teachers really do care and they have awesome leadership and staff. I have three children now attending.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a good school. Yes like any other school it has had it's problems, but this last year the staff has been really trying to fix it. The new school nurse and principal take time to put both children and parents at ease. Both my children had some problems and complaints this year, but the principal does take the time to address the issue and finds possible solutions. One of my children has special needs and they have provided tools to help my child do their best. In the past year I have learned that some parents have problems with the standards of the school, yet they continue to keep their child enrolled in the school. Like any other school problems arise, but parents have to remember it's a school of choice.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been a blessing! My children love it here and they have been to other schools. They are challenged and have ALWAYS had wonderful and motivating teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

Just like any other school, this school too has problems. Some problems are minor, the teachers complain a lot about lack of pay, and some are major, inaproprate relationships between parents and teachers. K-4 has gotten a new principal who for now seems to see a need for change. If your child has special needs this is not the school for them. The school is driven by test results. This school is nothing but scripted learning. I have not seen a single lesson plan or daily learning objective EVER. When you ask a question the teachers get defensive and your question is never answered. If your child makes a mistake the teachers write about it all year on the report cards. The kids are not allowed to let it go. The mistake will always be in your face. This is a big problem at the second grade level. The love aspect a person who deals with kids for 8 hours of the day is not present in this school. There is no balance between great test scores and compassion. This school has a great lack of compassion for the students and the staff is allowed to get away with it. It is McDonalized so don't go looking for a "personal touch."
--Submitted by a parent

CMCA is a diamond in the rough. The buildings are spartan but the academic rigor here is unparalleled. I am so fortunate that my children attend CMCA.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the dedication and respect the teachers and school staff show my kids.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy because they have the best academic and self discipline plan.
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred my children from a public school to CMCA, and this has been the best move I could have ever made for my children's academic career. CMCA's curriculum is not for every student, it is rigorus, challenging and hands down the best! The students are taught a standard, and to expect nothing less. The are grouped according to their abilities, enabling students to work and learn together that are on the same level- instead of keeping the more advanced students at the level of the lowest child or expecting the lowest child to perform at the highest child's level. That being said, the expectation of "if the child hasn't learned then the teacher hasn't taught," is strictly adhered, and our rating of #1 from the Colorado Department of Education, several years running, attests. Yes, there can be an exceptional amount of homework, but no more than I experienced as a child growing up. The homework just further cements what the kids have learned in class. By far the best school I could have ever wanted for my children! Proud CMCA and Vanguard School Parent, Kristen Coderre
--Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher at CMCA and now a parent, I am thankful for how this school is constantly paying attention to each child's needs by constant consistent recordkeeping. I enjoy seeing my own child so encouraged to work hard and do her best.
--Submitted by a parent