Pikes Peak Area Schools -- READ ME FIRST (homes, school districts)

[froggin4colorado]

Newbies: I have been involved in just about every school district in town. I am now out of state in VA.

The school districts in the Pikes Peak area will have thier struggles/issues like any other school. However, something you should know about these school districts/schools is that they are truly there for the kids and run by administrators with the kids truly at mind- NOT by wealthy individuals who have a lot of power in the community. Additionally, they minimize the number of people in adminstration allowing individuals to be head of departments and to be work together as a team.

After moving away and getting a feel of something different, I have to realize how lucky the Pikes Peak area is to have such great schools. Even D2 has a good system, its just advised to stay clear due to its clientele.

Rest assured that all of the districts in the area focus on the students and achievement, not so much on what the public or what wealthy powerful individuals think should happen.

Why is this coming across? Now that I am outside of the area, I am discovering how screwed up education really is and why parents are on such a rampage with homeschooling and in legal combat with schools. Heck I would be too after only 2 weeks with my current district and from what I hear- I am in THE best district in the area.

Bottom line, you can rest assured that the schools in the Pikes Peak area have great schools. They will have finance issues, still deal with standardized tests and stresses, but they are pretty well organized and run fairly smoothly.

(Mike, feel free to merge this with other school threads!)

[Mike from back east]

Froggy, great stuff, we'll keep it a separate thread and I've already put it in the index of key threads for COLO SPGS.

Having lived in the DC area of VA for 31 years, I don't miss it a bit. Though the schools in Fairfax County, VA are considered among the top in the nation, the schools downstate can vary quite a bit.

[froggin4colorado]

I actually have teachers who have taught up there and said it is similar up there. I am not frustrated YET, but wanted to rest assure to incoming parents that the Pikes Peak school districts are probably not what they have been dealing with and might be a breath of fresh air.
The whole question of "what school district/school should I put my kids in?"...really?!!- every district in the area is good.
Thanks Mike, miss CO, but things are going okay. Think this will be only temporary- couple years or so. Its an adventure and a chance to do east coast and some history.

SO, find a home you can afford and try to stay clear of D2!! Love CO for me!!!!!

[aep73]

I am familiar with the VA schools and, as someone who's considering making the move to COS, it's helpful to have this comparison. Thanks, Froggin!

[froggin4colorado]

And of yes, the transportation system has their act together too. Kids are not picked up at 5am to get to school and the bus drivers are trained well on how to handle situations rather than turn around and yell at kids and nearly get into an accident.