Niwot Elementary School

Niwot Elementary is a decent school if one is satisfied with a leadership team who caters to the very wealthy, the gifted student and the student who struggles; not the middle. Even students barely meeting standards are neglected. Educated parents does not equate with excellent supplemental support for our children; the parents are not experts at the materials being taught in the classroom. Many of the teachers are excellent, but some of the paid (meaning money donated by some of the parents) paraprofessionals are without an educational background/degree. The teachers focus on the gifted students and those who are below grade standards; not those in the middle. Although this is a school of differentiation, yearly, we hear from the principal that it needs to be improved upon. Bullying and cliques are a problem at Niwot and are not addressed by leadership or parents. New principal (from within district) 2013-14, will she be influenced by those with a personal agenda for their child and the means to pay for it? Drop off/pick up is nothing short of chaotic and stems from parents who ignore the rules the PTAC has worked hard on promoting. Telling are the posts as far back as 2007.
—Submitted by a parent

A great place to learn many aspects of life. There is strong parental support which adds to the strength of the instruction.
—Submitted by a parent

Niwot Elementary is a deeply troubled school. If you have a child with a disability you should stay away from it. The principal of the school doesn't support kids with disabilities and doesn't recognize the need for change. Very sad situation persists for years and most of the families with disabled kids had to live this school for various reasons. I would not recommend this school to anyone disabled or not. Your child will not get adequate support if he/she needs it.
—Submitted by a parent

The bad: very weak leadership from principal and drop off/pick presents safety issues. The good: most of the teachers do a wonderful job, parents are extremely helpful and give the school a ton of money.
—Submitted by a parent

Niwot Elementary is an awesome school. Lots of parent involvement and the teachers really care about the kids. Go Cougars!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! Only negative is the pickup/dropoff/parking on the street is really a mess. Wish there was a larger parking area.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. Our daughter started in 1st grade and is now in 5th. She has worked hard but has been rewarded and grown. Parent involvment is great and Mr. Keepler is a leader and mentor to the kids and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT school. In spite of a national school system that is broken because the teachers unions won't allow bad teachers to be dumped and good teachers to be rewarded, Mr. Keppler had done a great job of hiring a staff with very few bad teachers AND does a great job of coordinating the education in our school. Well done!
—Submitted by a parent

I think Niwot is an excellent school and don't know what people are talking about with bullying and exodus of good teachers. My kids have been there for 5 years and we have loved every teacher they have had and only know of two that have left in that time. I believe the parent involvement in a huge plus and am a firm believer that kids always do better when their parents are involved in their education.
—Submitted by a parent

Could not be better! Terrific in all respects. Three kids at the school and all are doing well. Kepler is a talented administrator and leader. Very accessible.
—Submitted by a parent

If I could give Niwot 10 stars I would. I couldnt think of a more positive envionment for my children to go to school at. The teachers are excellent and make children feel encouraged and safe. It is ranked #1 for a reason. Great School! Shame on you for giving bad comments with no real reason.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Niwot Elementary for 3 years. Having had kids in private schools and charter schools we couldn't be more happy with Niwot Elementary. Almost all the teachers are fabulous and the parent involvement is fantastic. My son has had no problem with bullying and I really feel like his teachers are working hard to foster an atmosphere of acceptance. There is home work but it is not overwhelming. My son still has plenty of time to play and get his energy out with out being straddled by hours of homework (not what we experienced at the local charter school). I would highly recommend Niwot elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school and staff all around! Our family has been involved with this school for more than 7 years now. We open enroll and feel very lucky to have that opportunity. The poster making the comment about the principal sending an email to parents to come to this site and then giving the school a 1-star rating for that should have their comments removed. This person has posted twice, both with a 1-star rating which is ridiculous. No school in this district deserves a 1-star rating. Not even a 2-star rating. Some, maybe a 3-star rating. Niwot - easily deserves a 4, and certainly a 5.
—Submitted by a parent

Niwot Elementary is the best school that any parent could hope for. The principal is amazing and serves as a wonderful role model for the children. The teachers are kind and caring with a brillant sense of understanding how to teach and communicate with the kids. Each day that I visit the school I am impressed with the quality and character of the teachers at Niwot Elementary. I highly recommend this school. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

Niwot Elementary is the TOP rated elementary school in Colorado according to coloradoschoolgrades.com OVERALL PERFORMANCE A+ 1 of 1467 elementary and middle schools ACADEMIC PROFICIENCY Grades for academic proficiency A A A A A ACADEMIC GROWTH Grades for academic growth A A B A N/A
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school recently rated as the #1 elementary in the state by Colorado School Grades!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry, but your comment is misleading. Please reread Mr. Keppler's email. Mr. Keppler did not ask anyone to make a POSITIVE comment. He simply asked people to make A comment. I am glad he sent the information because I have never heard of this site. Niwot Elementary has been a wonderful experience all around for my family and deserves better than the negativity some people want to spread around. We are not one of the "wealthy" families, we cannot afford "tutoring", and do our best to help in fundraisers. But, the strides I've seen my children make under some very helpful teachers has been great. I spend a lot of time in the school volunteering and observing what goes on. I see teachers and staff go out of their way to make it work in an underfunded district. No school is perfect and there will always be outliers for who it just doesn't work. But don't put all the blame on a school - parents have responsibilities too. Shame on those of you who purposeful give the school 1 star just because it's Niwot.
—Submitted by a parent

Niwot Elementary is a phenomenol school! All four of my children have attended this school- we have been there for ten years! It still continues to amaze me that it is able to recruit some of the best, most dedicated teacher's even through our budget cut's and high student/ teacher ratio's. I feel thankful that my children's education started here- it set the tone for a lifelong love of learning.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children have attended Niwot Elementary and we can't say enough great things about the school. We love the strong sense of community, the teachers, principal and overall education they have received. Even with the budget cuts they have managed to maintain this level of excellence. Thank you Niwot Elementary!!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son's teacher has gone out of her way to find appropriate challenge for him. We feel that is a safe and nurturing place, with a very supportive parent community.
—Submitted by a parent