Buena Vista Elementary School

Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Phone: (719) 328-4100
District: Colorado Springs 11 School District

4

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 194 students

Buena Vista Elementary School, a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO, serves grades PK-5 in the Colorado Springs 11 School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Buena Vista Elementary School is a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO. 194 students attend Buena Vista Elementary School.

School Ratings

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.
Student Growth 1/10 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: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Sending my child here has proven to be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made as a parent. It’s like Lord of the Flies here. There are no consequences for bullying and tormenting. I’ve talked to other parents at the school about this and apparently it’s been an ongoing problem for at least a few years. I’m planning on pulling my kid out of this place and finding a school where they don’t protect a students right to behave terribly.

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

I love having my kids in a Montessori setting. I love the teachers, parents, and staff are truly caring and provide a safe, intimate environment.

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: December 11, 2024

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

We came from another alternative charter school nearby, which we left due to concerning academic achievement scores. At Buena Vista, our kids are challenged and cared for as their unique, individual selves. Individualized work plans come home every week, and my kids are excited to talk about the work they are doing at school. We are really appreciating the challenges they are presented with and the support they are receiving!

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: September 27, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

BV is such a special elementary school. It is a tight knit community even though students choice into it from all over Colorado Springs. I’ve never met more caring staff. My son’s teacher discovered he might need testing for dyslexia and when his evaluation confirmed it she helped me learn how to support and advocate for him. She also taught him how to advocate for himself! I also feel like every year my kids return to school there the school has made some sort of improvement- last year it was a full-time counselor and this year it’s an additional P.E. teacher and class. The staff really listens to what students and parents say they need. I feel like leadership is also very supportive of their teaching staff too. I highly recommend BV to anyone who’s ever looking for an elementary school where their child will be valued, accepted for who they are, and given the tools to thrive academically.

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 21, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

We are very excited to be part of this special school and community. If you appreciate montessori learning, this is the school for you!

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: August 4, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

I feel this is a close knit community that really embraces all of the students . My child has had a wonderful experience here over the past several years and we hope Buena Vista continues to be a supportive, nurturing environment for our elementary school children.

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 30, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

I have three children at Buena Vista, and I thank my lucky stars every day that they get to attend this wonderful school. Buena Vista provides a loving, supportive, and stimulating environment for the whole child. The teachers and staff are devoted to each child's growth and flourishing. There are numerous ways for families to be involved throughout the school year. I recommend BV to every family I know.

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 29, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Wonderful community for families. So many opportunities to be involved and support your children at school. The multi-age classes allow teachers to differentiate learning and there's a dedicated support staff that make it all possible.

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: April 28, 2023

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Posted: August 13, 2020

Wonderful. Love the Montessori method. The principal is incredibly responsible and attentive.

Posted: September 15, 2018

Absolutely excellent! We love Buena Vista Montessori and our experience here! Our children have grown and thrived in this Montessori. For being a public school, it does very good at following Montessori principles.

Posted: September 15, 2018

In Montessori, they teach love of learning through self & gentle-guided "works." To foster whole-person and well-rounded lives, homework is minimal to add to that and allow family time and growth. We love that our evenings aren't stressed out and filled with large amounts of homework.

Posted: September 15, 2018

We love our teachers at BVM! They are truly invested in each child and are patient and nurturing.

Posted: September 15, 2018

This is the basis of Montessori and the peace rose allows children to resolve their own conflicts in a kind and gentle manner. Of course, the teachers are able to assist when resolution is difficult between students.

Posted: September 15, 2018

Principal, Ms. Sharon, and each individual overseeing our children guide in a kind manner. We could not be happier.

Posted: September 15, 2018

While my children have had great success with this, others I know have struggled a bit at finding a balance appropriate for their child.

Posted: September 15, 2018

The peace rose concept is expected to be utilized first. If a teacher is notified for assistance, it is taken care of. However, some has slipped through the cracks.

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

Posted: January 27, 2018

This school focuses on teaching children independence, responsibility and empathy along with academics. The emphasis is not on state testing.

Posted: September 3, 2017

My daughter has a mild hearing impairment and has no difficulty in the classroom. We see other children with fears or challenges that they are able to overcome in this environment as well.

Posted: September 3, 2017

I have yet to see any issues of possible bullying that wasn't immediately addressed.

Posted: September 3, 2017

Leadership is key. We just obtained a new principal and she actively immersed in the children's education. This school teaches self sufficiency and the staff implements it.

Posted: September 3, 2017

My daughter just started kindergarten so I personally don't have this experience at this time. Yet from parents of friends that have moved to 1st grade what I have heard seems to enforce the independent attitude of Montessori learning at home as well.

Posted: September 3, 2017

My daughter has a hearing impairment and uses hearing aids. We were unaware of this before she came to Buena Vista and found out during the annual health screening. The Audiologist told us that even with the impairment she was right on par with children without hearing impairment and that we should be really happy with her teachers. I see and communicate with many of these teachers daily. They are proactive and attendant and take pride in their students.

Posted: September 3, 2017

I see the positive effects of this school every day. On the playground and at home.

Posted: September 3, 2017

I love this school. I feel that the Montessori method is being aptly utilized within the boundaries of a public school system. The children are taught to learn not just answer ques4tions. I would recommend this school knowing that the staff is implementing the Montessori method as much as possible.

Posted: January 7, 2017

Posted: January 7, 2017

Disappointed in this school. The Montessori curriculum and values are not supported by the district. Traditional, mainstream teaching methods are being forced upon the school by a district administration which doesn't understand this method of learning. It would be a wise choice if BV was converted to a charter school. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone looking for a true Montessori education.

Posted: January 7, 2014

Buena Vista is the only public Montessori elementary school in Colorado Springs. We have found the teachers incredibly engaged and helpful Teachers work with each child's particular learning style to get the most out of them for each subject and constantly challenge them. Our daughter is challenged to figure out tasks in her own way developing her ability for reasoning at a young age.

Posted: August 20, 2013

Best public elementary in D 11- kids love to go to school every day- great teachers

Posted: August 7, 2013

wonderful school - very caring staff, super nice administration, this is a smaller school where people still know the students names. The Montessori concept is wonderful. The kids are unlike other public elementary kids - they learn how to learn and most importantly they enjoy to learn. The classrooms are multi age communities not unlike a family with older and younger kids. The kids are not only learning academics but also social competence. A little oasis in the middle of an otherwise test number obsessed public school system.

Posted: April 14, 2013

Both our children are thriving at BV, thanks to the passionate teachers and the Montessori classrooms. Academics matter to our family and also the encouragement and development of the whole child. Buena Vista Montessori offers both and a great school community. So glad D-11 has this excellent option in the public school system!

Posted: October 11, 2012

I have all my 3 kids in Pre K and K and they all love it and so do I .I couldn't ask for a better school.

Posted: August 5, 2010

My daughter came to BV two years ago and has absolutely thrived! The teachers know the kids and quickly get them any assistance that they need. The aides ensure that if a child needs some assistance during an assignment they get it. I volunteer regularly and will continue to do so. I have loved our experience and my child will continue to attend BV for the rest of her elementary years.

Posted: May 4, 2010

It is a public Montessori school that respects the way children learn.

Posted: April 19, 2010

Buena Vista is a vibrant, thriving learning environment. The kids are enthusiastic ant the teachers dynamic. As along time teacher BV restores my belief in the public schools.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools™

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Cheyenne Mountain Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 4 mi
2 Windmill Apartments Apartment Complex Colorado Springs CO 4.8 mi
3 Mountain Shadows Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 5.8 mi
4 Comanche Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Fort carson CO 6.1 mi
5 Dakota Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 7.8 mi
6 Security Valley Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 8.3 mi
7 Pronghorn Meadows Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 8.9 mi
8 Briargate - Fairfax Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 9.8 mi
9 Stetson Hills Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 10.1 mi
10 Wolf Ranch Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 10.5 mi
11 Cordera Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 10.7 mi
12 Wolf Ranch (Briargate) Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 11 mi
13 Fountain Valley Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 11.5 mi
14 Flying Horse Neighborhood/Subdivision Colorado Springs CO 12.8 mi
15 Falcon Neighborhood/Subdivision Peyton CO 13.8 mi
16 Forest Lakes Neighborhood/Subdivision Monument CO 15.8 mi
17 Meridian Ranch Neighborhood/Subdivision Peyton CO 16.2 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Colorado Springs Co Colorado Springs CO 1 mi
2 North Cheyenne Canyon Colorado Springs CO 4.7 mi
3 Manitou Springs Colorado Springs CO 6.5 mi
4 North Gate Blvd Colorado Springs CO 13.7 mi
Base Distance
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station 6.3 mi.
Fort Carson 7.1 mi.
Peterson AFB 7.9 mi.
US Air Force Academy 11.6 mi.
Schriever AFB 16.9 mi.
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