Basalt Elementary School

151 Cottonwood Drive

School District

Roaring Fork No. Re-1
Grade

PK, K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Roaring Fork School District No. Re-1

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 26, 2025

We are so happy with Basalt Elementary. I currently have students in 4th, 2nd, and kindergarten. The academics are top notch and the dual language program is incredible. My children aren't just learning 2 languages--they are learning IN 2 languages. My 4th grader is fluent and writing and reading on grade level in both Spanish and English. The outdoor education programming is also super unique--our kids are skiing, rafting, snowshoeing, exploring Rock Bottom Ranch and sustainable farming, and so much more. When I share about our kids experiences with family from out of state they are shocked that our kids have such an amazing public school option here. We couldn't be more grateful to the staff and admin either. They truly know and love our children and make each child feel like the special part of the school community that they are--which is super impactful for their mental health and wellbeing. Thank you BES!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2025

I love the culture of inclusivity and community at Basalt Elementary School! The students learn how to take ownership over their learning process by creating and working toward individualized goals, which are celebrated throughout the school. I feel that the students learn how to be good members of our community in addition to a rigorous academic curriculum. The children are honored as individuals, while still being prepared to function and contribute within their environment. Go longhorns!
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2025

We have been thrilled with the education our two kids have received at BES. The opportunities for outdoor and experiential education at BES are plentiful. The teachers are professional, hardworking, and care deeply about our kids. The admin works to create a joyful environment for staff and students alike. We especially love to see how much the Basalt community supports the schools.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2025

As a parent of two children at Basalt Elementary, I am continually impressed by the high-quality education they receive—on par with a private school, but in a welcoming public school setting. The nurturing staff creates a supportive environment, and the dual-language program helps students develop bilingual skills while embracing the diversity of our community. Strong academics, combined with incredible outdoor education opportunities like ski days and river rafting, make learning both rigorous and engaging. The school’s tight-knit community fosters a true sense of belonging, and we are proud to be Basalt Longhorns!
Submitted by other on December 16, 2015

BES strives for excellence by establishing a comprehensive curriculum that embraces the social emotional component of learning. Additionally, the bilingual program is an innovative and successful initiative designed to meet the needs of students and enhance student integration. BES is cutting edge and focuses on a strong sense of community among the parents, teachers and students.
Submitted by other on September 16, 2015

Our son loves BES, so do we. This is our son 4th year in BES started from kindergarten. He is in 3rd grade now and he enjoys it so much. The teachers are great, they are very hard working group of people. Suzanne the principal is wonderful, she listen to the parents concern or suggestions about the school.BES also received governor improvement award in 2012. This school is really works hard to improve the quality of education.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2012

New administration, devoted teachers, and awesome enrichment classes. My kids, having been to this school for only half a year, speak better Spanish than I did after 4 years of college! The ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies) program is a weekly class just like art, music, computer lab, and PE. My only complaints are 1. A lack of organization when it comes to communication with the school. The teachers will email you back, often within an hour or two, but the administration needs work. That being said, the old principal was booted recently, so I'm going to give them time to re-organize. 2. The school is very homework-oriented.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2011

This school has amazing teachers, staff and students! The teachers are knowledgable, excited about teaching, fun and enthusiastic. The staff has always been extremely helpful whenever I have a question or need assistance. HOWEVER the principal and the school board... apparently would like to change all these great features of the school. What kind of person YELLS at kindergardeners for being late? WHOSE FAULT IS IT THAT THEY ARE LATE? yell at the parents.. not the child!! What kind of person does not return phone calls, emails or messages left in person? Is that because we, as parents, are interruptions to your day?!?! Serioulsy bad principal... staff and teachers awesome!! The school is a 5 star!! But the principal does not even rate!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2011

I feel the white children that can read and write and know how to add are the ones that are following behind because we cater to the Hispanics. We have more classes in "bilingual" a glorified ESL than we do have traditional classes.
Submitted by teacher on January 03, 2011

What is going on in that school? Good staff and well behaved kids.Unfortunately the principals missleading has ruined a school with a great potencial and the worst thing is that the district seems not to care!!!!
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2010

If nothing else, a great school should inspire excitement about learning. In this sense, Basalt Elementary failed miserably for my kindergartner. He dreaded school, only enjoying "computers, phy-ed, and Spanish"--not math, reading, writing, or anything else about the school--he had become listless! Agonized, and feeling patronized by the Principal, who literally winked at me in response to my concerns, I moved him to a nearby public charter school where the difference was extraordinary--he couldn't wait to go to school, came home daily bursting with excitement about science, math, reading--as well as phy-ed, Spanish, etc. (and scored in the 90th percentile in all subjects in this, his second year). It seems Basalt works for some of my friends' kids--maybe it depends on the teacher/classmates they get and whether that teacher works for their learning style. But if it doesn't work, there is little recourse--the school is large and impersonal and the Principal is overwhelmed. The best things I can say about it are the involvement of the Parent (PIE) group and the bilingual program for teaching Spanish to English-speakers.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2010

NOT IMPRESSED! School starts in 5 days for our 5 year old & we are still waiting for our "Welcome Letter" inviting us to tour the school with our daughter this week. When the "admin" called last week to confirm the enrollment for our kindergartner I was asked more than once during our phone conversation if we still planned on attending this fall? This is after I already confirmed that we are. (The Deposit was paid in June ) I went on to tell her we have been waiting for the information from the school (we were promised it last June). I asked her where else would my daughter go to school we live in Basalt? She said "well its not law you send your kid to kindergarten" This is our first few dealings with the staff of this school and regretfully they have all been very disappointing & rude.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2010

My son is in his third year at BES and I'm not thrilled with this school. While the bilingual program is a nice option, this is actually a bilingual school w/ everything in English & Spanish (ie. homework, notes, plays, etc.) which I don't care for. Turnaround for the teachers is ridiculous, some teachers are very strict & not friendly, the principal is always rude & never acknowledges any of the parents, not to mention how horrible the parking is. Some teachers are very friendly & very sweet but it's a crap shoot to get one. They do offer lots of programs with art, arting, science, music & their reading program is great. PIE is wonderful & the parents are the only ones making a difference at this school. I think if the principal & all teachers would embrace the parents this school would improve dramatically. communication is needed!