Banning Lewis Ranch Academy in Colorado Springs

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.
College Readiness	9/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Colorado Department of Education, using 2025 Average SAT score data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Posted: May 1, 2026

Both my kids love this school and will be returning. BLRA has been amazing and supportive. They include parents in lots of activities. Definitely would recommend!

Posted: April 19, 2026

i've been going to this school since
kindergarten the schools lack to keep children safe is disappointing we have had multiple threats of shootings and the school counselors have absolutely no respect they will interrupt you and i got a report on me for being suicidal (i was not) and i walk out of the office and tried to go back to my class and i got choked i didn't fill out a report or anything because i knew they would take his side . if you would like your kids to be miserable going to school this is the place. all though there are sum nice teachers not a lot the school only cares about wanting more people in the school

Posted: December 13, 2025

Went here from Aug. 2022 - May 2025, and my experience here was mediocre at best. My freshman year was absolutely miserable, and I've realized the school does not do a good job protecting students from harsh bullying at all. On my second day of just starting at the school, I was already being threatened with physical violence by older boys. Then the kids in my freshman grade bullied me after some drama occurred with a boy who was kinda popular, and I was even accused of being racist because I wore cornrow braids (a Black woman did them, mind you). When I tried expressing my concerns to the administrators, nothing was done at all. Luckily the bullying stopped after my freshman year, but that doesn't mean it got better academic wise. Some teachers actually put an effort into teaching us course material, but most of the time, they just read course material off a Google slides presentation and then gave us an assignment to do afterwards. We were encouraged to take notes, but because they'd post the presentation on the computers, there was absolutely no point in taking notes whatsoever. Many teachers quit because of how bad student behavior was, and instead of fixing the issue, the school would just hire random teachers without knowing their backgrounds or how well they can actually teach. In fact, I think this school was more concerned with reputation and getting as much students to attend as possible, rather than giving them a quality education.

Posted: November 10, 2025

I have three kids at the Prep (middle school and high school). This is our second year and we love it! Its much better this year with the new principal and dean! It has a small town feel that we love. The academics and athletics are great. I highly recommend BLRA schools.

Posted: July 15, 2025

Please reconsider before sending your child to this school.

Our family spent four years here, and the experience was deeply disappointing and harmful. Bullying is rampant, and both teachers and administration repeatedly failed to support students in distress. Their priorities seem more focused on filling seats than on actually providing a safe, quality education.

Despite being placed in advanced English, my ninth-grade child had never been taught how to write a rough draft, an outline, or conduct basic research. This is not a college-prep environmentits barely providing foundational skills.

Safety on campus is severely lacking. My daughter was repeatedly hurt due to staff and administrative negligence. When serious incidents occurredincluding bullying, stalking, sexual harassment, and assaultthe administration failed to notify parents or intervene appropriately. Their philosophy is to let students "work things out," even when those situations clearly require adult and legal involvement.

The behavioral issues at this school are overwhelming, and they have no effective systems in place to handle them. There have been multiple documented incidents involving racism, drug use, and even sexual assaultssome involving staff and parents on campus.

This school is not safe. I strongly urge any parent to look elsewhere. Our children deserve better.

Posted: April 19, 2025

BLRA is a wonderful school. My child has attended for 4 years and has had great teachers, great friends, and is doing very well academically. She loves going to school. We have no complaints and are thankful for school choice within this community.

Posted: April 17, 2025

Huge growth with a new principal coming on board a 2-3 years ago. This is a wonderful school with deeply caring staff that does all they can for their students. They went through some growing pains and leadership turnover, and I think most of these comments are more from that fallout than present reality. Many of the more recent comments are not even about the elementary campus but are from the 6-12 campus (Banning Lewis Prep Academy). Dont take the negative ad fact, Im very thankful we didnt put children are thriving at BLRA.

Posted: July 6, 2024

My children attended grades 1-4 at BLRA and had lovely teachers. They were supported academically, held accountable for behavior, encouraged to lead and recognized for growth and achievement. I appreciate the teachers and staff for clear communication with parents.

Posted: June 18, 2024

I am embarrassed to call this my school. The bullying is relentless, kids brung drugs and guns, and the teachers don't care. And the principal is clueless as to what her job is. The teachers don't care about safety, they NEVER showed respect, and they were always super mean. Kids don't feel safe due to the teachers cluelessness, and I don't either. It looks like a good school on the outside, but is hell on the inside. I'm never coming back.
Shout out to Mr.Jones, Mrs.Carr, and Mrs. Williams for being the only good teachers who understood their students

Posted: May 12, 2024

If tou want a terrible education experience for your child, send them to the Prep middle school. Teachers are disrespectful, mediocre educators, and the principal is clueless to what is going on. She is more concerned about the metrics to prove she is a good principal than she is the kids. Most likely she is a direct reflection of the horrible Accel leadership model. Leanne Weyman, the vice president of Accel's region is blatant in her dismissal of parental concerns.
Bullying is rampant, and when addressed, they treat the victim the same as the perpetrator to "be fair".
If you want your kids to have their mental health decline, not feel safe at school, and get an education that is subpar, send them here. I would recommend anything else other than Banning, ANYTHING else.

Posted: March 24, 2023

ACCEL Schools breeds fear and is paid a lot. Leanne Weyman encourages toxic leadership. Admin do not address student behavior, parents are entitled and education is lackluster at best.

Posted: December 30, 2022

Not only does this school have a major bullying problem amongst students but parents as well. Children are beyond disrespectful to staff and parents defend their actions. When a student gets offended they will go to the extremes of trying to get teachers fired and other students suspended. The management of this school is a joke.

Posted: November 14, 2022

Constant threats and news of racial slurs, unprofessional staff and non-enjoyable environment.

Posted: April 22, 2022

The prepatory academy middle school is the most toxic, vile, atmosphere that you could ever imagine. Bullying is the only thing this school has excellence in. Protect your child mental health and keep them away from the middle school portion of this school ( 6-8)

Posted: March 29, 2022

My child has gone to BLRA for the last two years. We are not satisfied and are choosing to move to a different charter school next year. We have had many issues with BLRA. Teachers and substitutes are not always the best. If you choose to complain they tell you they dont have enough to change the substitutes. These subs will yell at your children and blow whistles in their ear but continue to work there. Im not impressed with this school. They have a new principle and so things might change but overall I refuse to send my child back.

Posted: March 29, 2022

Posted: January 2, 2020

They have a pledge that includes the students taking charge of their own actions and teaches them integrity and positive characteristics.

Posted: January 2, 2020

My experience with this school has been amazing, this is one of the best schools my children have attended. We have moved around, being a military family, but I feel 100% comfortable with this being the school for my children.

Posted: January 2, 2020

The homework applies to what the children are being taught and they relate the coursework and homework to real life!

Posted: January 2, 2020

Posted: November 26, 2019

Wonderful school - we appreciate the small feel and great academics.

Posted: May 6, 2019

This school is Amazing! They promote parent involvement and are great with help each child achieve excellence!

Posted: May 6, 2019

Posted: June 28, 2018

The hours are great, offers many parent involvement opportunities, and teachers keep parents well informed with homework, school events, praises, and behavioral issues.

Posted: June 28, 2018

Posted: May 30, 2018

I was told at the beginning of the school year that they would group kids according to math levels. This only happens through a computer program- not actual teaching. Also, they do take tests on computers without having the benefit of teaching typing. It makes for long tests and frustrating situations when technology doesn't behave like it should. Also, they had them "improve" their reading level by taking tests on books on the computer to show they comprehended the book. My child was taking tests on Dr. Suess books while reading Anne of Green Gables at home.

Posted: May 30, 2018

My child was bullied off and on throughout the year. When discovered, the teacher dealt with it well. I feel like the overall culture of the school makes children frustrated with each other because of the social contract and does lead to more bullying just because children are constantly telling other children how to behave.

Posted: May 30, 2018

While perhaps a different teacher could have made the year a better learning year, it doesn't change the curriculum and overall social atmosphere at the school. I felt like she regressed in her academic abilities after attending this school not necessarily due to the teacher, but the curriculum. They will show cool learning activities on Facebook to promote the "innovated" learning they claim they have but they are few and far between. Innovated really means "we love computer learning and will use it as much as we can" more than anything.

Posted: May 30, 2018

My daughter had less than 20 minutes of homework a night. After being in school for 7 1/2 hours, I felt like this was appropriate.

Posted: May 30, 2018

They have a social contract with students called "Capturing kids hearts". What it does at it's core is allow students to "police" other students in the classroom discretely. When you have a child who enjoys doing that type of thing already, it negatively affects their interactions with their classmates. It also made my child feel responsible for how the classroom was behaving - vs just making sure her behavior was good. They drill this program into the kids often making sure they know it well.

Posted: April 26, 2018

My children go to the preparatory middle and hs. They've had the most horrible experience of any school they've ever attended. My 15 year old is bullied daily and when she finally went to the principal, they made her see a counselor instead of dealing with the punks who bully her. Its gotten so bad that my daughter begs us to move and were actually considering it just to remove her from the hell she's gone through. The kids there do drugs as well. My daughter was drugged with a jolly rancher that she was given. Apparently the kids are finding new and inventive ways to bring their drugs to school. They also vape in class and curse and the teachers don't care or don't pay attention. Some teachers even voice their political opinions and views in class. To say this school is horrible is a gross understatement. I'm appalled at the children who go to the school and the school administrators and teachers. It's by far the worst school my children have ever been too!

Posted: March 4, 2018

This school looks like a great school in our Banning Lewis community but its more show then academically helpful to their students.

Posted: March 4, 2018

Teacher seems to be on the computer most of the time and not actively helping child when my child asks for help in a particular assignment.

Posted: March 4, 2018

Posted: July 12, 2017

I think they are having some growing pains but hoping things will get better this upcoming school year.

Posted: July 12, 2017

They do have some support staff to help with reading difficulties.

Posted: July 12, 2017

Bullying unfortunately occurs. Administration and teachers do intervene when parents notify them.

Posted: July 12, 2017

It really depends on the teacher. Some are more involved than others.

Posted: July 12, 2017

My children bring home an average amount of homework, 30 minutes-1 hour each day M-TH.

Posted: July 12, 2017

Some teachers at BLRA are better than others.

Posted: July 12, 2017

I would give the school 6/10. Class size has been terribly large. If you are or know an educator, you would agree that 30 students in an elementary classroom is unacceptable. The classes can be loud and chaotic when overloaded. The charter school seems to be more concerned about their numbers than the quality of the applicants. Some children who are disruptive and bully should not be allowed to stay at BLRA. Instead, they are tolerated. I like that the school uses and promotes technology. They also have a good uniform policy that is fair to students with several clothing choices and colors. Overall, the school has a positive environment with some fun elective choices for middle schoolers. There's room for improvement, but it's a good choice for the area.

Posted: February 7, 2017

No, they just cover it up and try not to bring attention to it.

Posted: February 7, 2017

Administrative staff is terrible. When Mr. Franko was running the school several years ago it was great. He was very involved and wanted truly to see the children excel and do well. Sadly that is no longer the case.

Posted: February 7, 2017

Bullying is getting worse and teachers just try to cover it up.

Posted: February 7, 2017

Confusing lessons and negative behaviors for asking questions does not promote a safe atmosphere for learning.

Posted: February 7, 2017

My kids spend an average of 2-3 hours a night on homework. There is little to no directions given for assignments and the teachers give a negative experience for asking questions.

Posted: February 7, 2017

We have been attending this school from the beginning. We have several children going here. Like a lot of other posts on here, this school is not what it used to be. Lots of behind the scenes politics and poor quality teachers. They really don't care about the education of your kids.

Posted: April 24, 2016

My daughter has been at Blra for the last 2 yrs. I have found it to be a great school with a wonderful culture. My daughter has found many friends which she struggled with at her last school. The clubs and other activities are plenty as well teachers are so caring!

Posted: September 1, 2014

Banning Lewis Ranch Academy is a great school. Our kids have been attending since kindergarten. We love the school community, the teachers, and the administration team. It can't be easy running a school these days. There is a lot being asked of our teachers and administrators. I feel our kids are safe, they're definitely learning a lot, and they have great friends. I really like the focus the school has taken to character education too. Wish more of the positive parents would get involved. The negative ones take away from the good parts of the school.

Posted: June 2, 2014

Ive attended Banning Lewis since the opening (06) and am currently in seventh grade. For the first 4 years of attending, I found the staff to be very caring and kept a good eye on the students. It wasnt until middle school where bullying had gotten completely out of hand. It would take constant reminders for the teachers or principal to acknowledge my complaints, as well as my parents. Not to mention, there were large amounts of foul language from students, as well as occasional swearing from teachers. I found that my needs were not payed attention to enough, and that unless you constantly remind the staff about bullying or academic issues, they wont pay attention. Within the past 2 years, the only teachers that met my needs and put student needs first, were Mrs. Mavel and Mr. Como. Within the past two years I have found the teachers to be inconsistent with the uniform policy where one teacher will say its okay for you to wear a pair of black tights, and than another teacher will give you a uniform violation for them. However, I found the learning curriculum to be fun to learn, and have found my self exceeding drastically. Sadly, I am no longer attending due to these issues.

Posted: January 25, 2014

This school is great I have 3 children in Banning Lewis right now I had 4 kids there last year The teachers are good and do care If your student is getting a bad grade they email right away to let you know so that you can talk with your kid and take action Every day the teachers are available after school to help students if they are struggling The teachers will contact you ask if your student can stay after school for tutoring If your students grades still are suffering Then they will ask for a intervention For parents and student to meet with all the teachers your student has to set up a plan for success The teachers are helpful standard of learning is high which is great My son entered in kindergarten last year and began reading in kindergarten I have 3 other older sons that went to a different kindergarten and hadn't learned to read didn't start to learn sight words or essentials to start reading I can stand out side the school waiting for my son And not hear a bunch of junior high kids cussing up a storm along with other inappropriate talk At my 12 year olds last school this was a regular everyday thing Banning Lewis Ranch Academy is K-8 I really like the environment.

Posted: December 2, 2013

It's a nice looking school but other than that, This is not the school it was 5 years ago. Administrative staff is mediocre at best. I've had 2 children go here and each year got progressively worse. The school overall doesn't offer support for struggling students and their parents. Teachers don't last (not the good ones anyways) here and the ones they have do not communicate with parents. The administrators focus on trivial issues while ignoring real issues that go on in their school. I would not recommend this school to any parent that expects a school to support and encourage their child.

Posted: April 2, 2013

This is a wonderful school and has really supported all three of my children (K, 3rd, 6th grades) academically. The middle school recently achieved a grade of A on the state ranking system (coloradoschoolgrades.com), of which there are only a handful in the Colorado Springs area. Elementary received a B with improvement over previous years. Attitudes are positive, teachers are engaged. Parent involvement is mandatory. This is our first year here and I could not be happier that my kids went to this school.

Posted: January 20, 2013

The school is great, but it is time to get a new administrator, he has no idea what he is doing and he is losing great teacher because of it. He tries to run the school as a dictator and only his voice is to be heard. My daughters have gone here for 3 years and he get worse each year. My daughter has had 3 teacher in 1 year, ridiculous!

Posted: October 29, 2012

My son has been attending BLRA since the day the doors opened. He started there in kindergarten and is now a 6th grader. While the school has had its ups and downs and growing pains throughout the years, I would most definitely recommend BLRA to anyone. I do miss the old CAO, Mr. Dinnel, as I thought he was much more engaged in the school, but Mr. Franko is doing a good job. We've only had a bad experience with one teacher, who is thankfully gone now. The support staff is incredible. I also love the overall tone of the school and the sense of community. Parents are very involved. Yes, there are required volunteer hours, but most parents have no problem going above and beyond that just to be a part of their child's school and education. We recently moved into another school district and my son was given the option to go to a standard public school, wear jeans every day and walk to school. He declined. He enjoys his time at BLRA. He feels supported and like he's a part of something there. And when it comes time for his little brother to start kindergarten, he will most certainly be enrolled at BLRA. I just hope the proposed high school is up and running in time!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Stetson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	1.3 mi
2	Falcon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	2.7 mi
3	Wolf Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	2.9 mi
4	Briargate - Fairfax	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3.1 mi
5	Pronghorn Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3.2 mi
6	Wolf Ranch (Briargate)	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3.2 mi
7	Dakota Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3.8 mi
8	Cordera	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	4 mi
9	Meridian Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	5.1 mi
10	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	8.5 mi
11	Windmill Apartments	Apartment Complex	Colorado Springs	CO	8.7 mi
12	Mountain Shadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	10.8 mi
13	Security Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	12.4 mi
14	Fountain Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	14.2 mi
15	Cheyenne Mountain	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	14.4 mi
16	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	14.4 mi
17	Comanche Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort carson	CO	14.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO	9.1 mi
2	Colorado Springs Co	Colorado Springs	CO	10.4 mi
3	North Cheyenne Canyon	Colorado Springs	CO	15.9 mi
4	Manitou Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	17.5 mi

Base	Distance
Peterson AFB	7.8 mi.
US Air Force Academy	11.4 mi.
Schriever AFB	11.6 mi.
Fort Carson	14.8 mi.
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station	16 mi.

Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

Colorado Springs, CO 80927

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Banning Lewis Ranch Academy

Colorado Springs, CO 80927

School Ratings

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