Rock Ridge Elementary School

400 North Heritage Avenue

School District

Douglas County Re 1
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Douglas County Re 1 School District

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 06, 2025

We love Rock Ridge! Both of my boys have had wonderful experiences with all of their teachers and the amazing staff. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Rock Ridge to anyone with elementary aged kids in Castle Rock.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2024

I had a couple of children who went to Rock Ridge. Peter Mosby is a terrible leader who intimidates students. My son was bullied quite a lot at this school and Mosby would always place the blame on my son. He would call my son “the bad kid” or the “problem “ child. We were military and have been to a number of schools. My son was never a problem at any of his other schools. My son has PTSD from bullying and it is sad that one of his bullies was Mosby - a principal and an ADULT. We are working through trauma that our son hid from us because Mosby told him not to tell anyone because they wouldn’t believe him and they would hate him. Tonight we learned that Mosby would put my son in a closet which was my son’s “special punishment place”. He would spend entire days in the closet and some days even without food. There would be days where he would get in my son’s face and yell at him for always causing problems. Mosby should NOT be working with children and I just wish my son would’ve told us sooner, but he was scared Mosby would find out. We were never informed of the “in-school suspensions” and now I know why. I am a mandated reporter and I will be submitting a report to DHS.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2023

My kids love Rock Ridge! The teachers are amazing!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2022

I'm so sad to leave this review because in K-5 my kid had an overall great experience, but now in 6th grade he's miserable due to a horrible teacher (Cynthia Melas), and a very week principal (Peter Mosby). My kid's 2nd and 5th grade teachers were AMAZING, but I won't list their names because I don't want them associated with this negative review. All of his other teachers were pretty darn good. We've never had a need to interact with the principal because our kid doesn't have any academic or behavioral issues and we've never had any concerns with his prior teachers. We're also not the kind of people to complain and we understand that our kid isn't perfect and that teachers do make mistakes.That said, the first 3 weeks of 6th grade have been a nightmare. The teacher went to college 50 years ago and then didn't teacher for 40 years, so in her 70s, she's a relatively new teacher, whose classroom management truly reflects what she learned in college 50 years ago. She yells and snaps constantly, doesn't smile, makes kids turn their desks towards the wall, doesn't have a warm personality, and just has no idea how to handle 11 year old kids and their needs. I'm sure her instruction ability is fine, but the kids all hate her so there's very little learning going on. We met with her and Mosby in the 2nd week and it was a very cold exchange. She was defensive and bitter. He said all the right things but has not followed through and doesn't respond to e-mails.In the first few weeks, more than half the parents complained, yet nothing has been done. She is new to the school so it's clear she was moved from another school because it didn't work out there. I'm just so sad for my kid and the other kids in his class. Such a horrible way to end elementary school. Mosby is a joke who has no respect from his staff. His e-mails and conversations are full of bad grammar and he refers to my kid with the totally wrong name. Not the kind of person to be leading an elementary school.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2022

Peter Mosby the principal does nothing more than prance around anytime there is a photo opp. The rest for the time he's too busy to return phone calls and won't even bother to respond to a email. He has no place being in education, let alone as a principal.
Submitted by other on September 23, 2021

I have 2 students with IEP requirements. We moved to the neighborhood last year and in 1 semester my speech dude was removed (still needs help) and was placed on a reading plan (100% doesn’t need help). My daughter who had math accommodations had them removed even though she scored in the bottom 10%. There was 0 communication from the staff about any of this.We moved to a new school and the Sped director is confused about everything that happened at Rock Ridge.If you have a child with even the slightest accommodation avoid this place at all cost.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2020

I had 2 kids in this school. I watched the principal mistreat teacher, resulting in good teachers leaving, and neglecting the needs of the students.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2020

This school is desperate for new leadership. Mr. Mosby does not act with the students best intentions in mind. He protects his own self interests, refuses to admit or acknowledge when there is a problem, and bullies students and parents into thinking they're wrong. He leads with fear & intimidation and is not willing to listen or enact change. Unfortunately it starts at the top and this school will never be great with it's current leadership. Teacher turnover is high, especially in the lower grades. Please survey the voice of the parents and you will see the disapproval & dissatisfaction among us.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2018

MY children LOVE this school and their teachers. The teaching faculty and the support staff are top notch. They care for the students and support their development and learning. My children have really succeeded here.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2018

The staff at Rock Ridge are amazing! The atmosphere is one of positive, family oriented where my children feel safe to attend and enjoy learning. As an IB school my kids are exposed to a national and world view that is embedded in what they are learning. They love this school
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2018

I wish I could pinpoint why test scores are so low out of the school. My kids have always LOVED their teachers and I have felt that, as a parent, I had a voice in my kids’ education. The sense of community is really amazing and what makes the school truly feel like home. Don’t let the ratings weigh heavily in your decision...visit the school and you’ll get a better feel for what it has to offer. Side note, when I was there the PTO was amazing and I hear it’s only gotten better!
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2018

I have found Rock Ridge to be a great place. The teachers that my children have had are kind, caring and involved. Whenever we have brought an issue up, we have been listened to and a plan has been put in place to resolve it. Their events are fun and there is a real sense of community and belonging. My children have flourished here.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2018

I have had children in this school for 5 years now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. My children have great relationships with their teachers, staff and have built last friendships with the other kids. Any issues that have been brought up have been handled by either the teachers or administration in appropriate and timely manner. I love the curriculum and am a huge fan of the IB program. This is a great school
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2018

My son had a great experience with his teachers in 3rd and 4th grade but that has been it. The leadership and daily bullying issues are out of control. It is so sad to see kids treat each other the way they do at this school but even more sad to see the leadership do nothing about it even with parent complaints.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

We have had kids at this school for 11 years. We have always been able to work out any issues and have (for the most part) had good teachers. A few of them were amazing!! Peter Mosby is by far the worst principle we have ever experienced! This includes other elementary schools, middle school, and high school. He doesn't know how to handle bullies. He tells them they are not in trouble and gives them candy and sends them back to class. He belittles kids and parents. 2 women in the front office act very childish. They are sarcastic and snotty when you disagree with them. It is very sad when a school goes down hill so much because of a horrible principle. Some of the best teachers we have had are gone now and I wouldn't be surprised if it was because of Peter Mosby. Just google his name and you will find more examples of his poor leadership abilities. If he was gone, I think this school could be great again!
Submitted by other on October 03, 2017

I am very pleased with what I have observed through my volunteer experience.:
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2016

The school is good with teachers who care. The problem is with leadership. Peter Mosby is basically an absentee principal with little integrity. He was fired from his last job as a high school principal for his lack of integrity. Sadly, he has not improved. He needs to go. I know this sentiment is felt among many of the teachers and staff of the school.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2015

Our school used to be pretty great, and most of the teachers still are. However, since Peter Mosby took over we have seen a big change for the worse. I hope that he will be removed for the next school year and we will regain the integrity of our school once again.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2014

I couldn't ask for a better school for my 3 kids. Don't let State test scores fool you. Academics are a priority, but equal to the emotional and social elements of growing up. The school has an amazing SPED and Mental Health team. My kids aren't perfect students, but every "mistake" is considered a learning opportunity by the teachers, fellow students, assistants, and administration. As parents, we are always in the loop and collaborative members in the decision-making process. Kids are always the focus and much attention and discussion goes into determining next steps. We feel supported as do our kids. If you are looking for a partnership with your school in a nurturing elementary environment, then look know further. The staff genuinely KNOW the students and have authentic relationships with each kid. I am continually amazed at the connections and relationships I've witnessed between adults and kids. It's a neighborhood family-oriented school. Visit...you'll love it!
Submitted by parent on November 13, 2014

We are new to Castle Rock. I am so happy we decided to move here, it's the small town feel but not a small town. The people are so friendly, our neighbors are so nice. And Rock Ridge so far has been the best school we have put our kids in. We have moved a lot because my husband was in the Marine Corp. We finally settled down in our home state. The principal is so awesome and on top of it. The Teachers work hard with the parents and bullying issues are handled immediately. The special education staff are on top of your kids needs and wants. Rock Ridge is our number highest rating ever. We give then a 10 out of 10.