Bennett Elementary School

1125 Bennett Road

School District

Poudre R-1
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Poudre R-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 March 04, 2022

It's not an easy time for students, teachers and staff. We feel a lot of compassion for how challenging it must be. Due to Covid we haven't been allowed IN the building so we can't make an assessment of the facilities, beyond the playground, which is well-kept, the friendly crossing guard, and helpful pick-up/drop-off staff. Academically the school seems decent, and certainly after closures, virtual school, etc. there must be a lot of catch-up to do. The subjects and material don't seem very interesting or engaging. Nor is there much of anything that creates community or binds the student body, or families together with the school. There are no fun events. No field trips. No outdoor activities. No special guests. What we really take issue with is all of the drama, bullying and lack of proactiveness we have experienced in our child's classroom. It's awful. The school just doesn't haven't have enough resources to keep up, (they don't even have a dedicated art teacher, and many of the staff and teachers are doing double duty in areas, and the turnover of para-teachers and similar seems high). Our child comes home not just in tears, but no longer wants to attend in general, and they used to love school. There also seems to be a lot of punitive action by our child's teacher, so that when certain children are out of line the entire class must pay for in, recesses are taken away as well as activities when homework isn't up to snuff. We have even received a few general emails from the teacher expressing disappointment in the class, their work, etc. But upon follow-up not specifically our child, so it seems these should be sent on a case-by-case basis, not to everyone. These general "blasts" of negativity, from a teacher who hasn't been present much throughout the year are upsetting. Again, it's got to be a tough time to be a teacher, but we're generally considering moving schools.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2019

This is an amazing school! I cannot imagine sending the kids anywhere else! The teachers are amazing, as are the other parents.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016

I have had three kids come through this school. My two older kids experienced high-end education, and a taste into many different cultures- it being an IB school. I was very impressed by the friendly Bennett environment and the support coming from the staff. My older kids flourished and they walked into middle school prepared and well educated. After my middle child left (2013), a new principal arrived, and things went downhill. Many of the teachers left along with the principal, and there was a huge shift in the system. These facts can be proven with the scores on this site. I am hoping that my youngest child is able to leave this school like my other kids- prepared and ready for future years of education, however it seems highly unlikely.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2016

We are shocked that Bennett has received a rating of "6". As an IB World school, we love the International Baccalaureate curriculum and that a second language is part of the curriculum. The overall approach focuses on how who we are and what we do inter-relates with the global community overall, while understanding the improtance of our local community.. Our son, now in 4th grade, has attended Bennett for the past four years and he has loved all of his primary and elective class teachers. We also like how the students are challenged to set their own learning goals (along with the required classroom goals) and reflect on their own strengths. Lots of school involvement opportunities and extra-curricular clubs here, too, that are fun and engaging. Kids come from all over Fort Collins to attend this school--we hope you'll consider it better than a "6" because we--and many other Bennett families--do, too!
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2013

Both our girls have gone to Bennett IB World School since kindergarten and both of them love it! The teachers are great and promote a respectful behavior from the kids. They keep the kids challenged and make sure they learn up-to-date technology mediated information as well. There are several fun activities and fund raisers that give parents and kids to mingle after school. I think the best event is International Day where children learn about the cultures of other countries (some they have never even heard of so far!). The children going to Bennett are getting a holistic education to face life and its challenges.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2012

I love this school. Everything in this school is perfect. My tow sons love there school. I really have a good experience in this school. This school improve the kids' skill learning and encourage them to learn more. The teachers know how to treat kids very will. My youngest son was in Ms. Allen kindergarten class. In Ms. Allen's class my son had a huge improved in his learning skills and learn a lot. In addition, my oldest son was in 2nd grade with Ms. Meadows and Ms. Anderson's class. Also, my oldest son's learning skills has been improved. In short, I'm very grateful about Bennett School
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2012

My child's class is studying the solar system, and my child asked the teacher if "how the planets got formed" could be the research question for the upcoming project. The teacher said this topic could not be researched because "God made the planets." The teacher is a nice person, and near retirement, so I hate to make waves. But this is not a good sign for this school. PSD needs to send a memo to the principal reminding him to remind the teachers that proselytizing should not be done at school. The teacher's religious beliefs should not dictate what science topic my child can research.
Submitted by other on April 01, 2011

I want to say that in the years I attended this school I was very happy, I always remembered Bennet School as a place where quality education was present. I attended kindergarden, first, second and a semester of third grade, through the years 1972 to 1975, my teachers and fellow students called me Jose ( hooosayyy) thats the way it was pronounced. I hope I can find the students that attended with me the same years. God bless Bennet School and Fort Collins
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2011

I recently moved here from San Francisco and was initially worried if my "gifted" daughter would be challenged. Well I was promptly educated on the fact that every child in my daughters class was "gifted' and challenged and I got knocked off my high horse when I found out that she was actually BEHIND the other children. My daughter has now caught up and I am so glad that she entered this IB school sooner than later. If we had waited another year, it would have been much more difficult to grasp their learning concepts. The curriculum is amazing! The teachers and staff are top notch and every child is treated as an individual. I can also not say enough about how caring the teachers are. They hold the children to a high standard of accountability and social responsibility and are very "hands on" in the classroom. They are also outstanding in keeping parents informed. As a parent who normally enrolls her children in private schools I can honestly this is the best school my daughter has ever attended. There is no need to waste my money on a private education in Fort Collins. The public school system here is doing an AMAZING job and I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2010

I have two children that attended Bennett and we all loved it! The staff is caring and they know their students. They are fun and each teacher helps each other out so that all of the students can be successful. They also understand busy lifestyles and help parents out with frequent reminders!
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2010

It is an IB school that encourages and expects creative thinking through IB projects and such things as teaching chess.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2007

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