Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School

13095 PECOS STREET

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 March 13, 2024

My child has been a student here for 2 years and has enjoyed their experience so far. The teachers spend time helping students and foster their creativity. The administration and PTO really cares about the student community and their families.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2021

Really enjoy the school and all of the support the kids get. The staff does a great job working with all the kids of all levels. Challenging the ones that need it and helping the ones that are slightly behind. There was a lot of trickyness to the last year- the school navigated it all very well. Would be a strong recommend from me.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2017

My child is finishing their last year at this school and I couldnt be happier. This school has gone down hill very quickly. As others have said it is over populated allowing children who need more help to slip through the cracks. My daughter also spent two grades out in a trailer for her classroom with no bathroom which meant the kids had to walk up to the main building and ring the bell for a locked door to be opened to come inside. Completely unsafe. The lunch times are short and crowded and have lunch ladies who are rude and made my child cry on several occasions. The worst yet is that my child started being bullied in the end of the year this year and even though ive brought it to their attention someone called safe to tell and brought it to their attention theyve dont nothing to stop it. They " spoke to" the children involved which sid nothing because after being told to stop the kids started puttinf "anonymous" notes in her desk as if we have no clue who it was. The vice prinicpal told me shed " investigate" as she likes to call it but ive yet to hear back from her all. This is after I myself had to go into the school to talk to them about her being physically harmed by these kids and not recieving a call even after I left them a message about it. KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AWAY FROM THIS SCHOOL! It really is too bad that the admistration staff is so bad because there are a few wonderful teachers here but they unfortunately cant make up for all the down falls of this school.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2017

The 504 and Health care plan are only partially being followed. VERY large class sizes and not enough focus on students as a result of overcrowding. For 2 months there was no work sent home or papers graded. No way to assess what your child is learning or how they are doing. Our child was new to the school and we discovered after 2 full months of school that the teacher had not told us- or noticed- our child wasn't receiving work she needed to do and it does affects her grades. I much prefer a school that focus more on students to ensure they are understanding the material all through our the year. Also we prefer that homework and graded work be sent home to parents. Especially since our child was missing school from illness and medical reasons- make up work should be included to insure the all childrens grades and education are being put first. I prefer a school that follows the 504 medical and Health care plan and not just what works best for the school. Also an extremely Strict attendance policy even if your child has medical reasons. We received zero make up work for the time our daughter missed until after I reached out and asked now we are cramming to catch up! Never had this issue at any other school. I can only assume it is to the very large class size and probably overworked teachers. We have tried to make these things work for our child. The lunch time is very short and our daughter has brought that up as well as other parents I see. Our child wakes up at 7-7:30 am and needs additional rest due to medical reasons. The school never wanted to accommodate us and that is a shame. We are having our child go to another school next year. This was not a good fit for our family
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

I agree with the reviews on the teaching staff, they are great. Now for the ugly truth. The class sizes are horrible. They are stuffed in like sardines and if a child needs a little one on one , its not going to happen .The lunches ARE too short, and further down the line these kids will most likely have GI problems. Now for assessment test. They have MULTI assessment test all year. If you don' t live in the walking distance and can't make it because they do not have the busses for assessment days they count your child absent for the entire day. Another way to keep a lower income child ..is no car...from taking the test and penalizing them for it..They also now that that will give them a higher than average overall test scores. Causing the the state and Federal government to pat them on the back. It's an unjust district to penalized the not so fortunate child that doesn't live near and has to bus and they don't. SHAME on the district.
Submitted by other on March 27, 2014

Safety is a concern. Parking lot and traffic is horrible. Administration is biased and treats families unfairly. Many behavior issues in classes that are not being addressed and effecting my child's education and safe surroundings.
Submitted by other on February 21, 2014

I rate this school 2/5 because I learn a lot, which is good but there are many flaws at my school. SOME (not all) teachers do not respect kids. Their punishments are inapropriate like embarrassing the students or yelling at them. I understand that kids do need a punishment for their wrong actions, but these punishments lower self esteem, which in a way can be bullying. Another reason is the lunch time. The lunch time given at this school is 10 minutes - does ARE know that the state law says the minimum time for lunch period is 20 minutes?! The staff here are nice and the principal, and most teachers. But these issues are not suitable for kids 5-11.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2014

This has been a great school for our son, who has attended K-3 thus far. The teachers are fabulous (*especially* Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. Schoolmeester!) and really try to connect with their students and provide a nurturing learning environment for them. The principal, Mr. Gerzon, is wonderful -- very hands-on, approachable, and caring. The school also seems to be fiscally responsible and transparent with keeping parents informed of where budget money is allocated/spent. My small(ish) complaints about the school would be: limited gifted/talented program to keep my son challenged, long drop-off lines (especially for K-2 students), number of students per class has been in the "larger" range (28+ per class). But, all in all, a wonderful school!
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

Arapahoe Ridge Elementary This school is located within a quiet respectable community that's not near any busy streets. It's tucked neatly away. The teachers have been great & respond quickly to our needs if any issues arise. I like the fact that they get the parents involved to help you respect what the children are learning. I am happy that if there is an issue in the community or surrounding cities that they inform the parents quickly by email or calls about Lockouts & when they are lifted. It makes me feel like my child is truly safe!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2012

This is an amazing public school. The teachers are incredibly committed and the principal is very involved. We have had an excellent experience.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2012

We have two students at Arapahoe Ridge and have been at the school for 3 years now. We are extremely pleased with the Principal and the Teachers. They are all very dedicated to the students and are always looking to enrich the learning environment at the school. Even with the huge budget cuts this year, the staff has done an excellent job of utilizing the resources wisely and effectively. We are so happy to be apart of our local, neighborhood school where our children are thriving and learning.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2012

ARE staff works as a team towards the school vision of creating a community of learning. Outstanding Adams 12 school. I take exception to the negative reviews with very specific one-off issues thery are focusing on. Come see for yourself, go wolves!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2012

I have been involved with ARE for the past two years and couldn't feel better about our choice to send our children to this school. The teachers are passionate about teaching, the well-being of the children and are committed to making the elementary years a wonderful experience for the children. Every year we see more and more budget cuts and the administration and PSO Board at ARE are always coming up with creative ways to increase learning opportunities, help the struggling students, add technology and resources. Every decision is made in the best interest of the students. Thinking about sending your kids to ARE. Come for a visit, meet the teachers, talk with the principal, call some parents.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2012

I have been absolutely delighted with our experience at Arapahoe Ridge. The teachers have been excellent and completely adaptable with the material to keep my daughter challenged. I feel like they do a wonderful job of not only tailoring the material to her needs and level but on the days I volunteer, I can see it being tailored to the needs of those students who need additional help. The principal is involved, attentive and available whenever I have needed him. We receive constant and timely communication. I love the early release day on Wednesdays and the opportunity it provides to do outside activities without interfering with her schoolwork. I am so grateful that we have such a high-quality and positive school for our children to attend and would recommend it to anyone!
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2011

Excellent school, I have had kids for the past 12 years straight. We have had some absolutely magnificent and innovative teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2011

Wish I could give this school 5 stars. Was going to give 3 stars but that is average and to many staff are more concerned with policy and procedure then the kids. And the principle will get upset if you tell the truth about the pathetic staff. They do have some great staff as well. But the principle would rather protect weak staff then try and make them improve. Arapahoe's inappropriate practices include but are not limited to Inappropriate meal time. Only 20 min for lunch? Is the school aware that employers are legally required to give employees 30 min? Are our kids second class citizens? Inappropriate end time prior to 2PM on Wednesdays. Kids should be taught to avoid sun exposure between 10AM and 2PM. They should not be put at risk of being put outside prior to 2PM. The school district should be on the financial hook for any skin cancer kids through the system develop in there life if this Inappropriate er very Inappropriate make that very very Inappropriate practice is continued!