Aspen Ridge Preparatory School in Erie

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) data from Colorado Department of Education.

Posted: August 5, 2024

ARPS has been an integral part of our lives for the past seven years. Our oldest kids began preschool here and we never considered another school since. Our experience with ARPS has been positive, and we appreciate the nurturing environment the school fosters for its students.

One of the standout aspects of ARPS is how effectively the school managed the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. Unlike many other schools, ARPS was able to keep its doors open and maintain a form of normalcy, ensuring that our children's education was not disrupted. As a result, our kids are not behind in their studies, which is a testament to the school's commitment to academic excellence and the well-being of its students.

The teachers and staff at ARPS are exceptional. They take the time to get to know each student and their family, creating a supportive and collaborative community. As a parent, it feels great knowing that the teachers and staff are working together with the parents, as a team, for the success of our children. It is clear that the educators at ARPS are dedicated to helping each child thrive.

Our children genuinely enjoy going to school, and as a parent, it makes my heart happy to see them excited about going to school every day. This enthusiasm is a direct result of the positive and welcoming environment that ARPS provides.

ARPS has been a wonderful place for our children's education. The school's proactive approach during the pandemic, coupled with the dedication and care of its teachers and staff, has made it a fantastic choice for our family. We are grateful for the positive experiences and look forward to many more years with ARPS.

Posted: July 20, 2024

We joined this school due to their commitment to in-person learning during the COVID pandemic. Then, we decided to stay due to the leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to the students. My boys are thriving in their learning and truly love this school. We are now owls for life! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new school in the Erie, Colorado area.

Posted: July 19, 2024

We have really enjoyed our experience at Aspen Ridge Prep!

We have had one child complete their preschool program and another in the main school, and so far, both have really enjoyed their experiences at Aspen Ridge Prep. So far, the teachers have been great, the school is newer/nice and kept clean, we feel our children are safe when at school, and we love the small class sizes and sense of overall "community" at the school. We also like that the school provides a lot of opportunities for parents to get involved, volunteer, etc. which we feel is important at the elementary level. The teachers seem to really care about the students and creating meaningful relationships with both the students and parents which is great. Overall, we are happy with our experiences at Aspen Ridge!

Posted: July 16, 2024

Aspen Ridge is a small charter school in Erie, Colorado. Our family moved there in the middle of the pandemic, and we were extremely impressed by how the leadership in the school was able to navigate through and put the needs of the children first. My son was in 2nd grade when we first made the move, and his reading was at a kindergarten level - unbeknownst to us as his prior elementary school never mentioned it. Within the year he had caught up, with the help of the paras and the special education teams. The leadership has been able to identify the best teachers for the needs of my kids every year, and make perfect matches. My kids love to go to school, and the community is very special and welcoming! I highly recommend Aspen Ridge if you are looking for small classrooms and personalized high-quality education with a caring leadership team.

Posted: March 27, 2024

Some teachers are great but the ELA "teacher" is not. The school does not do much to prepare you for highschool and their is bullying. Most classes have many disruptive students and the admin rarely does anything about it.

Posted: February 17, 2024

Our experience hasn't been great at this school. Kids aren't challenged academically, and the bullying is getting worse. My kids keep telling me that there is a lot of bullying, and now other parents are calling me about it because they are concerned too. We have decided to move our kids to another school next school year.

Posted: January 19, 2024

Teaching at Aspen Ridge has been exactly what it should be for every teacher out there. I am so thankful that I have found a school to teach at that feels just as comfortable as home. The administrative team truly takes the time to prioritize their teacher and staff's needs and every one of our voices is heard. The social emotional support at this school is phenomenal, as we do weekly lessons on mindsets, monthly assemblies recognizing students strengths, and weekly lunch groups with our wonderful counselor. Our counselor also takes the time out of her schedule to visit each classroom and teach a lesson to help build students morale and teach how to problem solve.

The learning here is exceptional, as we have a cap of 24 students per classroom, and the curriculum is fun and engaging to teach and learn! Anytime we have a student that is showing signs of being outside the targeted curriculum (higher or lower), immediate action is taken to make sure the student is getting what they need.

Family engagement is one of Aspen Ridge's greatest strengths. We are a community built UP by the community and I believe most-all parents would agree. We invite parents to join us in regular recognition of their students, fall festivals, volunteering with events, classroom parents, school tours to make sure parents are comfortable sending their kids here, and so much more like events for parents to attend to get to know each other and support the school at businesses around the community.

Special education is another one of Aspen Ridge's strengths. The teachers that are on staff here to support the needs of all students are absolutely exceptional and always take the extra steps to ensure their students are getting what they need. They go the extra mile, and put the student's need way above their own. I am honored to have such a great SPED team to support me in the classroom.

Safety is a huge priority to ARPS. Last year our gala raised funds to bullet proof our windows. All parents must check in with an ID, field trip chaperones are background checked, and we have double door entrances for all student traffic doors. We have crossing guards to ensure driveline safety.

I also want to mention how amazing our office staff is. They treat us teachers with understanding, respect, kindness and a smile every day.
Our Principal, head of school, dean and VP are the best humans I have ever had the pleasure to work for. I credit my love for teaching to them!

Posted: June 27, 2020

It is a great balance between school work and at home work.

Posted: June 27, 2020

My child has been at this school for 7 years and 6 out of 7 have been excellent. One was good. None have been poor. My child is extremely supported by his teachers.

Posted: June 27, 2020

They focus on character development every semester with a different area of learning for the kids.

Posted: June 27, 2020

The administration for the last three years has been excellent. There was a bit of a rough patch about 5 years ago but that was all resolved.

Posted: June 27, 2020

This is one of the reasons I chose Aspen Ridge was the fact that bullying is extremely rare.

Posted: June 27, 2020

Excellent. 7 years and the school keeps getting better.

Posted: June 27, 2020

Posted: May 10, 2020

Very engaged with the student personally consistently

Posted: May 10, 2020

Very few personnel problems or inpersonal probs with students

Posted: May 10, 2020

The response to the Covid 19 issue put this school light years ahead of the competition.

Posted: May 10, 2020

This is almost non-existent at this school

Posted: May 10, 2020

It has been an great community My daughter loves it and she has gained a great appreciation for education through it.

Posted: February 17, 2020

This school is phenomenal! The teachers at Aspen Ridge really engage the kids and get them excited to learn. My oldest struggled with reading prior to attending Aspen Ridge. The smaller sized school is exactly what my kids need to excel academically.

Posted: February 11, 2020

As mentioned above, our son's assessment scores are consistently above average. This wasn't always the case! So his success is probably a combination of effective teaching and extra support his first 2 years, finding a great group of friends at the school (who are high achievers), and his maturity level. My only concern with the teachers is that there is a higher rate of turnover as compared with other schools.

Posted: February 11, 2020

Like other schools, ARPS focuses on a different theme each month, such as gratitude. They hold monthly school-wide ceremonies in the auditorium and give awards to students who've displayed outstanding behavior based on the monthly theme. When you consider that it's a smaller school and the kids are being awarded in front of their peer group, I think it's very effective.

Posted: February 11, 2020

The principal, Mrs Salmeron, is just fantastic! She has a consistent warm and positive attitude and encourages everyone to do their best. Each year, more sports and extracurricular activities are available -- one reviewer mentioned there are no sports and no music program, and neither of these are the case. The students have a broad range of choices! There are numerous music, art, and STEM electives plus several sports available to the students. They also offer scuba certification, Odyssey of the Mind, and they have a National Junior Honor Society. There is PLENTY to choose from!

Posted: February 11, 2020

Our son came to the school lagging behind in a few areas. Very early on, we were contacted by the school to discuss a plan for extra support. At the time, our son wasn't thrilled but now he's thriving!

Posted: February 11, 2020

We haven't had any issues with bullying in the 4 years our son has attended.

Posted: February 11, 2020

Overall, it's been fantastic. A great fit for our son. We are so happy we found this school and we'll miss it when he moves on to high school.

Posted: July 29, 2019

We have been very disappointed with this school

Posted: May 16, 2019

I have been a student for three years now, and now I am going to high school. The three years I have been here I've seen this school improve and grow so much! When I came in 6th grade, a new upper school was built. And in 2018 the new gym/heart was built. At first, there weren't many extracurricular activities, but this year I participated in Concert Band, Ukulele, Advanced Art, Track and Field, Volleyball, Drama Production and etc. There had also been way more educational opportunities here, for example, this year I won second in the Geography bee which was new to this school, I won third at the district Science Fair, and our Oddesy of the Mind Team placed in the State Competition. We also have many traveling opportunities, in 2018 there was a trip to London. This year some kids are going to Costa Rica, and next year there will be a trip to Thailand!! This school also offers a scuba diving program with trips to Utah and Florida. Even though the middle school wasn't developed as much as the elementary, I am proud to say I went to middle school at Aspen Ridge, and we plan to keep my brother here until 8th grade. Overall a Great School with mostly great people and teachers. :)

Posted: April 24, 2019

Yes the teachers will always approach something and figure it out.

Posted: April 24, 2019

They are so amazing, understandable and they have really helped me improve over the years, I mean how else would I have gotten to the point where I am now.

Posted: April 24, 2019

Students at this school are very respectful and I do not think there would be any other school that is as great as this school.

Posted: April 24, 2019

I would rate this school with 5/5 stars. I say this because this school has taught me so much I need to know for life in the future and it has taught me how to be a good person overall. The teachers are amazing and having a small school is good for the students because the teachers can each get really close with you and help you excel more than at a huge school with giant classes. Also this school does not deal with any sort of drama and it is a non stressful school for your child. And ARPS offers many programs. Like in our music programs, you can take a cappella, band, ukulele or choir. They also have a ton of athletic programs like track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and golf. Thank you for taking your time to read about this amazing school I would definitely suggest it.

Posted: April 24, 2019

Posted: April 13, 2018

Love the teachers - all dedicated pros

Posted: April 13, 2018

Like most Charter schools there have been changes - but they seem to be hitting their stride

Posted: April 13, 2018

They look for balance in age, workload and learning.

Posted: April 13, 2018

Love this school, so happy my child is enrolled.

Posted: February 17, 2018

See Bullying. This school is completely ineffective in everything it does, and its small size does not allow good students to move to or stay at this school.

Posted: February 17, 2018

Every student that I know has gone to this school has been bullied. I have spoken with multiple parents of students ranging from 1st grade to middle school, and at least 4 or 5 have been pulled out after 1 SEMESTER because of bullying. The teachers couldnt spot abuse or mistreatment in their classrooms. Bullying is a festering epidemic at this small school.

Posted: February 17, 2018

This is the worst elementary/middle school in the area, and it isnt close. You could go for probably 30 miles in any direction and not find a worse school. The administration has no clue what they are doing. Everyone that I know who has gone to that school, including both of my siblings and multiple kids in my neighborhood, have been incessantly bullied. The teachers are ineffective and the academics are laughably below standard. Any school in Erie, like Erie Elementary, Black Rock, or the new K-8 by Erie High would be far better choices for schools for your child to attend. They have no music program to speak of, and no athletics either. This school offers nothing outside of its lackluster academics, awful teachers, and ineffective administration. The only positive reviews it gets are from parents whose children bully others and nothing is done about it. Do not go to this school under any circumstances EVER.

Posted: August 14, 2017

Moving my 3 boys to this school was one of the best decisions we've ever made, my kids enjoy going to school, the teachers and staff are amazing!! Love this school!

Posted: July 27, 2016

The best I have seen! They are gifted individuals who are intentional with teaching the children. Above the classroom, they recognize the children as more than just testing scores and grades.

Posted: July 27, 2016

The new principle is a positive change. She seems to understand parents needs and the children's as well. The teachers have always been amazing with my child. They have taught him to read, to write, to add, and so many other basic skills. He looks forward to school, and that is a success for us. Looking forward to another great year.

Posted: July 11, 2016

The students are typically given math and reading and spelling assignments every night for homework.

Posted: July 11, 2016

Aspen Ridge is such a great school for my kids. The teachers are very caring and nurturing. They care about each individual child's success. I love that the students change classrooms and sometimes teachers for reading and math based on their ability. It allows the students who are behind and those who are ahead to be learning at their level. Aspen Ridge is a fairly new school with some new changes and growth, but we have wonderful staff, teachers and parents who are there for the students as we grow larger together.

Posted: July 1, 2016

Strong academics, warm and welcoming community, small class sizes, amazing teachers who truly know their students...all in all, the perfect fit for our children. I highly recommend Aspen Ridge to anyone who is seeking a school that is academically challenging, and yet feels like family.

Posted: July 1, 2016

Posted: June 29, 2016

Aspen Ridge is a smaller school with an amazing community. I am a teacher there and have loved my experience at Aspen Ridge. We have gone through some growing pains but have finally stabilized with our current administration. The future is very bright for Aspen Ridge. If you are looking for smaller class sizes, caring and dedicated staff, and a caring community...Aspen Ridge is your school.

Posted: June 21, 2016

These are the best teachers I have ever seen. They are caring, loving, respectful and dedicated. They go the extra mile to ensure each students receives the support they need to learn and succeed.

Posted: June 21, 2016

The only homework my child had most nights was reading. Typically my child's homework is finished in 20 minutes.

Posted: June 21, 2016

Yes!! Students learn not only how to be a good citizen while at school, they learn about how to interact with the community at large. The teachers do an excellent job of addressing conflict between students. My child uses the methods taught at school to resolve problems outside of school. The student body as a whole are kind, mature and positive.

Posted: June 21, 2016

Aspen Ridge is the top school in our growing town. The school has the sweet feel of a small local school. Students learn from a challenging yet assessable curriculum. The reading program is the best I have ever seen. Students learn at their level for maximum success. Social studies, science, handwriting, art, Spanish, and other subjects not always taught at other schools are an essential part of the ARPS program starting in kindergarten.

The teachers are amazing. They love teaching at the school and they love the students. Parents are involved and invested in the schools success. I highly recommend ARPS. It is a loving, challenging, and fun local school geared for the success of the full child academically, emotionally, socially.

Posted: June 20, 2016

Aspen Ridge stands out from the public schools in the area because of the rigorous academics, loving care for each student, differentiated reading classes, handwriting curriculum, and small class sizes ( 24 max)!! They are the #1 school in Erie and on the SVVSD. This PROVES that the students are not behind the public schools. This school is a true family and like any family has battled a few bumps (growing pains) but now that there is knowledgable and experienced administration in place, you will see many more great things to come. If you send your children here, they will get a fabulous education by teachers that truly know each child and have nothing but their best interest in mind. The teachers and staff put in their own time to tutor (for free) children that need extra support both before and after school. Yes, many staff have left, but many due to moves out of state or several to go back to school. Teachers leaving is not always for negative reasons. I have never witnessed bullying, just children who are learning how to behave socially. The school has a program called "getting Along together" that teaches children how to problem solve on their own without being managed by an adult. I find this teaches them to voice for themselves how things make them feel and gives the confidence to resolve things on their own. My experience has been that teachers always guide this process and step in as needed to teach and guide students. We love Aspen ridge and have comparisons to two districts and two other elementary schools.

Posted: June 20, 2016

Posted: May 25, 2016

My kids have been at Aspen Ridge since it opened its doors 5 years ago. Since that time we've seen 5 changes at the principal, not to mention numerous other administrative changes and an inability to retain teaching staff. This year alone one child had 3 different teachers and my other child had 2 different teachers due to staff leaving. While I've always been a great fan of the teachers at this school, ARPS is just unable to keep them.

The school also mishandles children with special needs, such as those that are autistic, ADHD, or any other learning disability. I personally witnessed the mistreatment of an autistic child by some of the staff. Fortunately that child's family removed him from the school and they are much happier at Erie Elementary.

There's also little to no discipline when it comes to bullying situations. My own child was bullied for a year plus by the same kid with very little action to resolve it. We were told of actions they would take and then one week later they told my child he needed to figure it out himself and stopped all measures they had promised us.

If you are considering this school, I would encourage you to look elsewhere in Erie until the school can become more stable and retain top talent teachers. If you have a child with a learning disability, definitely do not consider ARPS.

Posted: May 25, 2016

This depends on the grade level. We've had very good teachers every year at every grade level until the current year.

Posted: May 25, 2016

Other parents from other schools are shocked by the amount of homework. In Jan of this year, I received an email from a teacher indicating every student in the class but 3 had failed a math test. She went on to state that this happened because parents weren't working enough with their children at home.

Posted: May 25, 2016

They do not treat all students equally, especially those with learning disabilities. They have a program in place to help kids treat each other fairly, but I've never seen it in use. The kids tell me it doesn't work.

Posted: January 6, 2016

Since the beginning of the year.....we continue to get emails about a teachers leaving. Always very suddenly. Seems strange. Our child is new to the school and we are considering changing him to a new school that is a little more stable.

Posted: January 6, 2016

Posted: October 14, 2015

We have been here for two years. While there are some growing pains because Erie is sprouting like crazy, the school makes a point to continue small class sizes, and the community is great. The teachers are amazing. And a plus, they are adding a middle school. I imagine it will be hard to get into in the next few years because of Erie's population growth.

Posted: March 28, 2015

We have been at Aspen Ridge 4yrs (since they opened) and have been immensely pleased with how dedicated the staff has been in the development of our children. Looking forward to the building of the Upper School (6-8th grades)!

Posted: September 20, 2014

We have been with ARPS since its inception. We love it there, it was a real relief to find, if small class sizes are important to you! Their building is brand new and in 2014 are moving towards a middle school and now have preschool this year. Their reading curriculum is Success for All and both my kids are reading/writing at two grades levels above. During Success for All the entire school is ability grouped and they read-write for 90 minutes. They need more enrichment after school, but they try to bring in classes when they can (Rembrandt drawing, running group etc.) We don't care for the Trailblazers math as it feels like a lot of redundant work sheet homework, but the kids are testing high in math so what can you say?. I can't say enough great things about the staff! Most all teachers there have masters and the only teachers that have left from inception are from having a baby to moving to south Denver. It's clear they like the administration. The only real let down is their lack of a "gifted program" but they are working to put one in place.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO		22.2 mi
2	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO		29.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Loveland	Loveland	CO	24.5 mi
2	Ft. Collins	Ft. Collins	CO	35.1 mi
3	Wellington	Wellington	CO	46.3 mi

Aspen Ridge Preparatory School

Erie, CO 80516

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Aspen Ridge Preparatory School

Erie, CO 80516

School Ratings

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