GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I love this school. I have 3 kids in the school that have gone there since kindergarten. The school is very good about catching up students that are behind and fulfilling the needs of those that are ahead. The principal is excellent, and the governing board does a great job of making sure that the school is financially responsible. Some time the parents can be a little over the top, but I guess that is one of the reasons why the school is so great.
We were fortunate enough to have been chosen in the lottery for this school. I have 2 children currently enrolled at PRA. They are challenged but very happy. Over the past 6 years I have encountered excellent teachers and staff. The administration is very responsive and feedback is encouraged and solicited. The expectations for the children are very high- this may not be a fit for all families. While the standards for academic excellence are high (the test scores speak for themselves), the school also focuses on nurturing children to be citizens with good character. Any reports of bullying are taken very seriously. As with any school or workplace, there will be politics and folks unhappy when unpopular decisions are made. My biggest pet peeve are parents that keep their kids at PRA the entire 9 years, derive all the benefits, and then speak poorly of the school on the way out, suggesting, it s not as good as it used to be . Being here is a choice, and we re glad to be a part of the PRA community.
We have been a part of this school for 9 years and it is not the same school it was when we started. The funding is drying up in the district and since PRA only gets about half of "public" schools funding, they have to go to extreme measures to make up for the shortfall. So the school is becoming a place that is run by a few well-heeled, sycophant families. The academics are mixed. On one hand you have a some exceptional teachers, especially in the middle school - English being a stand out. And on the other, you have math, which is a black hole at this school. The middle school has been through 3 math teachers in 4 years and none of them very good. Unless you are supplementing at home, your child will not be prepared for high school math. Teacher/staff turnover can be high at times because this is a very political place to be a teacher. If a parent doesn't like you, you are gone. They love to test at this school, which pleases some parents because they see all of those awards, but the students pay for it with major stress. There is no perfect school I suppose....
We have been fortunate enough to be associated with Platte River Academy for many years. We are so grateful for the amazing educational opportunities our children have received while attending PRA. At Platte River you find teachers and staff that go the extra mile. They geniunely take interest in each student and work with them to learn and develop. Core Knowledge curriculum is amazing and the kids are excited to learn. You couldn't ask for a better educational experience for your kids!!!
The Core Knowledge curriculum gives a strong foundation to Platte River Charter Academy. Teachers, staff, students, and parents model respect as they interact and learn together.
I couldn't ask for a better school than PRA. It's not only academically rigorous, but it's also a wonderful community. The teachers and administrators are supportive and attentive to the needs of the students. I am thankful every day that my children attend such a wonderful school.
We are very grateful that our children attend Platte River Academy. The teachers in each grade (just two classes per grade) work closely with one another. Most of the teachers know all of the students' names. The school focuses on having each student be the best student he or she can be. The core curriculum helps students learn age appropriate information about topics. For example, in kindergarten students learn a song about the continents. In first grade the children learn where the continents and oceans are located on a map. The concept is added on to each school year so that the students really understand the learning principle. I also enjoy the festivals the students have each year. In kindergarten there is a Harvest Festival; in 1st grade there is a Fairytale Festival; in 2nd grade there is Western Expansion; and in 3rd grade there is a Native American festival.
We were fortunate to be chosen by lottery to attend this school. My daughter is in first grade and has an exceptional teacher. The Core Knowledge curriculum is rigorous and creatively taught at this school. The students are held to high standards and a lot is expected of them academically. The administration seems to truly care about the school and is very approachable. Families are required to volunteer 40 hours per year which enables the school to provide excellent programs, fundraisers and activities to the students which would not be possible without the extensive parental involvement. We have found this to be an excellent, exceptional school and feel lucky to be a part of the PRA community!
We are very happy at PRA. The administrative staff is very hands on, this includes the principal and vice principal. parental involvement is also key to this schools success. All parents must agree to 40 hours a year, which is very easy to do. Academics are fairly rigorous compared with the areas public schools. Math and science are heavy favorites here. I think you cannot go wrong choosing this school, if you can get in.
Platte River Academy is a Charter school that teaches the Core Knowledge curriculum. My son is currently in their kindergarten program. I have been very pleased with his progress. I was surprised that they are given homework daily at such a young age, but found this activity to be beneficial in helping him form a good homework habit early on. Each parent is required to volunteer 20 hours per year. I've enjoyed this, as I can be in the classroom with my son and 'listen in' on what is being taught. I like the fact that each child is required to wear a uniform. All in all, PRA is a very well thought out Charter school.
This school is one of the best schools I've ever been in. This teaching is excellent and my student learns more and more everyday. Also the teachers and principals treat their students well. Platte River Academy is one of the best schools in the world because of their teaching methods that helped students pass the CSAP with flying colors. Thank You Platte River Academy for helping my child and other children in the Douglas County School District.
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.
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.
4085 South Lark Sparrow St
Highlands Ranch,
CO 80130
Phone: (303) 221-1070
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