000 Thacker Road
Rye, CO 81069

While passing through this charming rural town 10 years ago, I noticed this beautiful school and imagined my child playing outside with friends at recess, with the forest and mountains surrounding her. Very different from the asphalt school yards I grew up with across the country. We bought a home here when my child was 3 months old for this reason. When it was time for school to start, I watched as the teachers rallied through COVID to make sure the children at this school still received the best educational experience they could provide and not fall behind. Since returning to the classroom, my child has thrived. They know every teacher and staff member and someone is always there to help. They were on the honor roll last semester. I am confident that they are not only receiving the best education in the county, but also receiving a strong foundation built by the members of this community. Additionally, the opportunities for outdoor education are such a unique bonus! So proud to be a part of this school and community!

This school is horrible...the principal is disrespectful and looks down on everybody that walks in there! Three times my son was marked as absent when he was picked up by the bus and after school in the office for detention because his school was behind and they won't help him catch up now today there's a volleyball game and no other student is being taught by a teacher they're all at the volleyball game and they cram the students who have been bad or who are failing into a room they call study hall. If you pick up your kids early it's counts as an absence if they're not being taught then how is it an absence especially when all of the other students are absent from the classroom too....

The school is the worst school ever. My daughter used to love school now it’s nothing but a fight she scream cry’s. Can’t even walk my daughter up to school. First the start way too early. They shouldn’t be starting school till 8:30. They only go 4 days a week, so the schools don’t even go by the law if 171 contact days. The student pick up drop off is a complete joke. The whole district as a whole is a joke. Worst school districts in the whole state of Colorado.

My daughter went to school here from preschool until 5th grade and never had bad year. In fact, she almost never even had a bad day. The principal has been there for years, there is very little staff turnover. Year after year, I see the same calm friendly faces in the hallways at teacher conferences and school events. My son has been there from preschool and is in 2nd grade here. Same for him. Never a bad year and almost never even a bad day. I think very highly of this school and am grateful that it is close to us. My daughter has now entered middle school and the contrast is huge. She is deeply unhappy and we are considering other school options. I am writing this review because I kind of feel like the official stats don't accurately portray what a quality school South Mesa is.

The school has a welcoming environment and a positive atmosphere

Hiring staff here needs more oversight and their staff needs held to higher standards. Sports coaches are condescending and do nothing to teach the kids how to improve. All they know how to do is nitpick and destroy a child's self esteem. They expect the athletes to be at a professional level and think they're coaching professional teams. Kids come here to learn how to get better and the coaches here should be ashamed of themselves considering how they treat students trying to become better. There is a reason why they haven't won any championships lately. Building team morale is non-existent. Hot headed sports coaches that think they're better than everyone else. Overall the school's curriculum is decent. The organizational group makes sure the kids have a social avenue to get them away from their comfort zones with after-school activities etc. The school's "kid loop" recently implemented was designed by someone who apparently did not study traffic. They spent hundreds of thousands to revamp it. The end result is a more dysfunctional system that wastes the parents time.

Unless you're besties with administration you receive no support. Your concerns don't matter and heaven forbid if you disagree with them. They aren't looking for teachers to challenge and do what's best for the students. They are looking for yes men.

The school is an amazing school. My 3 children have attended and they have had the utmost great experience. I would definitely recommend to the community that if you are looking for a place whose teachers have the biggest hearts DSE is the place to attend

just wow cant say enough about this school ! From the greeting from Miss Robin to just the staff alone !! My son and kiddos have many learning disabilites and high functioning Autism and wow this school has really gone above and beyond .I was really worried when the principal Mr Shepard was leaving because the kiddos were finally settling in finding their place and getting comfortable . Someone was leaving but me also who dont do good with change just wow Mr Maez was great fit nothing chnaged at all but if anything it been so good a smooth this school i would absoulty rate at my 5 star number one !! the staff the school everyone is truly amazing when my brother got killed and i took in his babies this staff jumped and helped there were just amazing !!! just cant even say enough !!!

My kid has been in Prairie Winds elementary since 3rd grade. Excellent teachers, a lot of support and help for kids. We are very pleased.