Best school districts in Colorado that encourage the arts, imagination, self-expression, and physical activity

[brohder03]

Thanks Katiana!

[Sonic_Spork]

I've been researching Colorado Springs schools because we're moving there (Army) and I have a son in Orchestra. Before I knew where we were heading I looked into other areas as well. For instance, Kentucky in general doesn't offer Orchestra to middle schoolers at all, and often not high schoolers either. Look at the funding numbers over the test scores. Schools with money are sometimes able to afford more programs. Then again, a dedicated teacher team can sometimes make a lot out of a little. But everything I've heard about Kentucky & Tennessee says that is generally not the case. The educational system in those states appears to be starving.

In Colorado Springs, D11 routinely offers Orchestra in the middle school level, and also Eagleview Middle School in D20. D20 is the froofy "rich folks" area in the North of the city apparently, everyone thinks they want their kids in those schools. The consensus is also that D2 in the South really sucks. Meanwhile, there is an explosion of gang activity and crime in some central and East areas radiating from the airport out. Therefore, I've chosen the Western part of Colorado Springs. It meets all of my needs.

I would look at the school district websites, see what programs they offer, what clubs and activities (I'm looking for Lego Robotics for one of my kids, he'd love it, for instance)...you can really find out a LOT online. And if you still don't have answers, find some phone numbers for school districts and start calling them. They'll help you figure it out. One thing to watch carefully for if looking at public schools (and unless you are wealthy and certain to stay that way, you should at least look at the public schools even if it's down the road) ...one thing to steer very, very clear of in all circumstances...is when schools combine Elementary/Middle/High levels instead of having separate schools. This can happen even in "nice" areas. I attended a so-called "blue ribbon" school in a very nice area outside of Cincinnati, OH as a teen and they had middle school age kids combined into the high school. Pre teens will do nearly anything to impress and fit in with older kids. I knew a 13 yr old girl who had an abortion, and her parents never even knew. There is very good reason that most places separate out these age groups, but some places don't get it. GOOD LUCK!

[davidv]

In an era of budget cutting, many districts are getting rid of their music, theater and arts programs (especially at the lower level) to focus on the basics.

Jefferson County has eliminated or will eliminate most music programs at the elementary and middle school levels. They are not unique among Colorado districts.

I know that for now, Cherry Creek schools have maintained their arts and music programs at both the elementary and middle school levels.

Contact the individual district or check out their websites to see if their schools offer more than the readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmatic.