Steele Elementary School

1720 North Weber Street

School District

Colorado Springs 11
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 parent on February 13, 2025

My daughter attends Steele elementary school, and our experience has been wonderful! This is a school where teachers and staff know and care about each student, where everyone works to make learning fun and effective, and there is a true sense of community. My daughter is excited to go to school each day, and always comes home happy. She actually gets upset if there is a snow day because she wants to go! I have watched her blossom and thrive here, and I'm so grateful. The recent addition of the IB program has taken what was already an excellent program and added so much more enrichment. The hard work put in by everyone at the school to make it happen will pay dividends. Furhermore, the older kids are kind to the younger ones, and I see very little evidence of bullying. Kids will be kids, which means conflict will happen, but they work hard to address it and give the kids healthy conflict resolution skills. They also have a big emphasis on inclusivity and kindness, and a good social-emotionsl curriculum. I also appreciate that things like art and music are emphasized/valued and that all kids take Spanish (part of the new IB program). Probably the thing which sets Steele apart the most is the community. Families are invested in this school, and it shows. The teachers feel supported, and there are tons of school and community events that are fun and help bring everyone together. Overall, a great little school!
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2021

This school has been in steady decline over the past 4 years and the current Principal is a huge part of that equation. Lack of connection to families; only interested in those who can provide financial support to the school; complete lack of follow through and no interest at all in addressing anything other than a positive experience. This school used to be THE school to go to and had a waiting list to get into - now so many families have left there is no issue in getting in. Total lack of diversity makes the school a great place if you want your kids to think that homogeneous culture is the best culture.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2019

I really do not understand the negative reviews. I've been a proud Steele parent since 2013. Despite there being nearly 300 students, I've always felt like everyone at Steele knows our kids; their habits, their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses. The staff have brought our children's personalities out and they have thrived here. The activities are wonderful and it feels like a close-knit family. Parents are actually INVOLVED. Our son has two more years at Steele and my only disappointment will be having to go on to middle school and leave Steele!
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2018

I am very disappointed in what was supposed to be one of district 11's best schools. The new principal has no connection to the student or family population. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone!
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2018

Both my children go to Steele after attending a different D11 school. Night and day, my children are thriving in the environment. No school is perfect but this school gets an A+ for trying!
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2017

I went to Steele Elementary when I was in Grade school. Now my daughter attends Steele. Beautiful and safe neighborhood, amazing teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2017

Very poor. Increasingly bad since the new principal was hired last year. I would not suggest anyone send their child to this school.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2016

My son now goes to an elementary in Cherry Creek school district and he was so behind on the curriculum after attending Steele that he had to go to tutoring two days a week the entire school year to get caught up. We didn't even know if he was going to be able to pass second grade. The teacher at Steele isolated his desk in the middle of the class because he didn't socialize with the other kids. She was a first time teacher and wasn't able to recognize that he had focusing issues. I honestly don't know how this school is rated so high. I would never recommend this school, even to my worst enemy.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

Awesome school! My kids love it. They have both excelled in their reading, writing, and math. The parents participate very actively and the culture is very open minded. Fortunately, they still focus on art and music as well as the primary subjects, so the students receive a very well rounded education. We are very pleased with Steele.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2014

Way too political. His teacher made him go up to the chalk board and write who he would vote for PRESIDENT... THIS WAS AFTER THE TEACHER WENT UP TO THE BOARD AND WROTE HER CHOICE AS OBAMA!!! Disgusting, there is no plausible explanation whay the teacher would do this. We tried to talk to administration and we were stone walled. The teacher was never disciplined, nor was any action EVER taken. We have heard multiple other stories like this from other parents. Unfortunately when a TENURED D-11 teacher is disciplined, there will be NO RAMIFICATIONS.... If you want your child BRAINWASHED in progressive thinking, then STEELE is the school for you!
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2012

A safe school and seems to have a good program and dedicated teachers. Doesn't seem to be on the ball when it comes to children with learning issues, but overall a good solid school. PTA is very active.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2010

Transferred my kindergartner from T___r to Steele. Entering Steele, my kid's standardized tests were horrible. Three weeks later all but one of his scores are above the scheduled standard. I noticed a big difference in his knowledge of letters and words soon after starting at Steele. I attribute this mostly to the school. I'm impressed. One thing I didn't like about T___r's splitting the kindergarten class was that the selection criteria (by enrollment date) looked, at least to me, geared to get the lower performing kids into the new kindergarten class. Cold hearted introduction to the harsh world IMHO.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2010

Caring, professional and dedicated teachers, great PTA make this school function excellently. My kids are happy and learning!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2010

Steele Elementary prepared my daughter for her school career. She's in high school now and thriving. I believe that the caring and dedicated teachers at Steele Elementary played a vital part in her strong willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2010

Steele Elementary is a fabulous school. A real neighborhood (community school (not kiss and drop) perfect size. Great experienced teachers (20 plus years!), great traditions (the 5th grade class does a Shakespere prodection each year) Great families, resources and support. Excellent cirriculum. Great music, art, phy. ed programs as well. This school is a true community where kids build roots and friendships that will last forever.