Central Elementary School

1020 4th Avenue

School District

St Vrain Valley Re 1j
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for St Vrain Valley Re 1j 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 December 06, 2018

The culture among parents at the school is excellent. It's a small enough school where close friendships among students and parents can be formed and nurtured. The teachers are caring and knowledgeable and work together as a team. The IB program is a wonderful program that promotes learning of many topics and many cultures. Communication is a huge handicap of this school. My children have gone through this school and I'm not sure exactly what they did in class most years. First grade was the only grade that had a steady weekly newsletter go out to parents about what their students did that week. I had to constantly ask what my kids were doing and learning in class. Because of this poor communication style there is a big disconnect between parents and the school. There is a call for parent participation and funding but there is no genuineness or sincerity to help encourage a participation bond among the parents and their children's school beyond volunteer help and money. I don't think the current principle does a good job at promoting parent inclusiveness. I also wish he would put himself out there and inspire his staff and parents. I wish he would go the extra mile to help parents of kids who are struggling. It would be nice if he could be more vocal, encouraging, and up front about making parents and students feel welcome. I love that this school has a Community School where parents can volunteer to teach to the kids. Craft classes and other classes are a great way to get kids learning beyond the classroom. The school library is wonderful and always getting in updated books. The librarian is always smiling and kind. It is a well curated sanctuary for learning!The G/T program is mediocre. The process is confusing and once a child does get in there is no communication about what the G/T teacher does with them in the classroom. Overall, this is a good school with great teachers. The culture among parents is welcoming and the embracing of all cultures and differences is very, very comforting. The atmosphere is compassionate with an emphasis on kindness. It is a wonderful school and I hope new leadership in the upcoming years will bring new opportunities and new life to this beautiful school.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2014

We transferred in mid year during my daughter's kindergarten year. We have a solid year under our belts now, and I can say without a doubt that this is the best fit for us. The atmospere and teachers are top notch!! We adore Central. It should be rated a 10!!
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2013

Central Elementary is an outstanding school! My children have attended Central since kindergarten and every year we have had excellent teachers. I am very impressed with the teachers, the principal, and the school's involvement with the community. Central student test scores may not be as high as some schools, but Central serves a diverse neighborhood and I am very happy that my children are exposed to this 'real-world' diversity. There are numerous opportunities for enrichment for both advanced students as well as students with learning challenges. There is also an excellent before- and after-school Community School program. I couldn't ask for a better elementary school education for my children than that provided by Central Elementary. As a university professor, I know that Central is providing an outstanding foundation for it's students.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2013

This is an amazing school with such community. Our children are led by principles of integrity, action and leadership. Our teachers pursue only the highest standards for all students and help each achieve their goals. Our principal and leader plays a huge role in educational life. Not only does he commit his days but he is at every PTO meeting and every school function as an active participant and volunteer. Our community school program or continuing education classes are awesome. We do Shakespeare in the park, bird watching, running, baseball, community work, made homeless bags this year, dancing, and clubs like MESA, front door garden and lots more. We love Central!!!!! this year we raised 20,000 and donated 25% to flood relief. Action at work.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2013

Involved and informed parents, a hands on principal, and top notch teachers make Central a results based school that is focused on producing students who are prepared for the challenges of our progressive and constantly evolving world community. Its International Baccalaureate program promotes and teaches inquiry based, community focused learning for all students. Kids learn to be well rounded, tolerant and thoughtful citizens who have high expectations of themselves and others. Students learn a rigorous curriculum that will prepare them for the advanced learning needs of the 21st century. Visit Central, talk to parents who send their kids there and teachers who work there. You will discover how special a place it is where kids discover, grow and learn about themselves, others and gain the academic and social skills they will need to successfully navigate our global society.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

I love attending our neighborhood school by walking or riding bikes (both of which are promoted by the school's Walk and Roll program!). We are also fortunate the school is a recently accredited International Baccalaureate school (Primary Years Programme). The diversity, inquiry based learning, Spanish, and an emphasis on helping others, are all key to our children become well rounded citizens of the world. Technology is present but not a substitute to traditional learning. PE, Art, and Music are all recognized, and the school was also just designated a Green Star Eco school (they compost!). With an active PTO and a versatile before & after school program (along with classes offered through a community school program), this school has it all!
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2012

Central is what a public elementary should be. The teachers and staff are invested in not only the children but the community and surrounding neighborhood, where many of them live. It is like a community gathering every morning and afternoon, where you can say hello to your neighbors and meet new ones. The curriculum is very challenging but balanced, the introduction of the IB program has been fantastic. The school offers many after school activities, from Star Wars Camp, Lego Builders, UNO Club and even Yoga. The Principal is results oriented and holds all students accountable for their actions, he can be found outside greeting students and parents by name most mornings. The school has fostered a great volunteer program of parents and grand parents. The school creates and fosters lifetime learners. This school has come along way and will continue to improve because it has the right teachers and administrators to make it happen. The low rating will improve, and is highly influenced by the fact that Central is a diverse school and has had distinct challenges other schools in the district have not been faced with.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2010

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Submitted by parent on October 28, 2009

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Submitted by other on December 04, 2007

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