CHATHAM Plan in Spring Valley Ranch by D.R. Horton
Elizabeth, CO 80107

Northeast is an well established school with strong administration, great teachers who work together as teams, and excellent support services for alternative learning needs including advanced learning, gifted and talented programming, learning disabilities, and special needs. The school has both a physiologist and counselor, supporting social-emotional wellness. Classmates work together in groups often. Each grade level has multiple Project Based Learning projects, primarily worked on in school, to tie in curriculum-based subject matter while utilizing practical real-life skills, including critical thinking skills and collaboration. In addition to rotating through art, music, PE, and science/STEAM, and intentional library time, many other enrichment and extracurricular activities are offered before and after school, including art classes, jewelry making club, science club, orchestra, band, choir, robotics club, Lego club, sports clubs, and more. We love that classmates are also neighbors or living nearby. Our child has thrived in this enriching, thoughtful, caring environment, and we are thankful to have such an incredible community schools in both Mountain View Elementary (preschool - 2nd grade) and Northeast Elementary (3 - 5th grade.)

This is an excellent school with outstanding teachers. While students sometimes feel overwhelmed by the volume of homework and tests—which can create stress for both them and their parents—the payoff is well worth it. Achieving strong grades and receiving a quality education gives students a real sense of pride in their accomplishments. As a parent of a student here, I couldn’t be more pleased with the school’s approach to teaching, discipline, and accountability.I also appreciate that the school maintains a traditional, conservative approach to education—one that focuses on real learning rather than political indoctrination. I hope they continue on this path so that students can thrive academically and grow into well-informed, independent thinkers.Douglas County schools continue to stand out as some of the best in the nation.

Ponderosa may look like a good school on the surface, but ongoing issues with bullying and racial slurs make it a deeply concerning environment. Students especially African American students are reporting that they feel unsafe, unheard, and mistreated. School should be a safe, healthy place where every child can learn and grow, not a place where they’re subjected to racial harassment.This is particularly alarming in a school that is predominantly non-minority. Diversity is increasing in our communities, and schools should reflect that by fostering inclusivity and respect. There needs to be a clear, enforced rule or policy in place to defend minority students and hold offenders accountable. Without such measures, the school’s outlook remains outdated and harmful.Being called racial slurs while simply trying to get an education is completely unacceptable. Until meaningful changes are made, I cannot recommend this school for minority families. Students deserve a safe environment where they are supported, valued, and respected not one where discrimination is tolerated. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL !!!!

We moved here from a state where there is no school of choice so I was very overwhelmed. I decided to give our neighborhood school a try because I am a strong advocate for public schools. I cannot say enough about the amazing experience we had at Mountain View. I have never felt such a strong sense of community and belonging. The PTO does a fantastic job working with the school and holds wonderful events and fundraising opportunities. The staff all truly care for the students and go above and beyond for them. My daughter did not qualify for speech but they still took extra time to work with her on the few areas she was weak in and now she is thriving! My daughter loves coming to school everyday and cries when she has to stay home sick because she misses her teacher. Academically there is no score for this school because state testing does not begin until 3rd grade and they are only K-2, but you can look up Northeast (their sister school down the road) who houses 3-5 and see how amazing the test scores are. We are so grateful for this school and community.