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GreatSchools Rating

Sand Creek Elementary School

Public | K-6 | 599 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 3 ratings
2012:
Based on 5 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

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18 reviews of this school


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Posted March 6, 2013

Our daughter attended this school, and although the teachers and school were great, her classmates were not. They were very clic-y already even though they were only in the 3rd grade, they wouldn't be friends with her because we were not in a particular neighborhood. They were not very accepting and very judgmental.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 1, 2013

I have a Kindergardener and a 3rd grader here, and I'm very pleased not only with the school itself, but also with its great staff and the education they're receiving. Sure, some teachers are better than others - but so far we haven't had a 'bad' one. The principle is wonderful, and the assistant principle is even better. Very communicative and responsive, and quick to try to help. The website is very useful and all in all, I think they' re really doing a great job.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 16, 2013

Would not recommend to anyone. Very dissapointed in the way staff handle things here. Could be a lot better
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 31, 2012

I feel that parent volunteerism is more organized due to online sign up schedules. This has lead to increased participation over past years. I give this school a 5 star rating.


Posted May 31, 2012

SCE is a strong school that is making a huge (and successful) effort to keep their programs intact with fundraising, while also managing funds they receive from the district. Our family is proud of our school, and our kids enjoy being part of a caring, enthusiastic and driven school community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 26, 2012

Incredible school in a great neighborhood. the school is always super clean and in great condition. the teachers and staff are great and you can tell they really care. I am VERY happy that my 2 kids are going to this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2012

Over crowded classrooms, under funded school doing the best they can with more cuts coming. Frustrating experience!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2012

I have a kindergartener at SCE and she loves going to school every day. The teachers are invested in the students, classes are diverse, and the staff truly cares. The school is integrated into the community and the school grounds are great. Open space, multiple playgrounds, and clean. SCE takes care of the overachieving students as well as ones that need extra help. Can t wait for our future years.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 9, 2011

I can't say enough about Sand Creek Elementary. I have a 2nd and 3rd grader and have been very pleased with the strong leadership provided by the Principal and Vice Principal. They are approachable and listen/act on parent input. The teachers are phenomenal. They have motivated my children, taught to their learning style, and challenged them by providing ability grouping in the classroom. They have also routinely assessed them for high learning potential and admitted them into challenge groups when appropriate. I greatly appreciate the open door policy of this school environment. I feel welcome to stop by anytime and volunteers are always utilized and appreciated in the classroom. My children love going school. There has not been a day that they have lacked excitement to go learn. They rave about Music, Art, Gym, and Technology. They enjoy the after school opportunities such as chess club and theatre. SCE really strives to meet the needs of each individual child and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the SCE community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 30, 2011

SCE is a fantastic school that brings energy and excitement to education. In this day and age it is very difficult to keep up with budget restrictions and changes to our school district. Amazingly, SCE's staff and community not only adjusts but still continues to raise the bar with high yet attainable goals. There is a true sense of community, and the organizations like the PTO and SAC work together to foster an excellent parent/community/staff relationship. We also have innovative administration and staff - our students admire them so much. Our family is proud to be part of Sand Creek!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2011

I love our neighborhood school. Even with the budget cuts going on in our district Sand Creek still offers more than just excellent academics. Our children attend Physical Education, Health, Music, Art and technology. They are also still at recess everyday. There is a lot more than academics when it comes to raising a child, Sand Creek enriches the whole child. The staff works hard everyday so that the kids are learning while enjoying school. They meet academic needs for both low level learners and gifted students and all the hundereds of kids in between.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 13, 2008

I love this school. I think we have great leadership and wonderful teachers. I think the atmosphere is good for learning and each child is trully treasured. They have adopted school wide curriculum for Math, writing and reading which makes the transition between teachers much easier on students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 5, 2007

The best that a secular, public school can possibly be- and this is meant to be in a positive way. The students love and respect Chris Smith, who is a world class principal and is certainly is probably why this school has the highest retention rate among its staff.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 26, 2007

I have been very happy with the school in general. The parent group called 'PIE' is not very welcoming to newcomers. The same people seem to be in charge each year and they don't do much to encourage changes. I know a lot of Moms who said they would more active if it wasn't that way.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 4, 2007

I have three children in this school. This is a wonderful school. The teachers are the best I have come to know. This has been the best school my children have had the privelage to attend. The teachers and staff are outgoing and each interaction I have with them has been wonderful. Two of my children have ADHD and the teachers have been wonderful and patient with them. I would recommend this school to anyone who has children in the K through 6 grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2006

The principal has some great ideas and seems wonderful. I have two children there though and both of their teachers leave a lot to be desired. The school seems pretty good as a whole.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2006

I have to take the time to bring to the attention of the school what a wonderful teacher Mrs.Riggin is. She is my son's 4th grade teacher. My son has ADHD and he has been extrememly blessed to have her as his teacher. Pat has a son of her own in which she has raised with this disability and it prooves through her teaching that she must also be a wonderful mom. She goes above and beyond for my son James and I have to say I would not have my son attend any other school. The principal Chris is also so personable and caring that he takes the time to notice each child and parent as they grace the floors of the little community school. Every experience I have had with Sand Creek has been a memorable and enjoyable one. Being a single mom that is very important to me!
—Submitted by Stacie Schlosser, a parent


Posted April 4, 2004

We moved from the UK to Denver over five years ago. Many things are different in the schooling system than I was used to but I always find the staff very friendly, attentive, dedicated and productive. The facilites are extremely modern and of a good quality. All three of my children have attended Sand Creek and are definately happy, healthy, cared for and encouraged under the faculty's tutilage.
—Submitted by lee shayler, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

101 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

103 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%
Reading

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 49% in 2012.

77 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 58% in 2012.

93 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 61% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
79%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 73% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 56% in 2012.

75 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students85%
Female86%
Male83%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch85%
Students with disabilities (IEP)45%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable84%

Reading

All Students84%
Female86%
Male83%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch84%
Students with disabilities (IEP)20%
Students without disabilities100%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable83%

Writing

All Students61%
Female67%
Male54%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)58%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)5%
Students without disabilities75%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students87%
Female88%
Male85%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch89%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable92%

Reading

All Students77%
Female81%
Male71%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch82%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities86%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable82%

Writing

All Students65%
Female67%
Male62%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)70%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities74%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable68%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students81%
Female76%
Male85%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch86%
Students with disabilities (IEP)31%
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable82%

Reading

All Students84%
Female83%
Male85%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch88%
Students with disabilities (IEP)38%
Students without disabilities94%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable85%

Science

All Students67%
Female71%
Male64%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch71%
Students with disabilities (IEP)44%
Students without disabilities71%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable68%

Writing

All Students70%
Female76%
Male65%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)68%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)13%
Students without disabilities82%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable70%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students79%
Female84%
Male76%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)84%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch82%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities88%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable79%

Reading

All Students89%
Female100%
Male84%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Free lunch eligible100%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch93%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities98%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable92%

Writing

All Students80%
Female92%
Male74%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indian or Alaskan Nativen/a
White (not Hispanic)87%
Free lunch eligiblen/a
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities93%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable82%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 85% 61%
Hispanic 7% 28%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
Black 2% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 9%N/A35%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 18N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

8898 South Maplewood Dr
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Phone: (303) 387-6600

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