Air Academy High or Cheyenne Mountain High (Colorado Springs, Fountain: lease, credit card)

[ladyjag45]

I have a daughter who will be entering 9th grade when we move to CS. I am between choosing Cheyenne Mountain or Air Academy. Once I have made that decision, we will find a home in that district. Does anyone have experience with either school? I have done some research online and both seem to be wonderful schools, with Cheyenne Mountain being the smaller of the two, (which I like). My daughter is highly self-motivated and bright, therefore an academic challenge is very important. She is also very artistic, and currently sings in show choir at her junior high school. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Obviously, I realize I am asking for opinions and I must make my own decision as to what is right for my daughter.

Thank you for your responses,


Mary

[otowi]

I would say Cheyenne Mountain has a bit of an edge academically, but both are very good. But it also has a reputation as being cliquish more so than Air Academy. If you could visit the schools that would be advisable.

[ladyjag45]

We will be taking a trip out at the end of March. My husband just came home and informed me that the drive from the Cheyenne Mountain area would not be a good commute to Peterson AFB where he will be working. He looked at a local map and the commute would take him through the center of the city. Our third choice is District 38, though it seems it is hit and miss with the high schools being a great choice.

[otowi]

I don't know specifics about D38 elem/middle, but I've never heard anything bad about them and I'd say the high schools are at least on par with the others you mentioned.

[ladyjag45]

Thanks, my daughter will be starting high school.

[hollyt00]

I'd choose CMHS.

[froggin4colorado]

CMHS

Funny story (well maybe you won't see it that way...)
A very good friend of mine has a both a son and daughter who went there- one just graduated 2 yrs ago and the other still there senior year.
Anyhow, Mom was looking at getting a new car- this really excited her daughter. Daughter made the comment, "YEA! I was starting to get embarrassed by being dropped off in the BMW!" (wanting something new and better) My gf was actually considering getting a Honda Accord. Daughter wouldn't speak to her for a couple weeks and found a new ride to school.

I saw a lot of CMHS at Chiplote for lunch...they have great taste! LOL

[ladyjag45]

That sort of thing goes on around here too, but my daughter just ignores it. She is not materialistic, unlike many teens these days. I told her we save our money for retirement, not to live a certain lifestyle. We don't have car payments, unlike most people with new, expensive cars, (or they are leased), and no credit card debt. So much of what is seen as wealth is an illusion. She gets it. She dropped a friend recently because of the girl's arrogance about her parent's supposed wealth, (they live in a 9,000 square foot house, drive BMW's, etc). The girl put one of my daughter's best friends down because of the size of her house, (which is average). That girl will either be supported by her parents when she grows up or have a rude awakening!

[bashep]

Speaking as a native to Colorado Springs. I went to Air Academy, my little sister went to Cheyenne Mountain. My dad says things were much different at Cheyenne Mountain. Money is very important down there and if you don't have it, it can be hard socially, kids can be cruel. Alot of family money.

There is a BIG difference in what you can get for a house down there compared to Rockrimmon area. So I would look at prices of homes aswell, because you will definitely see the difference. Not sure what your price range is though.

Hope that helps.

[froggin4colorado]

Bashep has a very good point!! Reps! I choose CMCH because I like the location.(Remember I was a Fountain small town community girl). Like I've told my own kids, you are going to deal with issues everywhere, get used to it. (I have a point don't I?) If DH was working back at USAFA...I'd choose north schools.

Ladyjag- I really like COS in the sense of how down to earth so many are. The materialism/wealth is less prominent there. Out here on the east coast, it seems that your worth is only based off money. What about quality of life? I don't remember holidays when I got this and that, but I do remember the ones full of memories of laughter, tears, and excitement.

I'd hate to take "my" BMW, Lexus, Jag, etc out on those mountain roads! LOL This is why I drove a Dodge Neon, paid for. My next car- Toyota Prius of similar...I drive lots!!