Freedom Elementary School

5280 Butterfield Drive

School District

Colorado Springs 11
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Colorado Springs 11 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 teacher on January 19, 2024

My son has been going to Freedom since 2021, enrolling in the Pre-K program. He spent two years in Pre-K and is now in Kindergarten. His pre-K teachers were/are amazing and his K teacher this year is also wonderful. The school’s email/text/call communication has been impressive through the front office and with each of the teachers too. The principal, Dr. Williams, is always in a classroom or spending time chatting with parents- making sure we all know about any upcoming parent involvement dates. Now that my son is in K his options for after school events or clubs has really opened up and he’s really enjoyed all the new opportunities for specialized learning/events.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2024

We’ve been with the school since 2019. The teachers and staff are super helpful. Mrs Williams is a wonderful leader.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2023

In 2021-2022, Freedom received a new Principal who has done amazing things for our school! There is such a positive, fun, and engaging feeling at the school. The teachers and students seem well supported and parents have many opportunities to be actively involved. My kids love their school!
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2023

This is our second year with Freedom Elementary and am absolutely thrilled with the new principal and mental health team that joined this year. The support and collaboration we now see with the school regarding my sons behavioral needs is amazing. The teachers truly care and the pride they have for their students is apparent. Thrilled to be a part of the Freedom Family for many years to come.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2023

We are new to this school and already love it! The teachers are genuine and care about the students. The building is beautiful, and my kids are thrilled to go to school every day! We are glad we choose Freedom!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2023

We’ve been at Freedom for 7 years, with two kids. I absolutely love the teachers and staff. New principal came in this year, Mrs. Williams, and she has brought some much positive energy to the school. The teachers are always open to talk & communicate about what’s going on in class and with our children. I recommend Freedom 110%.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2018

Truly disgusting. Even after filing and winning a state complaint with the CDR school still continues to break laws.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2018

I would rate my children's experience with this school educators and the leadership to be a 2
Submitted by other on March 31, 2017

I was a little bit skeptic of trusting another Public School with my children future. However, this school turn that all the way around. They truly do care if your child succeeds and takes every step to make sure that they do succeed. They have kept me and my wife very informed and in the loop of our children's education. They have extra school activities such as sports day and sports challenge. He bring out the competition of the children that attend this school, with Rewards and challenges for little children to continue good behavior. My son comes home and tell me how many rewards he got for being a good kid. In short "Tax money well spent."
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2017

My child enjoys Freedom Elementary. Ms. Hayden is an excellent teacher and much help is offered to students that might be lagging behind. Volunteering is welcomed at this school and they have a strong PTA. There are plenty of after school activities for kids and it is a comfortable environment for learning.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2013

My son has been at Freedom since his first day of kindergarten. We are sure to be moved soon, but he is currently attending 2nd grade there. I have been so impressed with this school. To start, for all you military folks that have so little info to work with...it is located in a beautiful, safe, family friendly neighborhood. The teachers are absolutely the best. My son has flourished and come home happy everyday. I love all the extra programs offered after school for sports and music. Parents are always welcome and are actually encouraged to visit. I can't imagine a better school or better teachers!
Submitted by parent on July 06, 2013

Freedom is such a great school. My son and daughter have nothing but good things to say. Whether its the great teachers, the office staff, or Mr. Wilson the gym coach who does sports challenge in the afternoons everyone works together and makes the kids feel so welcome. We are military and we will really hate when its time to move on. The school offers so many fantastic sports programs and they honestly make learning fun. I can say without a doubt that we haven't gotten or met a bad teacher and each school year my kids look forward to going back. I would suggest this school to anyone looking for positive learning and a staff that treats your children like they are family. Also as a parent if you want to be active in the school they welcome parents being involved which is so important to me. Freedom is a great school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

My husband works at Peterson, and when househunting we considered renting houses in every District (11, 20, 43, etc.). We specifically chose the house in D11 because it was served by Freedom. We made appts and met with each school's leaders before choosing; only Principal Marin had a plan/answer for every question on our list ("What are you going to do to mitigate budget cuts?" "How important are the music and arts programs to you?" "How much support do you get from the PTO/PTA?" etc.) By comparison, Meridian Ranch Elementary had an IB program, but the Principal didn't even know what the plan was for her school, and admittedly "hadn't put much thought into it." Also, Ms. Mery (the music teacher) is a Crystal Apple Award Winner, and Ms. Crom (the drama teacher) are outstanding; needless to say the music and drama programs are phenomenal. Colorado cut their education budget by 10% the year we arrived, and the Principal worked with the PTO/PTA, which is very strong, and they raised enough funding to pay the art teacher's salary and keep the art program. Also, we considered that Freedom fed into Jenkins Middle, another outstanding school, which is where our 6th Grader goes now. A+
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2012

Freedom is a great neighborhood school with well qualified teachers and good parent involvement. The kids and the families that attend this school are great. Freedom has all the top technology in their classrooms, computers, smartboards, etc. There is an after school sports challenge with a different sport each month.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2011

I am sincerely pleased with Freedom Elementary and the complete staff. I moved here from the Washington DC area and was concerned that my children would not be as challenged intellectually in the Colorado Springs area however, the curriculum is exceptional, the teachers are superb and the Principal is suited perfectly for this school. I have had many interactions with Mr. Marin and his staff and must say that each concern regarding my children was immediately and professionally addressed. The staff has also brought issues to my attention to ensure that I remain aware of what is going on daily with my children. This staff reaches out to parents by multiple means: newsletters from teachers, emails, phone calls and letters home so there are never any surprises. As an educated parent with high standards, I will say that Freedom Elementary has far surpassed my expectations with their staff, curriculum, activities and overall presentation of the school.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2011

there is bulleying going on at freedom elementary, i have seen and heard it before and after school, so what is going on inside the school? The principal is horrible and very rude, his main concern should be about the children,and adress the parents concerns. Let's see what happens this year??
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2011

I have a kindergartener and a fourth grader at Freedom. I am extremely impressed with both of their teachers. Each class has a variety of skill levels and the teachers expertly adapt curriculum and activities to every level. They use laptops, workbooks and group activities to teach. There is strong parental involvement at this school, which makes it stronger. All grades are taugh Spanish, art, PE, & music. They have school plays, an after school optional PE program that enhances their experience with different sports (only $10/3 weeks - a great deal!), student council and a green club. I think the principal has a genuine desire to make this school a success. I volunteer on a weekly basis and I have never witnessed bullying or dangerous behavior. The children are well-behaved in general. My daughters have thrived here and look forward to next year.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2011

We had a wonderful kindergarten teacher & we were so pleased with the kindergarten program as a whole. I would have been very happy to have our child in the class of any of the kindergarten teachers at this school. Our child is now a 1st grader & once again we are just thrilled with our child's teacher. We couldn't have asked for a better teacher for her. Other positive benefits of this school are the "specials" of music, art, Spanish and PE. In addition, there are several great afterschool programs such as the Science Matters in Colorado science club, sports challenge, etc. This fall they had a special hands-on Science & Technology night & in the spring they have a hands-on Art night. I have read several comments referring to the principal. His personality is such that he does tend to come off a little harsh at times. However, if you get a chance to work with him in a smaller setting, such as a PTA meeting, you are able to see a different side of his personality. I truly feel that he has the best interest of the children at heart & he really strives to have a top-notch school that provides a quality education.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2010

The prinicpal is very rude and acts like everyone else is beneath him. If he were to be moved to a school that better suited his personality (maybe high school) I really wish i didnt have to take my child out but i cant let my child feel like they dont want to go to school..The principal is horrible, doesn't address parent concerns, its his way or no way.. most teachers are good but some are really not....
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2010

We love the teachers at this school. We were very sad to see Ms. Tammy leave us from the front office though as she was always so polite and helpful. The prinicpal is very rude and acts like everyone else is beneath him. If he were to be moved to a school that better suited his personality (maybe high school) the school would be perfect. I have no respect for that man at all.