Cotton Creek Elementary School

11100 Vrain Street

School District

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 July 09, 2023

My child is in the significant support needs (special education) program and attends their regular classroom with support. I have been very happy with CCE for the amazing support our child has received in the SSN program. My child has made more progress than I ever expected them to make. They are reading, which I never thought I would see in my lifetime. The kindness and warmth of all staff toward our child has been wonderful. People know my child by name and make them feel like a part of the CCE community. I will be very sad when my child has to move to middle school and leave such a welcoming and supportive environment. I wish the outside world could be as welcoming as this school has been to our child. Thank you.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2022

We have been incredibly happy with our experience at Cotton Creek. Excellent programs, teachers and overall engagement for the students. Clear communication and a culture of caring...even the top administration team will greet your child as they enter and exist the school every day. We consider ourselves blessed that our children are able to attend such a great school. Truly one of the best elementary schools in the area.
Submitted by other on February 24, 2021

Both of our children who go to this school really seem to like it, and the teachers we've had in the past 4 years have been wonderful. The school has a great atmosphere, and since the addition they added a few years ago, the school really has room to grow. There is a rotating special class the kids take, art, music, computers and the SEL (social emotional learning) classes they take really seem to take the kids feelings and thoughts into consideration. There is a good emphasis on not just memorizing facts and numbers, but also generally learning the material. Overall I would definitely recommend this school to anyone moving to the area.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2019

The teachers and administration at this school are top notch. They work very hard to make sure the students are learning and trying their best to be successful later.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2018

The teachers are awesome at this school! My kids love cotton Creek
Submitted by other on April 23, 2017

Cotton Creek's staff is really dedicated to make sure that kids are successful. I couldn't imagine a better school!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2016

Love the teachers and staff. School includes a wonderful before and after school program that is very affordable and my girls love it. Been with Cotton Creek for 7 years and the school staff, administrators and parent community have inspired my husband and I to do more for our children and the school. Public schools are losing funding and it's going to take a community to build upon each other to make it through. My youngest will be done with 5th grade soon and moving onto middle school but I intend to keep on helping out where I can. This is how great this school is. I can't imagine a better school for my girls to have the pleasure of going to. They are growing up in a diverse community. They get to experience friendships with children with different backgrounds and challenges. To the parent who had to withdraw their children due to law enforcement visit...... The school is simply doing their job. Good luck at your next school and please leave them a few contact numbers for you so they are able to get a hold of you when you forget to call in an absence.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2016

I saw a prior post regarding law enforcement coming to a home to check on a student. I am sorry this has upset this particular family, however, I see it completely differently. It is reassuring to know the school is taking the safety of the students seriously and for me this is a positive for Cotton Creek. Ever since the tragic murder of Jessica Ridgeway it is my understanding that new procedures were put in place to ensure the safety of our children. If a child is not present at school and there has been no contact from the family letting the school know of this absence (like calling the attendance line, or office) than the school has an obligation to follow up with the parents/caregiver. If the school can not get a hold of the family then they have an obligation to send someone to the home of the student. In the review the parent said he didn't call the school so that means the principal has to follow through with the next step if he is doing his job correctly. In the end what is important is that the child was okay and accounted for. But I know if it were my child I would have been thankful that the school cared enough to follow through until they knew my child was safe. I don't see this as nosy or the school trying to take over the parenting of my child - I see this as a caring community doing their job. Cotton Creek has a huge heart and my experience has been a great one for the past 7 years.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

This is a great school with a traditional neighborhood feel. It has dedicated teachers, staff and a principal who does his best every day. It is not everyone's idea of perfect, but if you are looking for a good, well-rounded education for your kids, with a diverse population and the inclusion of special needs inside the classroom, this is the place to bring your kids. It is a home for all families. Cotton Creek has a GT program and special needs programs, with clubs/activities to grow your little ones into something special. Bring your whole family to Cotton Creek and tour the place to see what you think. Come see for yourself what a great school this is.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2014

Interesting how all the negative reviews of this school mysteriously vanish - let's see how long mine stays. Listen, and listen good: Cotton Creek abuses the CO educational laws, which favor the school's judgment over the parents. They ignore or get defensive over questions and concerns about your child's education, they have a serious bullying problem, the teachers don't get the training or tools they need to do their job (some have overcome this and do great, but sadly that's only some), they've used state budget issues as an excuse to cut corners at the students' expense even though this is ILLEGAL, and the principal treats it all like a big joke. As someone else said, notice how soooo many of the glowing reviews for this school came in for this place at the same time... please, don't believe the hype. Oh and go ahead, Principal Kempsell, report this review and get it removed - it still won't stop me from telling others how bad Cotton Creek is and what an inadequate leader you are.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

We moved here from out of state, from a district with incredible schools. I was very concerned with what we would find, and have been so pleasantly surprised! We are thrilled with the staff, my sons 4th grade teacher, their attention to his personal needs (not just the core education, but pushing him personally ahead in areas he has strengths in, even if it means extra work for his teacher). We love the the leadership. We love how they want the kids to be happy and thrive and not just worry about the scores. I am turning down a seat at the local charter school offered to my kindergartener to have him attend Cotton Creek.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2013

I miss this school so much! We moved from Louisiana to Colorado a few years ago. We were leery at first to send our daughter to a public school and Cotton Creek could not have been better. The teachers and staff are incredible. There is a HUGE focus on education not just fund raising. I wish we could find us a school like this in TN (where we moved to). Sadly we have not. I miss CCE!
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2013

My child has attended this school for 4 years and has been very happy. This school has some of the highest educated and experienced teachers in the area. They work together as a team and love what they do. The school offers a GT program and really keeps kids challenged, but also offers help for the kids that need it. There is a strong PTA with lots of parent involvement. The Physical Education teacher works with kids and parents to really get kids to be motivated. We have 2 school runs per year, as well as other sports. Great specials such as Computers, Music, Art PE programs. The Principal is very personable and involved with the school. He is at every school event, PTA meetings, evening events, and is outside greeting the kids each morning. Test scores tend to be low, due to number of outside factors. Don t judge this school by the test scores, come take a tour. This school will offer your child a well rounded education!
Submitted by parent on January 06, 2013

We have two children at Cotton Creek. I have been impressed with the dedication of the staff. Seasoned teachers work with new teachers in a cooperative team teaching environment. Kids are happy there and the focus is on well-rounded curriculum where kids learn important content and life lessons. Come visit us. Our principal is outside before and after school on most days rain or shine to keep the kids safe. The PTA is a hardworking group of women (and men) who care about the school and plan family activites along with other fundraising activities to maintain the strong sense of community in our school. Not to mention we educate all members of your family... From special needs to gifted and talented. We are a school where everyone is welcome.... Step inside and take a tour. You will feel the heart of the school and why so many families love Cotton Creek.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2012

I have two children at Cotton Creek. My oldest child also attended CC. For the past 6 years, I've noticed some of my children's friends leaving and attending another school (the families didn't move residences) and then returning to Cotton Creek. Several of these kids have attended 2-3 elementary schools before 3rd grade. Is this best for a child to switch schools so often. My belief is these parents think Ivy League and forget their kid is in elementary school. School should be fun at this age and learning goes beyond a TCAP test. Parents need to get their head out of the sand and stop looking for the next best thing each school year. Become involved in your child's education and you begin to realize Cotton Creek is an outstanding school. If you sit on the sidelines and never participate, the school loses out on your involvement. Strong schools have a great community feeling, as does CC. They currently lack a mix of veteran and new teachers. The school has great programs done by music & physical education teachers and PTA. Technology is abundant although it often depends on which teacher your child has whether or not they infuse technology into their instruction.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2012

I don't recommend this school. The focus is on funding and enrollment instead of education. The PTA is concerned with popularity and not what's right for the kids. We're applying to other schools in the district for next school year. Don't believe all the five star reviews. The principal asked parents to write good reviews. Notice how many were written in the same time period.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2012

Cotton Creek is a fantastic school. Yes, the building is 30+ years old and the playground is pretty 1970-ish too. Don't let the external appearances deceive you. Teachers here are experienced, highly educated, and fully committed to the kids. We all know that teachers often spend a lot of their own money for basic classroom supplies, but one CC teacher paid over $700 out of pocket to purchase LEGO kits for the LEGO robotics club. If that doesn't show dedication, I don't know what does. My kids (2nd and 4th) are challenged every day, and both have individual learning plans to ensure they are able to move on to advanced topics rather than waiting for the rest of the class to catch up. Teachers at CC understand that kids learn differently, and at different paces, and accommodate learning needs. Good balance of diversity. Principal is fantastic and did a great job addressing a bullying situation (one of our kids was bullied - principal and teachers promptly notified us and put an immediate end to it and worked with us to help our child). Parents are actively involved in the school. Like others have noted, the annual Pumpkin Run is a fantastic event. All around great school
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2012

My family is very fortunate to live in an area with so many excellent school options, and I feel fortunate that my kids are at Cotton Creek. I have a kindergartner and a 2nd grader and have been very happy with the education they received. At this age, I am certainly not concerned about my kids learning 2 grades ahead, or being forced to learn/know concepts that they are not developmentally ready for. I want them to be challenged, while still being encouraged to be a KID, and this school offers that plus a whole lot more. My oldest is considered "advanced" or "gifted" and the school has done a great job challenging him and providing ample opportunities for learning and growth above and beyond what is expected for the grade level. The principal is very hands-on, approachable, and accessible, and is always outside (even on the coldest single-digit temperature days) to welcome each child by name as they arrive to school. Strong parental support, active PTA, terrific extra-curricular activities (Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, running club, bike club, LEGO robotics, math club, etc.) You can FEEL the life of this school when you walk in the front doors. Highly recommend!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2012

We have a kindergartener and 2nd grader at Cotton Creek and our 3rd child will be attending there in a couple years. We did get into other schools but picked Cotton Creek as our number one choice. This has been one of the best decisions we have ever made regarding our children's education. Cotton Creek has that loving and nurturing feel which we feel is a very important characteristic in an elementary school. The academics have been tailored to fit our kid's individual needs and there are great activities to be involved in through the school. The principal is wonderful and he has always been available to talk with. The teachers are AMAZING, every single one has given our children the love, support, and guidance they need to make elementary school a positive experience. The parent involvement at the school is also excellent. Cotton Creek is an awesome school and our children's love of school is living proof of this!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2012

My familiy has had the pleasure of being at Cotton Creek for the past 6 years. When my daughter was starting Kindergarten we researched and observed at several schools, including a local charter school. As an elementary school teacher myself (different district) I know an excellent school when I see one. From the moment you walk through the doors you will find the school to be warm, friendly, and nurturing. The teachers have very high expectations academically, behaviorally, and socially. The teachers are wonderful and instill a love of learning and reading. The teachers do an excellent job challenging and engaging GT students. My children look forward to school each day and don't even want to stay home when they are sick! The school has an amazing amount of extra-curricular activities including foreign languages, lego robotics, chorale, running club, drama, student council, biking club, volleyball, and more! The principal is outstanding! He is very hands-on, caring, and willing to help out with anything. The kids truly feel like the adults in this school care about them and want them to succeed. Cotton Creek is a great school and I would highly recommend it!