Cherry Drive Elementary School

11500 Cherry Drive

School District

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Adams 12 Five Star Schools 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 24, 2023

This is a school that exemplifies a focus on students, positive culture and willingness to do whatever it takes. Tight knit, amazing staff and a family feel we have been proud and appreciative of.
Submitted by other on May 15, 2017

We have had or son and now our daughter attend Cherry Drive from 1st through 5th grades. As parents we could not be happier with our kids education, the administration and base program! Our children loved this school, their teachers, custodians, office staff and administration have all been friendly, available and shown a propensity to give all they can for their students. The people who work at this school are invested in the children and year after year our kids have loved their teachers. A big thank you to everyone at Cherry Drive from our family , we will definitly remember our time spent at Cherry Drive fondly.Jeremy and Heather Goggin
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2017

Both of my children have been at Cherry Drive from 1st through 5th grade. Every teacher has been dedicated to their students and very responsive to my children's needs. The office staff is great, the teaching staff is great, and the support staff is great!
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2016

Students and teachers at Cherry Drive are very happy. My fifth grade student had the best year ever and it was because of the teamwork of the fifth grade team and Mrs. Hepp. Also, my 2nd grade student also had a fantastic year because of her teacher. I know a lot of teachers left, I don't care why, I'm glad that the teachers that are there truly care about the needs of all students. My child had some issues with bullying and it was taken care of swiftly. I would recommend this school to anyone who asks!
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2016

The lack of communication at the school leads to frustration and anger. Most teachers do not keep parents updated or send emails. Their answer to questions is- check the website. The school has a bully problem, but sweeps it under the rug. The front desk staff is only nice to parents if they know and/or like you. Otherwise, they do not look up or acknowledge you. The District has to have noticed that our entire 1st Grade team of teachers, plus one 3rd grade teacher (with over 13 years teaching at the school) and another 4th grade teacher (also 10 + years teaching at the school) ALL left at the end of last year. There HAD to be a reason! Many families also choiced out. Why? Also take note- so many families have choiced out for next year, that nearby schools, such as Skyview, are now full, due to Cherry Drive students leaving Cherry Drive. Look at the scores and talk to community members before enrolling here. Principal Hepp is your friend until you need something or your child is bullied. Ask about the enrollment numbers. They are very low. Also, be aware this school is on an improvement plan. If your child has an I.E.P., be sure to talk to other parents here, Principal Hepp is NOT on your side, get an advocate!
Submitted by other on February 17, 2016

My children are so well cared for at the school. It is a wonderful state of the art learning environment, with the 1:1 IPad program. I feel so lucky to have my kids in the school learning from these wonderful teachers and staff. This school is very lucky to have the support from our Parent Teacher Partnership staff and volunteers with ongoing fundraisers. The school is very welcoming and creates a community feeling.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

I think it's amazing that they are so community and family oriented! It shows how much they care about the students and their families. I have complete trust in the staff and principal at Cherry Drive! I love that they are so nurturing and inviting.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2015

We are very lucky to have our children attend Cherry Drive. The building is very welcoming. You can tell all staff cares about the children that attend this school. The teachers are very good at what they do and are there to support their students. The teachers and staff work very hard to deliver the most engaging and rigorous lessons. We love the I Pads. Our kids have flourished with them and use them to enhance their learning. I feel that my kids are well prepared to go the the next level. As far as our experience our kids have been well cared for, pushed to perform their best, and they have become invested in their own learning by setting their own goals for their learning targets. As far as communication, some parents need to join the digital age and use the website, listen to the auto calls that are frequently calling to alert parents and families about the happenings at the school as well as the frequent emails and notes sent home through IC. The principal is at many events, the staff is well invested in their students, and you can tell that they really care about their students and community. I would reccommend anyone in AD12 to attend this school. We are very sad that it is our last year there.
Submitted by other on September 28, 2015

The staff is caring and positive and have supported my children socially and academically. Mrs Hepp is a wonderful principal who cares about her students and staff. I love the access to technology in this school.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2015

This year this school has dropped all parent communication and insists on using only the website to communicate. It is a horrible policy and has caused many parents to lose trust in teachers and the Principal. The 'digital school' concept is seen as zero communication with the community. Parents all joke with each other when a question comes up to 'check the website' since we all know we can't ask an actual person.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2014

My children have attended Cherry Drive for the past 13 years. I have enjoyed each and every teacher there. Each year has brought about change and with that new and fresh ideas are born. I am saddened to read some of the comments posted on this site and wish that people would be more appreciative of the hard work that goes on in our school. Communication has never been better. I can't understand anyone having problems with that. I receive numerous emails, check the website, read signs posted in the building, read the IPADS that are hanging on the bulletin boards!!! (What other school has IPADs hanging on their bulletin boards?) I am so glad we don't get the amount of papers we used to get, I would simply empty their folders in the trash after pulling out my child's work that I wanted to save. Throughout the years I have always been disgusted at the nonsense that happens at recess. My children didn't like recess because of the amount of drama that would go on. I was intrigued by the Playworks idea so I observed the process and the kids seemed happy! Kids learning games and rules from staff and volunteers! Awesome! I have NEVER felt an ICY ATTITUDE from anyone! NEVER!
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2014

The icy attitude and underwheming experience at Cherry Drive leaves a lot to be wanted. Communication is lacking and unless it is one of many fundraisers no paper communication exists, it leaves a lot to be desired. Being involved as a parent is getting harder and harder. If you ask questions a firm answer is given and that's the end of the story, your concerns mean nothing. Organized recess and quiet lunches confuse the kids and discipline mimics the military. Our kiddos come home so confused by what is going on, like having to walk in circles as punishment. This school has no appreciation for its community. The 1:1 iPad experience may look awesome, but the reality is much different.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2014

Cherry Drive has been a really good school to all of my children. I really like the 1 on 1 iPad use available to the students. Great extra resource tool to expand on their learning. Each teacher that my kiddos have had have been wonderful. Would like to see a better playground, but the school says they are working hard to be getting it upgraded. Overall, we have been very happy with Cherry Drive.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2014

Mrs.Hepp is one of the best principal that Cherry Drive has ever had.. She always puts the community first and I adore what she has done with our school. Technology at Cherry Drive rocks!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2014

Where is the principal? She is rarely available to chat and when she is, it's a very brushed off chat. She really could care less about your opinion and is off in her own world. Teachers are rude and use their volunteers. Staff has no pride in their school, I never see them at school functions. Kids get left behind and just pushed through the system. Talent isn't capitalized upon. The office staff barely acknowledges visitors. My daughter just draws on printer paper stapled together for art and the art teacher is ALWAYS hanging around the office manager for no reason. Staff have open inappropriate conversations in front of students and parent helpers. Everything is outdated except for the iPad program, which is pushed and pushed, leaving behind other necessities. Website is outdated and fundamentally lacking. We would really like to see major changes done to our boundry school and not have to worry about getting choiced in somewhere else.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2013

My son hated this school and I dont blame him. The principal doesnt handle kids well AT ALL. Morale seems low and teachers seem like theyve always got a cloud over their head.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

There are good teachers here, but overall this school could use a lot of improvement. One of my children has special needs and the principal and special education team were in over their head with him and did not call upon district resources when it was sorely needed. BASE is awful. They have impossible expectations and will discipline a child for normal kid behavior. If you need before and after school care, you would be wise to avoid this school.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2013

My kids have attended this school for 4 of the last 5 years. I am dissatisfied with a few things, but I do see improvements. I love that we are now a 1:1 iPad school. The Principal managed to do this at a very minimal cost to the families. I am very pleased with this. I do get frustrated with the lack of parents who are willing to volunteer to help with events and such. It always seems to be the same people who volunteer and those who don't still complain about not having enough events scheduled. The office staff is nice, but sometimes I feel they are left out of the loop. I love Mrs. Loeffler. She is a great teacher!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2013

My children have been at this school for 2 years now. There are a few select teachers who are in it for the right reasons but for the most part this is a terrible school. My children are way ahead of where the rest of the class is and so they are punished by being taught separately. There is very poor communication. My sister has picked my children up without questions and without being ID (what if she wasn't who she says she is?). And BASE.. forget it. The director talks down to the children and makes them feel like less of themselves. She should NOT work with children. And don't even try to get the district office on board for mediation. Completely worthless school and district! We will not be here next year!