Caprock Academy

If there was an option for a negative star rating, this would be a perfect example for it. There are two reasons why this school still exists: the public school district is a joke and the teachers. I could go on and on listing all of the insanity that the administration reigns (pun intended) down on their staff and students. The concept of the school is great. Academic success could be the product of the "Classical Education" model the school attempts to employ. However, "the system" only works if the teachers are able to receive adequate training and have time to meet all of the ridiculous demands of the school. They receive neither. They are treated like they are expendable. The administration is dysfunctional and uses bullying, neglect, brow-beating to "motivate" their staff. The teaching staff has an extraordinarily high turn over rate. They do not listen to anyone. You are either 'with them or against them'. The administration are experts at evading issues and deception, cronyism, and blurring the facts to control the message. If this sounds like a school for you, then click your heels and goose step your way down to the school and pick up an enrollment packet
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with administrator and negative environment. School should be fun! So glad we went with a different school (Appleton).

This school is very structured, motivated by character values as well as high academics. Uniforms offer less distractions; high expectations from faculty and parentaly involvement create a challenging atmosphere loaded w/ support and direction. Can't say enough about our personal experience. our chidlren are thriving and looking forward to the challenge of this school year!
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending this public charter school for three years. I was excited about the classical education Caprock stated it could provide. I still want them to have this type of education but I feel that my children have begun to "wilt" as individuals. Both of my children deal with teachers and aides who yell at them, publicly criticize their work, and treat them as second rate people. My children have begun to give up on school because "nothing they do is good enough." My youngest is an A-B student and is in constant fear that he will fail his classes because that is what his teacher keeps telling him. My oldest may have to repeat her grade because of excessive tardies, not because of absences or her grades. I have given my children the option of going to a different school next year. The ONLY reason that my son doesn't want to change schools is because he doesn't want to have to make all new friends.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son, who is gifted and challenging, has been in elementary grades at Caprock Academy for 4 years. His teachers have demonstrated remarkable dedication and compassion - and an extraordinary desire for our son to achieve excellence. They have truly embodied Caprock's mission in helping him realize his highest academic and character potential. Caprock does implement Love and Logic(L&L), a philosophy founded over 30 years ago, and the approach of choice among educators and parents. L&L: states the importance of adults providing limits in a caring way; trains educators to stay calm and avoid provoking, threatening, moralizing or lecturing when interacting with students; views childhood misbehavior as an opportunity for helping children grow through their mistakes; encourages methods that help children learn to be responsible and gain self-confidence; asserts that sharing control and stopping undesirable behaviors early are most effective; and values children and places a heavy emphasis on the importance of treating them with respect and dignity. Caprock Academy is now K-12 and in its permanent home. We are so grateful to Caprock's founders, administrators and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My enormous disappointment with District 51's poor administration and continued low standards led me to seek a better curriculum for my two children at Caprock. I believe Caprock's literacy program is very adequate and the math program only marginally adequate though far better than that offered by District 51's entirely worthless math program. They use Singapore math but unfortunately rush through the books to meet deadlines and leave children with insufficient knowlege of basic and essential knowlege to build their skills. I love uniforms too, but Caprock is militant about them. Teachers seem qualified, but are pushed to carry out a harsh environment where children are yelled at, singled out and humiliated for simple mistakes. My children easily mastered the curriculum but the harsh environment and unprofessional and unkind conduct practiced daily by teachers here has robbed my children of their love of learning and self confidense. Both are so unhappy, we will undoubtedly leave for 2013. They say they practice Love and Logic with a military bent. That's not love or logic and it's highly ineffective. Imagine what kids here could do if they actually used love and logic.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at Caprock. They are completing their 3rd year. The curriculum is the best. The classical education in which the model after is superior. I love the way they teach history. You learn the same thing every 3 years, but on a deeper level as they get older. The teachers are terrific. Character accountability is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

We are proud to say that our children have attended Caprock Academy for the past 3 years. We love the Core Knowledge instruction and the character building that is deeply rooted in Caprock curriculum. Caprock Academy holds our children accountable on a higher level of academic achievement, as well as personal development. So, too, the parents are held to a higher standard of involvement. Caprock Academy expects and demands more from all parties, the staff, the administration, the teacher, the parents, and the children. This builds strong community ties and builds well educated, responsible, caring citizens for tomorrow. Our children have thrived at Caprock Academy, and we look forward to new challenges and growth together in the years to come. We love Caprock!
—Submitted by a parent

Caprock Academy is an excellent school, which challenges my children based on thier personal needs. My children recieve differentiated instruction in which they thrive and grow individually. The teachers at Caprock a committed to ensuring my children recieve the highest level of education in academics, character, and citizenship. As the school is flourishing so to is the curriculum, teachers, administration, and programs offered by Caprock. My family is lucky to have such a great alternative in our community.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 kids at Caprock and absolutely love it. The way they teach is totally different and for the first time our oldest is constantly being challenged so she is not getting bored to death in class like she was in the other public schools. I couldn't see our kids going anywhere else in the county. We absolutely love the teachers, staff and administration at Caprock. The parents that have rated this school poorly need to wake up. Yes there is a school uniform policy. Kids go to school to learn not for a fashion show. I personally like the uniforms. They also teach the kids that actions have consequences which I think more schools need to step up and make students more accountable like Caprock does. I also like the fact that farents and students have community service they have to do. It builds a stronger community both school community and community at large.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kiddos at Caprock. It is the most amazing school. We started our oldest at another elementary in Grand Jct. We were very disappointed at her progress. And even more so when we asked for her to advance when she became bored. But Caprock is geared toward setting the pace with your own child and allowing each child to excel at his or her own speed. The Core Knowledge curriculum and the character building should be a part of every school system. Because it has an advanced curriculum, there is a learning curve when switching from other schools. But it is by far the best school on the Western Slope!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 older children that went K-12 in the local school district. When my youngest came along and it was time to enroll her in school I was not about to go through the local district again. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!! The curriculum is wonderful, the ability grouping offers so much flexibility for a students learning style. Militant?? Nothing could be further from the truth!!! My child has been at Caprock since kindergarten and has always been in a safe environment with caring teachers and staff. The discipline model is the Love and Logic program. The character education is wonderful. Some in the community fail to understand is that Charter Schools, at least in this District, do not get any local property tax money for their facilities. The excellent money management of the Administration and Board of Directors has, within a relatively short time, allowed for the purchase of the new land and the building of the new brick and mortar structure. This is a wonderful school and because of the dedication of the Administration, Staff, Board, Students, Parents and Community, is contiuniung to grow and develop and is going to be one of the States top schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We have seen our granddaughter flourish at Caprock. She has loved her teachers at Caprock.

Many of the teachers are uncertified and lack experience teaching. The school is militant and it is a very stressful environment for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Caprock Academy will be relocated to its permanent site (including a new bricks and mortar main building with a cafeteria/gym/auditorium and high school science lab) for the beginning of School Year 2011-2012. The new location also offers greater room for the playground and sports fields.
—Submitted by a parent

Usually people who have trouble with the headmaster have trouble with authority. Not a problem! Find another school in town where you can just slide right on by. Parents sign the agreement that says they will abide by the Caprock Academy Family Handbook. Why sign something you have a problem with? Seems odd to me!

I agree with the comment about the headmaster. She is completely unresponsive to questions or concerns. Teachers are militant. There is essentially no play area and extremely limited to no recess time. If you have a bright, energetic child this school is not for you, especially if you want your child to love learning. If you have an advanced child, I would highly recommend a differenct school. Teachers are inflexible and discourage creativity. Your child must do exactly what the teacher says, exactly how the teacher want is done and will be punished for thinking on their own. Students are not allowed to question a teacher or anything she says. The teacher is always right, even when she isn't. After all the hard work that went into this school it is extremely disappointing and not at all reflective of the excellent schools it is supposedly modeled after.
—Submitted by a parent

Core Knowledge cirriculum in a charter school setting is the best formula for creating successful, involved, adult citizens out of our children. I *love* this school!!
—Submitted by a parent

Caprock is now K-12. Things are moving forward in big steps. My child just started the second year (3rd Grade) in Caprock and she loves it. Challenging and very high quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

After one year at the school and starting our next, I have been very happy with Caprock. Since it is modeled after Ridgeview Classical Academy, which was ranked 15th out of over 21,000 high schools in the country, I am very excited for my daughter to begin and complete her elementary through high school years here. There have been a few growing pains, as to be expected with a school going into it's third year, but with the very dedicated staff, I look forward to my daughter receiving a top notch education. Not only academic, but becoming a responsible, contributing member of our community and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent