High Plains Elementary School

High plains is a terrible school. Bullies are rampant in both the children and faculty, teachers actively crush being creative and different, and to top it off the parents are just as bad as the teachers and kids. As a former student I would come home in tears every single day. Bully proofing is a joke at best and the teachers play favorites based on who has the nicest clothes and richest parents. Even without the monstrous staff and student body the school is less than stellar. Children are expected to sit in their desks and do worksheets like mindless robots. Overall as a student who went there I was miserable to the point of being suicidal. Your children probably will be very unhappy too. So do your kids a favor and send them somewhere else. Please. A former student now in senior year at high school

We moved to this area specifically for the great schools. After touring Cottonwood, Cherry Creek Academy and Belleview, we loved the atmosphere at High Plains. The principal is wonderful, friendly, approachable and seems to really be moving the school forward. They have fantastic parent involvement, which they take advantage to enhance the children's education. I personally feel they do a good job at meeting the children's different level of abilities, the children who are a little a head are pulled out to meet their needs and given work that is tailored to their ability. If I had a complaint (coming from a parent with gifted children) it is that they focus a little too much on those children who are a little behind. However, I do understand that is necessary. I like the diversity of the school, it seems they are a little more diverse than other schools in this area, both ethnically as well as economically. In short, we are extremely happy here and can't say enough about the staff, from the principal and teachers to the admin. staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended High Plains the past 3 years and has really blossomed there. She has been challenged and has had so many opportunities to explore art, science, athletics, and music. The music teacher is incredible and I am always impressed by the choir and band concerts. The opportunity to perform has really boosted my daughter's confidence. The administration and staff are very involved and promote a healthy atmosphere. I also like that the school is in a residential neighborhood (not a large school complex) which makes it laid back and friendly. I disagree with comments that this is a "richy-rich" school. My daughter wears clothes from Target and no one has teased her about it. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school! Awesome teachers and awesome staff! My daughter had to repeat a grade this year and she struggled at her old school. Since attending High Plains her growth has surprised everyone. The teachers really care about their students and are extremely positive with the kids. This school has exceeded all expectations I had.
—Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier at High Plains. The "High Five" program (rewarding and emphasizing positive behavior) is unique and great for all students. My kids love going to school and the teachers are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great at High Plains. Most of them really care about the students. Leadership is not innovative, doesn't look for ways to improve the school for the students, just trying to be non-controversial. The atmosphere is not positive. Students are segregated openly based on their perceived academic ability. There is little support for an average student. They are typically the forgotten student as most of the focus is on children with special needs and those designated as G& T (gifted and talented). Bullying is pervasive on the playground. Parents may comment they haven't seen it, but most have and considering there was an incident in 2010 that was televised, can they really continue to be in denial? There is decent parent involvement. Seems to be the same parents all the time. There is definitely favoritism toward the parents who have the time to volunteer- no job or part time jobs. All schools have positives and negatives, all in all, I would rate this school average.
—Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend High Plains. It is a great elementary school for children with a wide range of abilities, interests, and learning styles. The parent/teacher/staff community is welcoming and very active. The school leadership is strong. The school is well run, consistent, and first rate. I have had 3 children attend High Plains. My oldest started in 1999 and is now a Junior at Creek. My second child attends Campus. My youngest is currently in 4th grade. We've seen many changes at HP in the last decade. The school remodel is wonderful. The English as a 2nd Language program is good. Children are quickly integrated into the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at High Plains and we have had nothing but wonderful experiences there. The environment is very welcoming. The teachers are excellent and the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the different levels of learners. My children have never been teased or bullied at school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Massachusetts to Colorado this year and spent alot of time chosing a home in the Cerry Creek District. We had high recommendations for High Plains and they have not disappointed. When we came to Colorado in the spring for house hunting we called the school and we were immediately welcomed in for a visit - they accomodated us on VERY short notice during a holiday week and while they were busy getting the school ready for end of year and renovation. The guide spent over an hour with us on a tour and we got to meet many of the staff and the principal. They made our son feel immediately at home and very welcomed, and allowed him to ask as many questuions as he wanted. When he started school he was welcomed by his classmates and his teacher made a special effort to ensure he had the opportunity to make friends and watched him closely for the first few weeks to ensure he made a smooth transition. We feel he has been challenged by the curriculum and is very well attended to by all of his teachers. We get sufficient of feedback on his progress and the teachers are open and welcome to discussing anyconcerns or needs we may have at any time.
—Submitted by a parent

High Plains was had a very negative atmosphere. Kids are expected to sit quietly and complete worksheets. Creativity is crushed and replaced with a seatwork. Worst of all, the teachers and administrators play favorites. If your are a demanding parent they give you and your child what you demand. Nice children and parents are ignored or bullied. The joy and positive energy found in most elementary schools is missing at this one. We moved our children and they now enjoy school.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended HP a few years ago, and from many sources it still sounds about the same. Good test scores, great playground (which is really all that kids care about), but terrible kids and parenting! I came from a slightly "poorer" family than most of the children. i didnt have the money to buy designer clothes, which was the extent of our "poverty". Yet, i was teased constantly by peers, and parents treated me like a charity case! My youngest cousins currently go there, and they are also teased. I would not recomend this school to anyone. My parents ended up transferrind me. My aunt is also planning on trannfering her children. Teachers did nothing to prevent bullying, some even helped the bullies. And they have done nothing to help my two cousins. HP has good test scores, but is home to many bullies and teachers who wont help prevent it.

All my kids went to High Plains. Love the teachers, love the staff, love the school but the kids are horrific. If your kids don't come to school wearing designer clothes and have $100 haircuts they will be made fun of, teased and bullied. They were forming cliques by the 1st grade. Lots of emphasis put on how you look and how popular you are. This is a richey school with most of the families being upper income which isn't necessarily a good thing. But, I have to add... the principal and teachers were on top of any bullying going on at the school and always ended up resolving the situation immediately.
—Submitted by a parent

Unlike most comments pertaining to this school, I have found it to be an overall frustrating and negative atmosphere. The teachers are critical of young children and negative with feedback (if you recieve any feedback at all). I would not recommend this school to others, nor would I condone fostering this type of environment for impressionable children.
—Submitted by a parent

The commitment that the administration and staff show the students at this school is staggering. It is a warm and loving environment that gives children the ability to do their best without feeling pressured. I am also impressed with their dedication to our ELA students and families that may have communication struggles. Lastly, the principal, Lisa Morris, is amazing; she knows every child by name, is visible when the children enter/depart and always has a smile ready. No one could ask for a better learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in 2nd grade and also attended 1st grade at High Plains. We could not be more impressed with what he has learned and the quality of teachers! I am especially thrilled with the cultural diversity. We feel very lucky to be at High Plains.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been particularly impressed with the quality of education our child is receiving at High Plains. We have found the teachers are genuinely concerned with the individual child and go out of their way to ensure their success. Parental involvement is high which I believe is critical to the success of schools. PTCO fundraising efforts directly benefit the students and include laptop computer carts and science lab. Community interest in the school is evident by the passing of a tax to support the renovation of High Plains. The dated facility will undergo a large renovation effort in 2010 which will no doubt enhance the experience of the children and faculty. All in all this is an excellent school with wonderful leadership and staff at all levels.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy at High Plains. The community is very welcoming, involved and fun. The teachers are very talented --a good balance of veteran and younger teachers. The school will be remodeled in 2010 which will make it even better. I feel very lucky to have been able to send my kids to a quality neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! So many fun activites. The small size and the sense of community make it a wonderful place for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

High plains Elementary is a school that teaches to each individual child. The teachers are the kindest and most compassionate of any school I have ever seen. I have four other kids in college, so I have seen a lot of other schools. I would recommend this school to anyone! It's the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Our neighborhood school is year-round and only has an average rating. We heard about High Plains from other HP alum/parents and decided to send our children (approx. 20 minute drive). The teachers, principal and other staff are fabulous! They care not only about my child's academics, but they have invested in him as a person. My son's classmates and their families are also very supportive. The drive for us is not ideal, but HP is well worth it!
—Submitted by a parent