Manitou Springs Elementary School

Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Phone: (719) 685-2195
District: Manitou Springs 14 School District

7

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 331 students

Manitou Springs Elementary School, a public school located in Manitou Springs, CO, serves grades PK-5 in the Manitou Springs 14 School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Manitou Springs Elementary School is a public school located in Manitou Springs, CO. 331 students attend Manitou Springs Elementary School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 6/10 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.
Student Growth 7/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - CO CMAS - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 Student Growth - CO PSAT/SAT - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education.

Posted: September 28, 2025

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Posted: September 28, 2025

I am a teacher at this school but have a current student attending and have had another student go through. MSES is a tight knit community that welcomes any and all students! Teachers create strong academic environments where students get hands on opportunities to explore learning and create positive relationships with their classmates and school staff. On top of their homeroom learning, students have the opportunity to explore art, music, Spanish and STEM classes! Concerts, art showcases, cultural projects and science based projects are just a few of the fun extra curricular opportunities every K-5 student participates in. Whole child learning is lived out every day at MSES!

In short, my students sums up what this school means to them on snow days, holidays, and weekends..."Awww, I don't want to miss school!" There is real care, attention and love for students at MSES and I highly recommend you check out this hidden gem in public education!

Posted: August 5, 2023

Manitou Elementary has a stronger curriculum and a more peaceful environment than many local public schools. Yet since the current principal assumed her role, starting in 2020, the school has employed an inept guidance counselor and has effectively killed musical education altogether. Certain families now are invited into the school culture while others are not. Manitou Elementary still reflects the wonderful work of the previous principal but essentially is going downhill fast.

Posted: August 5, 2023

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Posted: January 29, 2023

My kids have gone to manitou for four years and every year has been wonderful. The teachers here are top notch and have had great and unique experiences every year. Aside from the staff one of our favorite things about Manitou has been it's strong sense of community. My kiddos truly feel like school is their second home.

Posted: January 29, 2023

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Posted: January 17, 2023

I am a parent and a part of the PAC. I really love the school environment, teachers and the school as a whole. This school does a lot for the students. There are many opportunities here that kids don’t get at other schools.

Posted: January 17, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

Manitou Springs school district is an exemplary example of focusing on the relationship between the school and each family. The staff in this district foster positive communication with families to ensure they have supportive roles in their child’s education.
The district seeks active community involvement with parents and teachers and people in the community, through their committees, like SAC and PAC. These are constructive partnerships that allow parents and guardians the insight into the district as well as allowing the district to have insight into the lives of its students.
Parents are strongly encouraged to share in their child’s scholastic journey and are informed of the many choices they have within the school.
We have three children in this school district and could not have imagined a better school for them!

Posted: January 13, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

We choiced our son into Manitou Elementary when he was in kindergarten. We live on the westside of Colorado Springs but absolutely loved Manitou's commitment to the whole child. We were also drawn to their offerings of things like Spanish and a strong music/art program. I cannot say enough good things about this school. I attended Manitou schools K-12 and it was a no brainer for us choice him in when we moved to the westside. Our son is now in 3rd grade and he has had the most amazing teachers. Not only are the AMAZING teachers, but they are great humans. Every staff member in that school truly cares about everyone of those kids. I believe whole heartedly that my son feels safe and cared about when he steps into that school. Their after school program offerings are amazing. So many cool options for kids to explore. I have also had the pleasure of serving on the School Accountability Committee. It has been a wonderful experience. I truly feel like my opinions and ideas are heard and implemented when necessary. The parents, community members and staff that I serve on that committee with are fantastic and are really looking at ways to improve the school and celebrate what it does well. The school also has an amazing PAC. I don't participate in that committee but they do some amazing things. They are super supportive of the teachers and staff and put on super fun events for the families. When considering schools, Manitou should be at the top of your list!

Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: January 13, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: January 10, 2023

This is hands down the BEST school I’ve ever seen in the US! We transferred to this district in October & have 2 sons, 9 & 6. Our 9 year old is autistic & his grades suffered during COVID like most kids. We started them out in a different school as we were new to Colorado but our eldest was struggling & not getting the support he needs. After a month there we moved to Manitou Springs & switched schools to MS Elementary & it has been AMAZING! Both kids love their school, our eldest grades have improved dramatically & there’s never been a single time I haven’t walked out of this school without thinking how much I love it. Every teacher, office staff & kitchen staff member here are fabulous! They truly care about all the kids & it’s like a home away from home. There’s just so much love for the kids there…

Now onto the principal, Ms Maria - OMG I cannot tell you how much I adore her!! She knows & cares about every child in her school. We speak on the phone occasionally & I love how much she genuinely cares about my kids. She tells me how amazing my kids are, we talk about how to help with their needs & I am honestly in awe of her!!

If you can get your kids to this school - do so. It’ll be the best decision you could ever make for your kids. It’s such an incredibly caring school!

Posted: January 10, 2023

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Posted: January 5, 2023

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Posted: January 5, 2023

Our family choiced into Manitou Elementary School even though we live in D12, a highly rated school district. The school's and community's focus on creativity and innovation was what initially drew us to it, but now that we are in our second school year at Manitou Elementary School, we have so many more reasons to support our decision.

The teachers and staff are warm, caring, and welcoming and know every child's name. Our previous teacher went out of his way to offer engaging classroom activities for our son. Our current teacher incorporates growth mindset into the classroom, which I believe is a long-lasting gift for her students. Our son is advanced in academics, and we have met with teachers and the assistant principal to ensure he is getting what he needs both academically and socially. I appreciate that the school incorporates social emotional learning into the school day--the kids are learning life skills that everyone needs. Lastly, I've met many wonderful, dedicated parents through the school's Parent Action Committee and through the City's youth sports program, which has been a bonus for us and has enriched our lives as we return to normalcy after the pandemic. Manitou Elementary is a wonderful fit for our child and our family.

Posted: April 2, 2022

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Posted: April 2, 2022

Manitou has been a great school for my son. They focus on letting kids be kids while learning and helping the develop emotionally. He would be considered twice exceptional which means gifted but struggles with fine motor skills too.

The school and teachers really care about the students and work together. Because it is a small school most of the teachers get to know your child too. Most of the teachers are good at supporting different learning styles too.

The new principal as of 2020 is wonderful. Ms Masone is a great leader who supports the children and family needs as well as the teachers. She also has a vision for moving the school forward and actively works on improvements including building cooperation and community.

Posted: June 20, 2018

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Posted: June 20, 2018

My son is thriving at this school. Dr. Vogel and his staff are incredibly attentive and compassionate, especially when dealing with a higher average of disabled children than the rest of the state. The programs during and after school are leaps and bounds above different districts.

Posted: April 2, 2018

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Posted: April 2, 2018

Manitou Springs Elementary is fantastic! Our child has thrived in their unique caring environment. The district also has an amaizing afterschool program called ARTS 14.

Posted: March 20, 2018

Posted: March 20, 2018

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Posted: March 20, 2018

I can’t say enough positive things about Manitou Springs Elementary School! Their teachers are amazing, learning is creative and fun, not strictly focused on academics.
The teachers and staff are also caring, knowing all (definitely most!) the kids names in the school, regardless if they are in their class or not....it’s like a big family.
It’s a beautiful place to grow and learn!

Posted: December 1, 2014

We moved our children from District 8 to this school. We are absolutely thrilled and elated by the quality of the education, staff, teachers, and leadership! Manitou has a whole child approach to their curriculum. From the moment we set foot in the front door, we were greeted by friendly and engaging staff, laughter, and classical music playing in the lunchroom to name a few. Their curriculum and approach to education is many years advanced to our old district. Manitou has a wide range of after school and gifted and talented programs. I could go on and on. We love this school and are here to stay!

Posted: December 16, 2013

Great school with great teachers! They still have lots of programs to educate the whole child and the teachers and staff truly care about all the children. I would highly recommend MSES!

Posted: June 6, 2013

District leadership is excellent. School administrative leadership has been great. True leadership has been demonstrated in the midst of challenges like creating 21st century learners and implementing a 1 to 1 device ratio in the district. Majority of teachers are great. I moved my family back into the district and have not been disappointed. The community support and parental involvement are top notch. I highly recommend.

Posted: June 3, 2013

Great staff, great kids, unbeatable town! An eclectic student body that will help your kid see past appearances.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Mountain Shadows Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 4.7 mi
2 Cheyenne Mountain Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 6.2 mi
3 Windmill Apartments Apartment Complex Colorado Springs CO 9.1 mi
4 Comanche Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Fort carson CO 9.3 mi
5 Dakota Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 10.2 mi
6 Briargate - Fairfax Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 11.8 mi
7 Pronghorn Meadows Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.3 mi
8 Cordera Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.3 mi
9 Security Valley Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.4 mi
10 Wolf Ranch Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.5 mi
11 Wolf Ranch (Briargate) Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.9 mi
12 Flying Horse Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 13 mi
13 Stetson Hills Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 13.1 mi
14 Forest Lakes Neighborhood/Subdivision Monument CO 14.3 mi
15 Fountain Valley Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 15.5 mi
16 Falcon Neighborhood/Subdivision Peyton CO 16.6 mi
17 Meridian Ranch Neighborhood/Subdivision Peyton CO 18.9 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Manitou Springs Colorado Springs CO 4.4 mi
2 North Cheyenne Canyon Colorado Springs CO 4.6 mi
3 Colorado Springs Co Colorado Springs CO 5.2 mi
4 North Gate Blvd Colorado Springs CO 13.7 mi
Base Distance
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station 8.5 mi.
Fort Carson 10.4 mi.
US Air Force Academy 10.5 mi.
Peterson AFB 12.1 mi.
Schriever AFB 21 mi.
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