French Elementary School
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: (719) 391-3495
District: Widefield 3 School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 491 students
French Elementary School, a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO, serves grades K-5 in the School District No. 3 in the County of EL Paso and State Of.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
French Elementary School is a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO. 491 students attend French 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 | 10/10 | 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 26, 2025
We have had nothing but great experience at French. The teachers and staff care about the students. Them being a lighthouse school they presented my children with tons of opportunity to lead and be a part of their school community. Parents are encouraged to help and volunteer within the school, allowing them to see there child blossom. Nothing but great things!!
Posted: September 26, 2025
Posted: September 26, 2025
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Posted: September 26, 2025
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 17, 2023
French Elementary has a kind and caring staff. Their top priority is student growth and development. French is a Leader in Me school promoting student and staff leadership now and in the future. Students can be a member of different Leader in Me groups. These groups introduce new students and families to the staff and other students. These students also can be seen helping with new bulletin boards in the hallways. Members of Leader in Me also can be found helping other students with homework in the library.
French has a PTO and encourages parents and families to volunteer in the building and classrooms. Families are also invited to attend achievement nights, music programs and awards ceremonies as well as the community parade. French is a part of the community and encourages all families to become involved. French Elementary is a wonderful school, stop in for a visit.
Posted: January 17, 2023
Posted: January 16, 2023
French has been a great school for my kiddo!
Posted: January 16, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
We are so glad that we moved into the Widefield/ Security school district and that we were blessed to be in the French Elementary School district. The teachers and administrators exhibit high standards of excellence and enthusiastic commitment to the students. Their Leader in Me program is really encouraging the students to become leaders not just for the future but right now everyday with a focus on improving the entire community. Get involved though, they need the support. Choose French, you won't be disappointed!.
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 14, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
We have only had a good experience with French Elementary. Our kids love(d) the school and the staff. The teachers that we had were all professional and pleasant, and were always ready to address our concerns. Academically, our kids had a lot of progress. The facilities are nice, and the school has a few after school clubs, like chess, coding, LEGO. I would definitely recommend this school.
Posted: January 13, 2023
This school has been an amazing school for my child from his teachers to the principal to the front office staff!
Everyone is so helpful and they all go above and beyond to make sure everyone is properly taken care of.
They have so many family inclusive activities, and great organization!
So beyond grateful to have my child attend this school! Amazing leadership!
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
French is the place to be! My boys have thrived at French and love going to school there! The staff is amazing and we have had nothing but a posititve experience there! Take some time to check it out!
Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: January 13, 2023
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Posted: January 13, 2023
Posted: November 5, 2022
Great school with amazing staff who care for the students.
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 5, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
French Elementary is a Leader in Me School with a phenomenal staff and administration. My child has been a student at French since Kindergarten and has learned so much.
Posted: November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
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Posted: November 2, 2022
Posted: November 2, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
My child has attended French since kindergarten and will be starting 4th grade there this fall. We have had nothing but positive experiences here. We boundary waiver into to the school because we enjoy the support, staff and all around awesomeness of the school. I have never encountered an unprofessional staff member in this school. The front office is super supportive anytime I need anything. You can see the care for the students the minute you walk in the door. The administration has always made sure that any concerns or problems are listened to and addressed immediately. The staff really takes the time to listen and care about concerns for my child. My youngest will also attend french in a few years as well.
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: July 18, 2022
Posted: January 21, 2022
French is a great school in a great community. The Leader in Me helps students set goals, find their strengths, and become confident leaders. I can't say enough amazing things about the school environment and the staff. Students know they are in a good place to learn and grow!
Posted: January 21, 2022
Posted: January 21, 2022
Posted: January 21, 2022
Posted: January 21, 2022
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Posted: January 21, 2022
Posted: January 21, 2022
Posted: December 3, 2021
Love this school! Can't say enough good things about it, from the amazing administration to the great teachers! We have been with French for 8yrs and couldn't ask for a better place for my kids to go.
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
We started our two kids in a different school that ended up being a really bad fit. When we transferred to French, we immediately loved it. The teachers were so supportive of their transition and emotional needs and growth. There’s an awesome balance between good academics and personal growth. We love the philosophy of “Leader in Me” and I have seen both our children flourish and grow into our second year here.
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
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Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: December 3, 2021
Posted: July 17, 2021
The staff go above and beyond for students. The kids want to be at school. We are really hoping there aren't any restrictions because the staff offer many opportunities for students to participate in clubs and activities before and after school.
Posted: July 17, 2021
Posted: July 17, 2021
Posted: July 17, 2021
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Posted: July 17, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Posted: July 16, 2021
Staff put students first and make every student and their families feel welcome and valued.
Posted: May 26, 2021
I LOVE this school!
I give it 4 stars because there is no such thing as perfect. My son went there and now 2 of my daughters go to school there and soon to be my youngest two children as well.
I feel as though most of the teachers are awesome. They care about the kids in their class. My kids love it there so much they cried on the last day of school because they are going to miss their teacher. :) I do think at times they assign too much homework but I also believe they should do their work at school and not at home. Other than that no real complaints.
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: May 26, 2021
Posted: January 19, 2021
French is going through a rebranding process putting the students first. Working toward a Leader In Me school, once you walk in, you can feel the positive vibes from the staff and students. The teachers have gone above and beyond during distance learning to ensure students were active and engaged. Last year, the school created a health/wellness team focusing on student mental health with a full time counselor plus a half time counselor, a full time social worker and part time school psychologist! French's special education team has supported their students and continued to deliver comprehensive lessons during virtual learning. When students or parents had difficulty logging in the teams were quick to help. I am very appreciative for all the staff members at French and consider my daughter very lucky to be apart of a school that cares about her and her schoolmates so much. I highly recommend this school!!!
Posted: January 19, 2021
Posted: January 19, 2021
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Posted: January 19, 2021
Posted: June 5, 2019
Get use to responses if you get one like “I don’t recall”
Posted: June 5, 2019
Posted: June 5, 2019
You have to fight for your childÂ’s rights
Posted: June 5, 2019
Posted: June 5, 2019
There are only a few true great teachers. Most teachers show favoritism, do not take bullying seriously and yelling at and taking recess time from an entire grade is common practice. Please if youÂ’re child is at French visit them at lunch!!!! Dictatorship at its finest
Posted: June 5, 2019
Children learn from what they see and when teachers show poor behavior its going to carry over.
Posted: June 5, 2019
If there is anyway to go outside of district 3 I highly encourage you to do so!!!! It does not get any better in any of their schools sad to say as I graduated from Widefield HS
Posted: July 13, 2017
Posted: July 13, 2017
Posted: July 13, 2017
In kindergarten, my daughter had a kid that was obsessed with her. He tried to get her with a pencil, slapped her back hard enough to make her cry during tag, hug her so tight she'd scream. These events happened over and over. The teacher started making the boy sit by her and made sure to keep him away from my daughter. She also had a meeting with the parents to come up with a more effective plan on how to help him through his problems he was having. It was all done efficiently and quickly after I told the teacher what my daughter was saying.
Posted: July 13, 2017
I loved this school. The teachers were really nice to my daughter. We had tontransition to Washington state and when we got here she was not behind at all in her learning. I'm a very involved parent. She participated in the Girl Scout group they had right there at the school! It was great to have that kind of community around.
Posted: July 13, 2017
Posted: July 13, 2017
Posted: July 13, 2017
Posted: October 4, 2016
My oldest went to French and my youngest currently goes there. We have had nothing but a great experience. Front desk ladies aren't too friendly but I think it's cause they need some more help. I volunteer there weekly and have seen nothing but a professional atmosphere among the teachers and kids.
Posted: April 28, 2016
Posted: April 28, 2016
Posted: April 28, 2016
Posted: April 28, 2016
This place is amazing! My son has been attending this school for 2 years now, and he loves it so much. He loves learning, and that can only be attributed to the awesome teachers that go above and beyond for their students. The staff is amazing and extremely friendly. The teachers are creative and think outside of the box. Mr. Lopez, the school Principal, is one of a kind. He is so friendly, approachable, and involved, that its no wonder this school is so great. The children from my neighborhood belong to another school within this district, but like many others, we requested French because of all the great things we heard about this school, and have never had any regrets.
Posted: March 1, 2016
Reading these reviews blow my mind. Seriously. And I am someone who takes reviews for schools very seriously before I make decisions.
We came to this school after having ACTUAL issues with another school in the district, and my 2 children have been here for 3 years. They LOVE this school. And I LOVE the staff at this school. There is an environment of inclusiveness and responsibility, in addition to kindness and respect. The front office staff is AMAZING and always make my day easier- and with my children, I am there A LOT (To clarify -not because I can spend much time volunteering, but because one of my kiddos does require a lot of extra help and assistance in certain situations. This can cause stress and tough emotions for teachers, staff, and my kiddo- but this school has been SO PATIENT with her, SO KIND, and she has genuinely flourished over the last 3 years. We left our past school due to this situation - it was TERRIBLE - I can tell you, the staff here is incredible.)
The Gifted/Talented Program here is also better than I've seen in 3 districts- and my other kiddo is excelling, with opportunities he did not have elsewhere. His GT teacher is his favorite, and he continues to be challenged.
I hate common core math, and think kids have too much homework. That has NOTHING to do with the school- I would get that anywhere. The teachers here work very hard to work with each student as an individual, and provide them the best opportunities. Will I love every teacher my kids ever have? Probably not. But so far I have not had 1 single bad teacher experience at this school.
Posted: March 1, 2016
The teachers go above and beyond and are very accommodating to any and every child's needs.
Posted: March 1, 2016
Posted: March 1, 2016
French staff goes above and beyond teaching the kids these values. LOVE the PBIS Program!!
Posted: March 1, 2016
My children have attended French since Kindergarten. We love French! The staff and teachers are great. The teachers go above and beyond. All my children are excelling both academically and socially. The warm, fun and inviting environment makes it very comfortable. I love the security they have now at the school and that all guests have to buzz and show an ID to gain access. The family nights the school has had this year are a huge plus! Love that they are trying to encourage more parent involvement. I have always felt so welcome to come and enjoy lunch with my kids or volunteer. The front office staff has always been very helpful and kind.
Posted: February 25, 2016
Love this school did a lot of research on other schools in the area before I decided to put my daughter here! Everyone is nice the teachers are great work with the kids to make them excel. Front office is amazing very attentive have answers to all questions! Can't wait for my youngest to start school there next year. Would recommend this school to everyone!
Posted: February 23, 2016
My daughter has attended school at French for 3 years. We love the school. The teachers are wonderful. We would not go anywhere else!
Posted: February 23, 2016
Posted: February 23, 2016
Love this school. My daughter has had a wonderful experience here. The teachers and staff are great to work with. My youngest is ecstatic to attend kindergarten there next year. We would not go anywhere else!
Posted: September 19, 2014
Most of the parents that post to these types of sites are negative and looking to place blame for their own irresponsibility elsewhere or are obnoxious helicopter parents. All three of my kids went to French and I couldn't have been happier with the results. Sometimes teachers are imperfect in how they deal with over-emotional, combative, disrespectful, negligent, and irresponsible parents, but I would challenge anyone to exercise as much patience and diplomacy as public school teachers are forced to exercise....just to keep their jobs. The lack of parent involvement is hard to comprehend. The principal is a great communicator. The front office staff is professional and cordial. The teachers are on top of their game. Every staff member I have encountered is not only professional, but personable, genuine, and truly passionate about child development. I don't think you could find a more professional, well-trained, disciplined, and overall amazing staff to educate your child.
Posted: September 17, 2014
This school's motto includes respect, yet the ladies at the front desk lack that. They don't even have the ability to say goodbye when they are done on the phone, which has happened on more than one occasion. The front desk is the first reference a parent or guest has when they enter the school, and they don't leave a good impression. There's obviously an ongoing problem in thar area since there are several reviews complaining about them, yet nothing seems to change. Maybe the upper management should also work with their front desk staff on the same motto that they try to install into the children......respect.
Posted: August 14, 2014
I love the teachers a French! I do agree the front staff seemed annoyed but I think it is because they are so busy. My oldest did all his elementary years hear and we never had any issues. My youngest is starting there this year and I am so excited for him because I know he will do great because of the great teachers.
Posted: July 1, 2014
This is a great school with supportive and professional staff members. The negative reviews have no merit and should not be taken seriously.
Posted: June 16, 2014
My kids love the school the teachers are friendly and want your kids to make it the principal is amazing
Posted: May 28, 2014
I can't believe it has such a low rating! I love this school. Both of my boys attend this school and love it. There will always be a few teachers or things that you do not connect with, but that is every school. You can tell the principal loves his job, and will always take into account your opinion.
Posted: May 17, 2014
I can't believe some of the poor ratings for French Elementary on this site. All of my experiences with both my two children have been extremely positive...the teachers are incredible and the principal deals well with the children. My only criticism would be the aloofness and rudeness of the front office staff. When checking kids in or out or needing anything from them...it seems like they are bothered. Overall...great school!
Posted: February 20, 2014
Principal is a tyrant! If you have any problem he will make it out to be something your child needs to deal with. He will question your parenting to your face. I have been present in the office when he came out behind a parent yelling at him. The guy is a HOT MESS and should not be in the same building with children much less have control over them. My child started in the 3rd and on the 1st day I received a call that my child was not being a "productive member in class." I arrive to my child crying and the principal standing over him demanding that he tell the truth. I dismissed my child as the principal informed me that he was not done and said I am letting my child off easy. Another child says my child was playing in the bath room. He was jumping up and down. yes, the principal made my child cry over an accusation from another child. And me not allowing my child to be drilled by a grown man, to the point of making him cry, made me an over protective parent, that in his eyes is why my child is acting out! lol The man needs to be reviewed and moved to a different position. I now drive 10 miles 4 times a day to avoid my child going to this school. I live 4 houses away from it ;)
Posted: February 12, 2014
I have had at least one if my children at French since 2004. This is a great elementary school! Respect, responsibility and safety is the motto here and the teachers and staff work hard at teaching those important values to the students. The teachers are always available if you have a concern, and parents are always welcome in the school. I think that their new security and check in requirements are great! It gives added security in these insane times. I went to French myself way back when lol. It's a great school for parents who enjoy being involved in their child's school! I also know of a few students at French that were expelled from their previous elementary school and the team at French works very hard with these children. I wouldn't send my kiddos anywhere else!
Posted: September 19, 2013
My son had attended this school for 5 years and he is a mess. I am not allowed at the school any longer but when I use to visit every Friday, I would dread having to check in because the Secretaries are so judgmental and rude and cold. You see children walking down the hall with their hands clasped behind their backs and their eyes down and not one of them makes a sound. Memories of Pink Floyd flash through my mind. But the worst is the chills that I get every time I see the foot prints that are facing inward along the wall outside. There are used for punishment making the students stand with nose to wall as other children play behind them at recess. My son had to do this for 15 min every day for 2 weeks for not turning in his homework. There is something very scary about this school and I have kept this to myself long enough.
Posted: July 10, 2013
I am so disappointed to see how far downhill this school has gone. I have seen many teachers talking down to students and even had my fifth grader yelled at and my son's teacher even told his class that she couldn't wait for them to go to middle school because they were "so awful." I cannot believe that an adult would speak to children in such a negative and self-esteem crushing way. The principals are very hard to talk to and do not take complaints seriously. At an all school assembly, the principal even yelled at the students and told them that they had, "better not show him any less than their best behavior." Additionally, the secretaries are unfriendly and unhelpful. I have heard multiple complaints from parents that the secretaries talk about them within hearing distance. There are some really great teachers at French, but many teachers do not treat children or parents with respect. I would avoid this school and district if at all possible.
Posted: July 10, 2013
My daughter is 7 years old and I am so sad that all of her love of learning is gone! The teacher used powerpoint all day long! We don t even use powerpoint for more than a short presentation in the business world! If adults can t stand it, I can t imagine what my poor daughter went through. Now that it is summer she is asking to be switched to a different school even though she will miss her friends. This school has fun Kinder and fist grade teachers which made me think this was just one of those years and my daughter will get over it, but she really dislikes learning. To make matters worse the teacher she really wanted for third grade is no longer working for the district. How can a principal let a teacher use Powerpoint all day and think that it is a good form of communication for children?
Posted: April 2, 2013
We removed our child from this school after 2 years. 4th grade was a NIGHTMARE! Talk about a teacher who had checked out and was ready for retirement, with 10 years to go. 5th grade, the teacher found another job and just did not show up on a Monday. No notice nothing. the kids sat in their room unattended for over an hour. The principal finally came in to teach until a sub could get to the school around lunch time. The principal is a joke and the staff acts like they are almighty. 4 years ago this school was considered the best Elem. in the district. Now it is one of the worst. Very sad. This is the kind of school you could pay the teachers a millions dollars a year to teach and nothing would change. very negative vibe when you walk through the door. The nice thing about Colorado is that you can drive your child to any school that will accept your child. You do not have to live in the district, but it does help. If you care about your kids education, this district is not the place for your family.
Posted: January 11, 2013
It must be staff or the school has changed. The teachers talk down to the children. They speak over them and walking around as if the children owe them something. The other day a smal child (5) sat down to eat at an empty table an the teacher watching over the children fliped out on the child. She started yelling saying "now I have to wash this table!". I hate that this is our school! Would not send my child there. Even the principal is off. If you ask him a question he will start drilling your child to answer you! He is always telling the kids to "track me with your eyes".
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Security Valley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 0.8 mi | |
| 2 | Fountain Valley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 3.9 mi | |
| 3 | Windmill Apartments | Apartment Complex | Colorado Springs | CO | 4 mi | |
| 4 | Comanche Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fort carson | CO | 4.5 mi | |
| 5 | Cheyenne Mountain | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 6.9 mi | |
| 6 | Pronghorn Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.6 mi | |
| 7 | Dakota Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 10.5 mi | |
| 8 | Stetson Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 10.5 mi | |
| 9 | Briargate - Fairfax | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 12.4 mi | |
| 10 | Mountain Shadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 12.9 mi | |
| 11 | Wolf Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 12.9 mi | |
| 12 | Falcon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Peyton | CO | 13.5 mi | |
| 13 | Wolf Ranch (Briargate) | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 13.6 mi | |
| 14 | Cordera | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 13.8 mi | |
| 15 | Meridian Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Peyton | CO | 16 mi | |
| 16 | Flying Horse | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 17.5 mi | |
| 17 | Forest Lakes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Monument | CO | 22 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Springs Co | Colorado Springs | CO | 6.8 mi | |
| 2 | North Cheyenne Canyon | Colorado Springs | CO | 9.7 mi | |
| 3 | Manitou Springs | Colorado Springs | CO | 12.2 mi | |
| 4 | North Gate Blvd | Colorado Springs | CO | 18.3 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Fort Carson | 4 mi. |
| Peterson AFB | 4.1 mi. |
| Cheyenne Mountain Air Station | 6.6 mi. |
| Schriever AFB | 11.1 mi. |
| US Air Force Academy | 17.9 mi. |
