Juniper Ridge Community School

640 24 1/2 Road

School District

Mesa County Valley 51
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

charter

School Map for Mesa County Valley 51 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 January 30, 2025

We absolutely adore juniper ridge and the Waldorf curriculum. The school is very open and transparent about what they are teaching and the teachers are wonderful!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2025

We have had all three of our sons in this school and think it is extremely important that kids be active. All learning is activity centered and keeps our boys engaged. The goal of this school is something I wished I would have learned early on in life; how to love learning.
Submitted by other on October 11, 2024

I went here for 5th grade and, not tryna be rude, but It was a mistake. Not a huge mistake, but definitely didn't suit my needs. I'm in 9th grade now, and when I went here I thought it was rather nice, there wasn't an unreasonable amount of homework so that's nice. The playground is a lot of fun. I would just say that this school is for kids whose needs are big and I just wasn't one of those kids. Music was totally fun though, and art. Learning about Persian history in 5th grade was funny.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2022

We moved one of our daughters to this school for her 6th grade year from Caprock hoping it would suit her learning needs better. We were very hopeful. The teachers and staff were very nice and respectful. And I think have good intentions. There are some reasons, however, that are now leading us to move her to Orchard Mesa Middle School. 1) There is no homework - She comes home with nothing to do school-related. We have purchased a 6th grade workbook for her to do at home as homework, if nothing else to see where she's at academically. I'm glad we did because she is behind in several key areas, including math. 2) Their school work does not seem to be challenging - She rarely has brought things home she's done in class, or has to finish at home that were started in class and it usually involves coloring of some kind. I don't mind coloring a diagram or something, but this is stuff that is well below her grade level. 3) The teachers can't teach what they want - My wife has had conversations with her teacher about what she wants to teach her students, but it seems she is hobbled as to what she can teach. My understanding is that this teacher, and others, are leaving the school as well. This is not a good sign of a good school. 4) Theft - My daughter routinely has things stolen from her backpack and lunch bag. The most recent was a bag of popcorn stolen straight out of her damn lunch bag.About the only good thing I can say about our experience with Juniper Ridge are the hands-on activities that the students participate in. She brings home really cool things she's made, such as a basket she wove herself, or a piece of leather that she stamped. All of these things being said, there is basically a major parenting problem these days where parents seem to quite literally let their kids do whatever the hell they want, which doesn't lead to a good school environment. And these types of kids can be found at any school. But there are enough negative aspects to this school that our daughter will no longer be going there.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2022

JRCS is a welcoming community for all students and families. My children feel safe, understood, and seen by their teachers. A rich art and music program is lacking at other schools due to budget constraints but not at JRCS; the arts are wrapped up in every lesson. Spanish lessons start in 1st grade! During this pandemic, the administration and teachers made sure safety was the number one priority. The school installed new ventilation systems in the buildings to help with the air quality. They listened to parent’s concerns and made sure that masks were available for students whom may have forgotten them. There number one priority is the students. Great Waldorf Charter!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2021

My child's teacher and administration made it very clear that being a sanctuary for students of anti-science and anti-vaccination parents is the primary role of JRCS on the Western Slope.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2019

Our school isn't perfect and it isn't for everyone, but our family is grateful to be a part of it and know it to be an enriching environment for our kids. As a newer charter school, it has experienced ups and downs but the community is strong and I genuinely believe in the vision.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2019

My children are thriving at this school. As a parent, I enjoy their approach to teaching. The Waldorf curriculum is such a culture-rich, hands-on, experiential-based curriculum with an emphasis in art and community mindedness. I feel they have learned the subjects at a deeper level than they would have at a traditional school.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2018

Building a charter school inevitably comes with many challenges. The fact that Juniper Ridge is a Waldorf Public Charter lends to the complexities. The past 5 years have seen many ups and down for our school but I am proud of the commitment to making it work our community shares. I've watched the admin learn from mistakes and take the necessary steps to correct them. I've watched the culture and community grow and the parent council strengthen and I am proud to be the parent of two outstanding children who have been here since the beginning. I know our school isn't perfect but I believe in what we're doing and I have faith in our staff and parents.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2018

I truly believe in Waldorf education. I believe that the teachers at this school are dedicated and loving. There is room for growth and unity but this is needed from the families and the school staff equally.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2018

They are misleading and not straight forward. About what they teach, when and what is going on in the classrooms. They need better plans for kids with behavioral issues as well, instead of sending them to the lower grades for punishment until they can be part of the class.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2018

Horrible. My middle schooler has missed out on so much education. I'm terrified of how far behind they will be when we leave this Hippie Camp. It was not worth the experience, and now we are stuck until we get caught up!!
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2018

Dont go here if you are a decent parent you wont send your child to this hellhole.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2015

JRCS has a wonderful way of meeting each child at his or her cognitive, emotional, and social development. They offer the basic core subjects nestled among the arts and nature. Children learn in the classroom and outside. The school offers a full music program, Spanish, gardening, and a wide array of arts. Small class sizes with teachers who love truly care for each student.