Horizon Middle School in Aurora | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	3/10	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	6/10	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: May 20, 2026

Unfortunately my children have to stay for 1 more year at this godforsaken school; this school and just the Cherry Creek District alone does not handle bullying appropriately. I have two children who have been bullied since fifth grade in the district and every single time they go to defend themselves, They are the ones that are reprimanded when the bully gets a slap on the wrist and gets to enjoy going to school without any consequences, whereas my children get suspended or have referrals, the admin at the school 100% terrible because again they like to ignore the big problem and sweet things under the rug for image. If you can avoid sending your kids to school here I highly recommend to seek elsewhere because know that your child will be treated inappropriately and without empathy if bullying happens to your child.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Posted: April 30, 2026

This school is horrible the principal is never there the assistant principal doesnt know whats going on the deans dont handle situations everything is always a investigation but never resolved, The staff members never call you when something happens to your child and when you call the school no one is available you have to leave a msg and never receive a call back. When you go up to the school its the same results no one to talk to incidents happening and no principal. The security is trash they are there for absolutely nothing. This school is ran my kids and violent do not send your child here. It is out of control

Posted: April 30, 2026

Posted: April 1, 2026

This is one of the worst schools in the cherry Creek school district! If you want your child subjected to violence and a staff who seems to never be around go here! My son saved another kid from being jumped! They accused him of tapping the incident and sharing! First of all my son has the right to tape an incident to save himself from Aligations!!! Second what do you expect when you give the kids laptops your promoting electrons any ways! My son has had his things also stolen here! The funny part is where are the grown ups? No where thats why my child has had to save other peoples children! Also the academics are poorly taught no one cares its just a paycheck here! So please if you care about your child think again before sending them here! Oh and they said my son was suspended for helping and what you rather have a child in the hospital? I think this school needs to be investigated for negligence!!!!!

Posted: April 1, 2026

Posted: February 6, 2026

The front office,deans and principles at this school are very unprofessional. When you have concerns or issues they hide in their offices and claim to be busy. If they aren't comfortable dealing with confrontation they shouldn't be in that position or need more training. They dont follow IEP's or understand students with learning curves. They are quick to make false accusations and when you want to discuss it like adults they are no where to be found. They mark my student absent when hes there. I do NOT recommend this school.

Posted: February 6, 2026

Posted: September 2, 2025

This school is by far the worst school I have ever encountered when it comes to dealing with bullies. When teachers and staff are approached by a student that is undergoing bullying, the teachers and staff do literally nothing to stop it, leaving that child at the mercy of their bullies. If a child gets picked on to the point where they have no choice but to physically defend themselves, they are suspended along side the bully. Though their security protocols are great- once the kids are past the doors, Horizon is NOT A SAFE PLACE FOR KIDS. When did we start punishing victims for the actions of their bullies? kids should be able to defend themselves without fear of extensive punishment! They should be able to go to the adults for help and GET IT! unless you want your kid get bullied to an extreme and to grow up afraid to defend themselves, STEER CLEAR of Horizon Middle School. Their education is not worth the risk and neither is their livelihood.

Posted: February 8, 2025

The year before my children started at HCMS, I worked for a program in district. One of my 7th grade students begged me not to send my children to HCMS. I should have listened.

The first year my daughter was spied on and bullied in the bathrooms. I told both my children not to use the public restrooms at this school. I went to Dr. Wienhold with my concerns. He listened to me on the phone. That was about it.

During 7th grade, the experience was ok. My daughter was in 7th grade Honors Language arts and her teacher, Ms. Hooks, did an amazing job challenging her and supporting her emotional well-being.

My daughter went on zero field trips, because she was not part of the AVID program anymore, as our family does not meet the criteria. My son did get to go on field trips because he was a part of ILC and has been supported and sheltered by the amazing ILC team at HCMS. They are a bright shining spot at HCMS and deserve so much more recognition than they receive.

In the fall of 2024, my husband and I received a message that the Honors Language Arts class would be studying "Stamped." My daughter was offered alternate curricula as Stamped is a controversial text. We opted for the alternate unit, assuming it would be taught by a licensed teacher. Instead, my daughter was expected to sit in a hallway reading three different books, all which would have been excellent choices for the entire class. Example, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," a wonderful book about a man who overcame his struggles through perseverance and persistence. "Code talkers." An amazing book that uplifts the importance of Native Americans during World War II. As my daughter sat in the hallway, teaching herself for almost two months, I started to think, if she is wise enough to read three books without support, why not elevate her to a more challenging, supportiv environment?

In January 2025, I withdrew my daughter from this school and enrolled her in Cherry Creek Elevation. She is smiling again. Her anxiety and depression from experiencing HCMS is starting to wane. She will go on at least two field trips before the end of the school year. She has joined Yearbook and Leadership with an amazing teacher at Cherry Creek Elevation. All that I regret is not starting her there at the beginning of 8th grade. I wish I would have moved her sooner.

Rise from the ashes, Phoenix.

You are worthy of love, inclusion, and respect. I am so sorry I ever sent you there.

Posted: February 8, 2025

Posted: January 13, 2025

I dont go there anymore as Im now in highschool but I dont recommend this place I went there for a year and a half and had to leave to severe bullying and almost getting stabbed. The kids here are actually super mean. The staff I feel like the deans and security try hard to protect the students but not hard enough as I didnt really have the amount of safety needed. The teachers some like their job but a lot of the ones I had didnt. There was only about four teachers I had there that were passionate about what they did it was Spanish (I dont remember her name), science for both years(I dont remember sixth but 7th was Mrs. Sembeta/Senbeta, and my 7th grade math teacher(Mrs. Lin). Im only a freshman.

Posted: January 13, 2025

Posted: September 19, 2024

As a parent of a current student, I feel compelled to share my experience at Lincoln Middle School. Unfortunately, my expectations have not been met, and I believe its important for prospective families to be aware.
Academic Environment: creativity. Many subjects lack engaging materials, leaving students feeling bored and unmotivated. The teachers, while well-intentioned, often appear overwhelmed and unable to provide the individual attention many students desperately need.
There is a significant lack of communication between the school and parents. Important announcements often go unnoticed, and it can be challenging to get timely responses from teachers or administration. This disconnect has made it difficult to stay informed about my child's progress and school events.
The school facilities are in dire need of repair. Classrooms are often cluttered and poorly maintained, and essential resources like textbooks and technology are frequently in short supply. The lack of a proper library and extracurricular spaces limits opportunities for enrichment and growth.
Bullying and Support: Ive also been disappointed by the schools handling of bullying. While they claim to have policies in place, the enforcement seems lacking. There have been several incidents involving my child that were dismissed rather than addressed appropriately, leaving a sense of insecurity. While every school has its challenges, Lincoln Middle School seems to have systemic issues that hinder both student learning and well-being. I hope the administration can make significant changes to improve the environment for the sake of the students. Until then, I cannot recommend this school to other families.

Posted: September 19, 2024

Posted: June 27, 2023

Im sad about the negative reputation this school has, because I dont feel that its accurate. The people who are the loudest are often the ones who have had issues, but the majority of the school community doesnt fit that. Its middle school- and middle school issues happen in every middle school.
I had a child go all three years on an advanced track, and we felt that the quality of their education was fantastic! I love the diversity of the school community and I wonder sometimes about the undercurrent of negativity from people running parallel to their own opinions on diversity.
Character matters, and this school does a great job in promoting PACK values. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year for family engagement- from the monthly engagement nights, student performances, after school clubs, and sports.
Are there issues? Sure. Its middle school. Some students dont know how to behave. However, the majority of the students want to learn and those students can absolutely access a Cherry Creek Schools level of education here.

Posted: June 27, 2023

Posted: March 28, 2023

As a parent, Community Middle School is not a safe place to send your child. School staff only wants to build a rapport with their most troubled students to the point of almost behaving like them just to be "cool". Whenever I enter that school, I see that most of the girls are barely dressed ressed , all five security guards gathered around gossiping, out of controll students rummaging the halls and yelling obscenities, and the principal can be found doing stetches as if he's earned it. Also, the staff is very incompetent!

Posted: March 28, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

my name jeff a a a a

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: February 28, 2023

The whole school is a joke. My daughter wouldn't even go to the bathroom because she was afraid of getting jumped and security can't watch the bathrooms. The actual Principal did nothing. The learning environment doesn't not support real life - the kids don't have to study or turn in anything on time. They can turn it in whenever they get around to it. Why study when you can take the exam over and over again? This school is violent and needs rules for safety. The kids drink and smoke on the property and get a slap on the wrist. There is NO dress code - boobs, butt, stomach all hanging out. I highly recommend you stay as far away from this school as possible if you love your child.

Posted: February 28, 2023

Posted: February 22, 2023

I actually give no stars.... Horizon campus is like visiting a prison yard. I got my child out of there with the quickness. The dean is well, for lack of a better word...lazy. If you want your child to be successful, fight to have them located to another school.

Posted: February 22, 2023

Posted: April 14, 2022

My child is maintaining straight A's and is learning, so I give them Kudos for that. Lots of afterschool activities for the kids to participate in.

Knocking 1 star off because the school has a policy that if there is a fight and both parties throw punches, then both parties get suspended. So if a child goes here and gets bullied, rather than get to the bottom of the matter the school will suspend students. Furthermore, 1 fight gets you suspended? That seems overboard to me. Teenagers get into fights, that's part of growing up.

Unfortunately, I'm seeing a lot of these types of policies at the CCSD schools my children attend. It appears to me the policy is designed to 1) not single anybody out, 2) make the staff's job easier, 3) make it look like "they" are doing something when in reality they're doing the bare minimum. I'm all for policies that help the staff, but the needs of the children have to come first. I expect teachers, deans and principles to have enough brain power to figure out who the instigators are, whether suspensions are justified and to exercise some judgement in general. Applying a black and white policy like this in a world that is really shades of grey demonstrates a lack of leadership and isn't a good example for the kids.

Nevertheless, my child is learning, generally enjoys the school and extra-curricular activities, so they're getting most of the equation right.

Posted: April 14, 2022

Posted: July 24, 2019

I had high expectations since it was in Cherry Creek, equally bad as APS which I avoid at all costs. Terrible bullying by other students, kids act like gangsters instead of students. Girls dress inappropriately and do not get sent home??? Missed the Mark! The teachers some are excellent, principle is nice but that is not enough! Need to step up to the plate and stop playing politics or favors.

Posted: July 24, 2019

Posted: May 17, 2018

Negative- Cherry Creek Schools are supposed to be top notch. This school is nowhere close.

Posted: May 17, 2018

Character is talked about but follow through and consistent support is lacking

Posted: May 17, 2018

Leadership is never present. They are not open to suggestions and not supportive of their teachers. Students are allowed to bully others w/ minimal punishment and teachers hands are often tied.

Posted: May 17, 2018

I have watched multiple students suffer due to bullying. Teachers who try to speak up and make changes are either silenced or pushed out.

Posted: May 7, 2018

Bullying is horrible at this school. The Dean doesnt do anything about it and is inconsistent. Spends more time singling out the kids being bullied then dealing with the kids that are being bullies. Mr. Henderson also lacks communication with parents and returning phone calls and concerns.

Posted: May 7, 2018

Posted: September 15, 2017

Terrible experience. The teachers consistently degrade the students, principal is not present, and administration does not effectively deal with concerns or issues, degrades and bullies students.

Posted: May 25, 2017

Horizon has been great for our son he has truly excelled and his teachers have,been wonderful.

Posted: April 27, 2017

Teachers bully and degrade students. Administration does nothing.

Posted: February 19, 2017

Homework is there to reinforce lessons, and not a huge amount of it.

Posted: February 19, 2017

Horizon is working out great for my child. He has teachers ho are engaged and working with him to help him succeed. That makes a huge difference.

Totally happy with the school the staff, the programs.

Posted: July 15, 2016

I have attended a lot of schools, yet this school is one of the most memorable for me. I made strong connections with several teacher who would even, at times, stay late to work with me. I entered this school thinking that was just not that smart. Luckily, I was able to meet teachers that believed in me and helped me change that mindset. There I learned that I was dyslexic, but I was encouraged to not allow that to limit what I believed I could do. This support help to mold the rest of my life.

Posted: April 5, 2016

I enjoy the staff., BUT what I find disturbing is that they assign homework the day before major tests. This is 6th grade, 1st year of multiple teachers and A&B type schedules and then their bombarded with homework. It's no wonder these kids are failing their main classes. It's alot for some students and I think something needs to be done. HOW ARE THEY LEARNING???????

Posted: August 14, 2014

This school is really great they have wonderful teachers that care and you can make friends really fast and easy my frist day I already made 3 or 2 friends sure there might be bullys but they do the best they can to stop that if i were a parent I would want my kid to go to horizon.

Posted: November 6, 2013

This is a great school the teachers are so friendly it's just that the students aren't so friendly they are kind of mean.otherwise it's a great school the teachers really care

Posted: July 21, 2013

Worst three years of my life. Teachers didn't care. I don't remember who the principal was she never came out of her office. You don't thrive in this school, you survive it and leave the first chance you get.

Posted: April 10, 2013

In the past this school was really in the bottom list. In the beginning of school year I see that they were so many understanding between students and staff. And as a parent my husband and I got involve. I see that a lot of parents don t get involve here. I can see how many students that don t have discipline here (which is really start from home). Now and then, I have been visiting, meeting the teacher's and ask for my kid s progress. Substitute teachers are not great in-fact they are horrible with kids and hoping someday I get a chance to observe this subs. Teachers are wonderful, willing to assist and help the kids succeed.

Posted: October 16, 2012

Horizon is a good school. The teachers are very supportive and have good methods. The principal and vice principal are amazing. This school definitely deserves 4 stars.

Posted: October 10, 2012

This school has been a great experience for me AND my child. The staff is all very approachable - from administrators, to teacher, to lunch ladies! I was worried about my child getting lost in such a big school but they do a great job of keeping the 6th graders "looked after" and really do know all the kids by name. It feels like a small school in a big setting. The teachers are engaging, ad administration is supportive. What a great middle school experience! :)

Posted: October 9, 2012

I am very impressed with this school.I'm only in 7th grade, but so far it has been a GREAT learning experience. I am a current AVID student and we demonstrate our school.We are proud of who we are.The teachers are great!!!!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO	1.9 mi
2	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO	11 mi
3	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	40.6 mi
4	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	43.2 mi
5	Cordera	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	46.7 mi
6	Meridian Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	46.8 mi
7	Wolf Ranch (Briargate)	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	46.9 mi
8	Wolf Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	47.5 mi
9	Briargate - Fairfax	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	48 mi
10	Falcon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	48.5 mi
11	Dakota Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	50 mi

Base	Distance
Buckley AFB	4.2 mi.
US Air Force Academy	44.5 mi.

Horizon Middle School

Aurora, CO 80013

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Horizon Middle School

Aurora, CO 80013

School Ratings

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