Trails West Elementary School

5400 South Waco Street

School District

Cherry Creek 5
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Cherry Creek 5 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 August 26, 2024

My special needs child is in their second year at Trails West this year and I can say with certainty that this school handles special education and children on IEPs so much better than the other two schools we have experience with (night and day difference). The SPED team is accommodating, listens to our needs as our child’s advocate, and definitely feels like they care. It also feels good to know that my child actually likes to go to school. I have had great experiences with the teachers. Overall I would definitely recommend. I think the only drawback I’ve seen so far is safety outside. There isn’t a lot of adult supervision during recess (and no gates for added security), nor for after school (kids are just let out to roam without a parent). Other schools have more security measures like waiting for the parent to pick them up, so that would be my only suggestion for improvement. Otherwise, great school!
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2023

Great school! Except the principle. She doesn't engage, doesn't respond to parent's concerns. When we had an issue her respond was " do not bother me, I have realible source for my information. " Do not enroll your kids.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2023

Our son started at the preschool and is thriving with his experience at Trails West in Ms. Brooks classroom He looks forward to going to school, he's always bringing home fun things, and he's happy. Wish I could give more than 5 stars.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2022

Mean people. Good friends. Drama. A lot of action
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2020

Love Trails West, such a great neighbor hood school. The teachers and principal are very invested in the well being and education of the children.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2019

Sabotaging students, holding students back from greatness, and sending children home crying is acceptable behavior
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2018

Excellent. I Have had a child in every grade and we have enjoyed this school very much.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2017

New leadership and experienced teachers have proven to be a wonderful combination.
Submitted by teacher on June 09, 2017

Trails West has a long history of committed teachers and bright students. Recently, they have experienced a lower enrollment, due primarily to changes in the neighborhood, but they have faced these challenges with a positive spirit and a creative commitment to reinvent themselves and embrace new learning journeys.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2017

In the past few years I have become more and more involved at Trails West as a parent volunteer, and I have seen changes in leadership and methods come and go. Under Cheryl Fullmer's leadership this year, I feel that the teachers and the principal are hyper-focused on what's best and most effective for kids; both in education methods and emotional/social situations. I know I will be heard if I have a concern or issue to address. Parent volunteers and the PTCO give a great sense of community to school events, and I am sorry that I have only one year left here.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2017

Trails West l, under new leadership is becoming the school I hoped it would be for my child. The implantation of new ideas and programs are what this school has needed. In addition, a very active PTO has given a wonderful sense of community within the school. I highly recommend Trails West!
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2017

I previously reviewed this school and it was not good. But in 2016/2017, Trails got a new lease on life in the form of new leadership. What a difference! I am updating my review to reflect the current state of this school, which is amazing! New leadership, and a new (2nd year) PTCO board has made this school from a place I couldn't wait to leave behind to a place I am going to be sad about leaving. The teachers have always been amazing, but now that they have support, the entire atmosphere has changed. It is great to see more parents coming out of the woodwork to be involved in the school now that they know they are welcome and appreciated rather than disrespected and tolerated. Your children spend a majority of their time here during the school year, so it is important to feel like it is part of your family. And it does now, it really does.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2015

I LOVE this school! My child started Kindergarten and needed a lot of support. He got it and more! With the help of an entire team, his needs were fully met and I felt that they were willing to try everything just for my kiddo. Great staff too! Everyone is friends and children are their top priority.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

We love Trails West. My older daughter is returning for 2nd grade and the younger going into kindergarten this year. The teachers and principal are very personable and take the time to get to know their students and their needs individually. We've had a very good experience so far and look forward to staying here throughout the girls' elementary years.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2014

I called to set up a time to come in and tour the school. My son has an IEP, and I noticed the student growth rating was only a 3 out of 10. With his learning needs, I wanted to get a better feel for the overall school rather than just judging it solely on test scores. I was told they do not provide tours for Kindergarten parents because it would take too much time. The woman who originally answered the phone was polite and tried to be helpful, but eventually she transferred me to the office manager who was less than courteous. The best she could do was give my name and number to the principal. I was left with a knot in my stomach. I then went ahead and called another elementary school in the area, Rolling Hills, to set up a tour and was greeted by a helpful and friendly staff member who immediately said I could come in any day between 10am-2pm. She also said she would have a contact name and number for me when I arrived of a special educator who could answer my questions about providing services for my son. What a difference between schools!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2014

Trails West Elementary has renewed my faith in public school education!!! As a teacher myself, I have a very high standard of academics and excellence in education for my 4 children. Trails West has more than exceeded my expectations. In particular, my first grade son has had a few glitches with his vision and reading. I had him tested by an outside professional and the school quickly assembled a team of people who work with my son every week to accommodate the areas of weakness determined by the developmental vision assessment. He has improved dramatically in a short amount of time and I know that he loves his teacher and he loves going to school. My 3rd grade daughter is also having a fantastic experience at Trails West. Kuddos to a job well done by all at Trails West Elementary!!