Trailblazer Elementary School

Very unhappy with a 5th grade teacher named Miss Donnelly. She is a very rude person and has terrible communication with parents. She doesn't do what she says she's going to do in terms of contacting you when she says she will. She could care less about the students. From my understanding she has 23 students, with 13 of those making an F in at least one subject. To me, this shows a "teacher problem", as opposed to a "student problem". If more than half your class are making a failing grade, you're clearly not doing your job teaching. Do yourself a favor, DON'T put your child in Trailblazer Elementary in Miss Donnelly's class. It's quite apparent she hates her job, and the world. Maybe she should think about retiring, or find another occupation. Teaching is definitely not her forte.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sad that the school will not offer Spanish in the 2012-2013 school year. I guess the enrollment is down and they had to make cuts. This is a changing society and I believe a second language is neccessary to remain competitive. I am sad the district could not find another option...like share the teacher with another school. I am disappointed my tax dollars fund ESL classes yet my own children in a public school are not taught a foreign language.
—Submitted by a parent

Trailblazer is a FABULOUS school!!! I have visited the others in our area and none compare. We choice-in to Trailblazer!! The teachers and support staff are amazing and fully invested and my kids are both thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't imagine a better elementary school. The staff is amazing and they continualy go the extra mile in educational programming. Parents are very involved and teachers are 100% dedicated and it shows! Best of all, my son feels loved and encouraged - my daughter can't wait to be old enough to attend Trailblazer!
—Submitted by a parent

Trailblazer is such a wonderful school. It has a real community feel, excellent parent involvement, and stellar teachers with true passions for teaching. This year (10-11) they are adding a Spanish program in all grades K-6! They have a optional 6th grade class as well as an alternate to 6th grade in a Middle school. The specials teachers are all very good. Traiblazer has a 3 day specials rotation 1-Art, 2-PE/Spanish and 3-Music/Spanish. That is a lot of specials if you compare to other schools! The PTA puts on lots of events and the overall atmosphere is very team-driven and laid back. There is a new principal who is very involved and things are even going to get better! The school is also very strong academically without grinding test preparation into the kiddos. It's a nice balance!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, great learning environment
—Submitted by a parent

The new principle at Trailblazer is wonderful! The teachers are spectacular! Parent involvement is great! The issues from 2003/2004 on diversity, I think have improved. My son's 1st grade class had a boy's Japanese grandmother come in to teach them about Japan (they learned to count to ten and even had some traditional Japanese snacks). In second grade they learned about African culture and had a party of trading African goods and eating traditional foods prepared by the kids (and their parents). These are just some examples. And if Chipeta has/had a foreign language program, I don't think they do now. I couldn't find anything about it on their website (no teacher, etc.), but I do know that it is something that the Trailblazer principle is working to implement into the curriculum. My sons are excelling at Trailblazer!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Trailblazer for 4 years. By the end of kindergarten, he was reading Junie B. Jones books. By the end of 3rd grade, he had finished reading the entire Harry Potter series, had finished reading The Hobbit, and had begun the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Trailblazer individualizes the academic challenges for every single child. They have a fabulous tutoring program for children who read below and above grade level. They identify the child's math needs and challenge the child accordingly. The teachers are warm, friendly, and accessible. The school offers a rich music environment in which Chorir is available to all 3rd graders and above, and orchestra and band is available to all 4th graders and above. The school that offers our 'competition' is Chipeta. Their music program does not even touch Trailblazers's music program, but if you don't believe me, research it for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

Trailblazer is a fantastic school with very dedicated teachers & staff. We have been so pleased with everything this school has had to offer our boys. We are sad to leave due to PCS, this school has set the bar very high.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the perfect example of what superior elementary education should be. It has challenging curriculum, talented teachers, positive environment and an exceptional principal.
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part, Trailblazers was a wonderful school for my son. I did not feel that it competed academically as well as what Chipeta had to offer. There was no foreign language offered, there seemed to be more parent involvement, and the diversity was a little better. I feel that this is where the school lacks, or falls behind in. There are many different culturals that attend Trailblazers, but for the 2 years my son attended, they never recognized those cultural differences. What I mean by this is for instance, Black History Month, there was no bullentin boards that celebrate this event, the teachers (most of the them) did not discuss the subject. What about Japanese New Year, Hispanic Month, etc. The school needs to educate, and embrace the different faces that attend their schools. They are suppose to be preparing our students for the outside world.
—Submitted by a parent

This school ranks very high on test scores. What I did find that the school lacked was diversity. I am not pleased with the way the school handles their diversity issues, or the way they do not acknowledge other miniority events or culture. Education is great, but the school should also be a place where the students feel comfortable being there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with really committed teachers and staff. Parents are really active in the school and it shows!
—Submitted by a parent