Cotton Creek Elementary School

Cotton Creek is a fantastic school. Yes, the building is 30+ years old and the playground is pretty 1970-ish too. Don't let the external appearances deceive you. Teachers here are experienced, highly educated, and fully committed to the kids. We all know that teachers often spend a lot of their own money for basic classroom supplies, but one CC teacher paid over $700 out of pocket to purchase LEGO kits for the LEGO robotics club. If that doesn't show dedication, I don't know what does. My kids (2nd and 4th) are challenged every day, and both have individual learning plans to ensure they are able to move on to advanced topics rather than waiting for the rest of the class to catch up. Teachers at CC understand that kids learn differently, and at different paces, and accommodate learning needs. Good balance of diversity. Principal is fantastic and did a great job addressing a bullying situation (one of our kids was bullied - principal and teachers promptly notified us and put an immediate end to it and worked with us to help our child). Parents are actively involved in the school. Like others have noted, the annual Pumpkin Run is a fantastic event. All around great school
--Submitted by a parent

My family is very fortunate to live in an area with so many excellent school options, and I feel fortunate that my kids are at Cotton Creek. I have a kindergartner and a 2nd grader and have been very happy with the education they received. At this age, I am certainly not concerned about my kids learning 2 grades ahead, or being forced to learn/know concepts that they are not developmentally ready for. I want them to be challenged, while still being encouraged to be a KID, and this school offers that plus a whole lot more. My oldest is considered "advanced" or "gifted" and the school has done a great job challenging him and providing ample opportunities for learning and growth above and beyond what is expected for the grade level. The principal is very hands-on, approachable, and accessible, and is always outside (even on the coldest single-digit temperature days) to welcome each child by name as they arrive to school. Strong parental support, active PTA, terrific extra-curricular activities (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, running club, bike club, LEGO robotics, math club, etc.) You can FEEL the life of this school when you walk in the front doors. Highly recommend!
--Submitted by a parent

We currently have a kindergarten student at Cotton Creek. We have been extremely happy with the staff and the principal. The kindergarten teachers are wonderful! They are organized, friendly, and very responsive to any questions or concerns that I may have. The teachers also do a wonderful job challenging my student with leveled take home books and leveled reading groups based on abilitly.
--Submitted by a parent

We did research on local schools. We found that Cotton Creek was a school that worked well with our academic/life plan for our children. We did get into other schools and picked Cotton Creek (CC) as our first choice. We want the best for our children and we are focused on sending them to top colleges one day. Our first goal is to instill a love of learning and life skills. The minute you walk in the door at CC you can feel the heart of this school. Academically CC is a great school - my kids are challenged everyday. The population is well-rounded and it gives our children a glimpse of real life. Besides academics there are great clubs - spanish, mandarin, running, lego, math, and chorale. The yearly music performances by students are well-organized. The Pumpkin Run event is heartwarming - the kids LOVE it! The teachers are dedicated to the children. Parents are welcome inside the school to volunteer at any time. The Principal is the best! He knows every kid and welcomes them to school every morning in the HugNGo Lane. He has an open door policy for concerns. We feel like we hit a home run with CC. My kids look forward to school and are excited to learn!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids in this school K, 1st, and 3rd grades. The teachers and principle are amazing! From the time you walk in those front doors you feel that the school makes a difference in each and every child that goes to school there. You won't be disappointed in this!
--Submitted by a parent

We have children in K and 2nd grades and LOVE the school. We researched and visited a tons of school before selecting CC. This school had the exact balance we were looking for to keep our GT kids academically challenged while also making sure they develop life-long social skills and understand the importance of a healthy life style through the physical education program. The school has it all; amazing teachers, extra academic clubs, a principal that is hands on, warm and safe environment, great music and PE programs. Parents and teachers work together to raise money to provide the ability for kids to learn on the newest technology. Parents support the PE teacher for a Pumpkin Run that gets all of the kids active. The library is first class and my kids bring home a new book every day. I could go on and on
--Submitted by a parent

My family has been very pleased with Cotton Creek. Both my children have had and continue to have great experiences there. I have found academically they are thriving. The teachers have done a great job keeping them challenged. The school is very caring and it makes us feel like we are apart of a community. As a parent I like to be involved in my children's education and I love how Cotton Creek is open to having parent volunteeres on many levels. It offers so much for the kids, like after school activities, special needs, gifted and talented, fun events throughout the year, etc. There is great support from the PTA. I have found the teachers, office staff and principle to be available and willing to listen and will go above and beyond to help students. This school is full of heart. And they provide a solid education that will only benefit the students in years to come.
--Submitted by a parent

My familiy has had the pleasure of being at Cotton Creek for the past 6 years. When my daughter was starting Kindergarten we researched and observed at several schools, including a local charter school. As an elementary school teacher myself (different district) I know an excellent school when I see one. From the moment you walk through the doors you will find the school to be warm, friendly, and nurturing. The teachers have very high expectations academically, behaviorally, and socially. The teachers are wonderful and instill a love of learning and reading. The teachers do an excellent job challenging and engaging GT students. My children look forward to school each day and don't even want to stay home when they are sick! The school has an amazing amount of extra-curricular activities including foreign languages, lego robotics, chorale, running club, drama, student council, biking club, volleyball, and more! The principal is outstanding! He is very hands-on, caring, and willing to help out with anything. The kids truly feel like the adults in this school care about them and want them to succeed. Cotton Creek is a great school and I would highly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent

We have a kindergartener and 2nd grader at Cotton Creek and our 3rd child will be attending there in a couple years. We did get into other schools but picked Cotton Creek as our number one choice. This has been one of the best decisions we have ever made regarding our children's education. Cotton Creek has that loving and nurturing feel which we feel is a very important characteristic in an elementary school. The academics have been tailored to fit our kid's individual needs and there are great activities to be involved in through the school. The principal is wonderful and he has always been available to talk with. The teachers are AMAZING, every single one has given our children the love, support, and guidance they need to make elementary school a positive experience. The parent involvement at the school is also excellent. Cotton Creek is an awesome school and our children's love of school is living proof of this!
--Submitted by a parent

In 2006 when we were looking for a new home, we had a 6 month old baby and we wanted to choose an area that would have schools with a good reputation. We did some research, talked to other parents, etc and for the area we wanted to live in, Cotton Creek was regularly mentioned as a school we'd want our son to go to. Since starting at Cotton Creek our son has excelled. He's engaged and is excited to go every day. The teachers give so much more than what's required. And there are parents present whenever the school is open. We're certain we chose the right school for our kids.
--Submitted by a parent