Columbia Elementary School in Colorado Springs

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	4/10	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: May 4, 2026

I truly cannot say enough incredible things about this schoolit is something special. We feel unbelievably fortunate to have Mrs. Atencio as our principal. She is the kind of leader who sets the tone for everything: inspiring, uplifting, and deeply respected. Her positive energy is contagious, and you can feel the admiration her staff has for her the moment you walk through the doors. She has played a huge role in shaping this school into the vibrant, thriving community it is today.

One of the standout aspects of Columbia is its arts-integrated approach to learning. Its been a game changer for my childrenkeeping them engaged, excited, and genuinely connected to what theyre learning. Weve been lucky to experience some truly exceptional teachers, including those recognized for outstanding classroom excellence, and it shows in every interaction.

The specials teachers are absolutely phenomenal. From PE to Dance/Theater to Music and Art, each one brings something unique and inspiring. My kids absolutely adore them, and that says everything.

What has impressed me most is the growth Ive seen in my children, especially in math and reading. Their progress has been remarkable, and its a direct reflection of the dedication, passion, and talent of this staff.

We feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a warm, inspiring, and high-quality school community. Columbia isnt just a schoolits a place where kids truly thrive.

Posted: May 2, 2026

This is our neighborhood and we love that it is the center of our community. It is an amazing school with incredible teachers.

Posted: May 2, 2026

Posted: March 6, 2026

Columbia Elementary school is one of the best. I graduated from there 3 years ago and loved the environment of the social life. My first day there I immediately made friends because everyone was so nice. Columbia helped me learn to ask for help or else I wont progress, it taught me to go out of my comfort zone. Whoever left a review on this website saying it wasn't a good school to send your kids to was wrong. I remember in 5th grade there was a special ed boy in my class, I sat next to him for maybe 2 months and he was respected by the whole class. Whoever said that this school doesn't provide enough support for special needs WAS WRONG. I spent 5th grade with a deaf girl and my friend group tried to learn ASL for her so we could communicate. The teacher even put up ASL posters so everyone could befriend this girl. Whoever hates this school hated it because they had one bad experience. You have to really understand the school to like it. Now I know Columbia is not for everyone but give it a chance because it changed my life. To summarize, don't hate the school because you had ONE bad experience.
¨Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it¨.
Most adults on this website need to live by this quote.

Posted: March 6, 2026

Posted: March 9, 2025

I spend my days in elementary schools and Columbia blows me away with what a great job they are doing. I am so lucky that my neighborhood school is so amazing.

Posted: March 9, 2025

Posted: February 19, 2025

We couldn't be happier with our decision to enroll our daughter at Columbia Elementary School! After leaving a school that just wasn't meeting her needs, Columbia has been a breath of fresh air.

It has been clear from the start that this school prioritizes not only academic excellence but also the overall well-being of its students. Our daughter has been exposed to a rich arts program that has ignited her creativity and passion. It's so refreshing to see her so engaged and excited about learning!

One of the highlights for us has been her participation in field tripssomething she had never experienced before. These outings have opened her eyes to new experiences and have helped her build connections with her classmates in a way that traditional classroom settings simply couldn't.

A significant part of this positive transformation is the incredible leadership of Principal Stephanie Atencio. Her commitment to elevating the school's standards and fostering a nurturing environment is evident in everything she does. She holds both staff and students to high expectations, which has created a culture of excellence that benefits everyone.

Overall, Columbia has truly become a nurturing environment where our daughter is thriving. We are grateful for the supportive staff, the vibrant community, and the inspiring leadership that fosters a love for learning. If you're looking for a school that genuinely cares about its students and provides a well-rounded education, Columbia Elementary is the place to be!

Posted: February 19, 2025

Posted: February 18, 2025

As an old student who left in 5th grade, I have many issues with this school. One, dress codes, yes, I know every school has one, but I got dress coded for a 2 finger-with strapped dress, in 7082-degree weather, I had to cover my dress with a sweater, I almost fainted because I get really sensitive in warm weather, to make it worse, a week later, a boy my age wore a shirt that said something explicit in which I will not specify, not to get dress coded. Two, Bullying, we had many talks about bully's, I had guys joke about again, explicit jokes I will not specify directed towards me, and my friends, at the time, I was not medicated for my neurodivergence, so It was A, hard to tell someone, B, hard to stay focused. I finally told the school council about it just to tell me what I was doing was more bullying than these people said, and not addressing the bullying, leaving me to get bullied. And three, education, my education only increased by 5% compared to 4th grade. with all of these incidences, my self-esteem has never been repaired. I sincerely hope that a teacher sees this, have a good day...

Posted: February 18, 2025

We could not be happier with the choice we made to send our child to our community school. The school administration and staff have created a safe place for all students, and working hard every day to ensure a positive, loving and fun learning environment.

Being an A+ school has opened up so many opportunities for kids and has enhanced learning tremendously. The school has such a positive vibe with Art lining the hallways and sprinkled throughout the building grounds.

My child loves her teachers, the small cozy feel of a neighborhood school, and how she feels connected to and included in her school.
Having the school located in our downtown community and only a five minute walk from our house is an added bonus.

If youre searching for a school who will take great care of your child/children and for school staff who will go above and beyond for any child and family,

Posted: February 18, 2025

Posted: February 17, 2025

The new principal (Stephanie Atencio) has made a world of difference at Columbia the past two years. We feel more engaged now and participate in school activities every chance we can. The arts integration focus is also a great bonus, with opportunities for musical theater and every kid playing an instrument. My son is thriving in third grade. Cannot stress how much better things have gotten and how welcoming the school feels now.

Posted: February 17, 2025

Posted: February 16, 2025

Great community school with a welcoming atmosphere and a desire to make every student feel included. The teachers consistently go above and beyond to support the students in their academic and emotional growth. The principal is very accessible and is present at every single after school event, mingling with students and parents.
There are lots of opportunities for students to explore their interests, from a great drama and music program, to sports like cross country and basketball.

Posted: February 16, 2025

Posted: February 7, 2025

Columbia Elementary is a school that places an emphasis on art. This is the main reason I chose for my daughter to attend. So far, she has gone on several field trips which I think has fostered a lot of creativity lately. Also many of the student I see are very talented in art, music, and the performing arts. I would recommend Columbia, it is a school with heart.

Posted: February 7, 2025

Posted: February 5, 2025

I am an employee at Columbia Elementary School. There has been a tremendous positive change at Columbia in the last year and a half with a phenomenal new administrator coming in. Stephanie Atencio has brought in structure, positivity, and strong experience. She has hand picked several new teachers and the staff is focused, engaging, collaborative and dedicated. The Arts Integration program is another layer that enhances education at Columbia!!

Posted: February 5, 2025

This is my first year teaching at Columbia Elementary. The staff really is amazing and everyone truly cares for all the students. I have never seen and been a part of a staff where we all work together to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of each child. The students are also the most empathetic group of children I have ever met. It truly is a special place!

Posted: February 5, 2025

I'm a 22 year teaching veteran and have been a teacher at Columbia for a couple years. This is easily one of the best school's I've ever taught at. The staff truly cares for students, has a strong work ethic, and also work extremely well together. I was planning on retiring in a five years but my time here has reinvigorated my love of teaching and I plan on staying in the profession way past that. I love the students and staff at Columbia! It's a great community and a great school.

Posted: February 5, 2025

Columbia is a wonderful school for students and staff. It is so much fun to see how excited the students are to learn. The staff cares so much for the students.

Posted: February 5, 2025

Posted: February 19, 2023

My daughter has attended here since kindergarten the staff has always been friendly her teachers do a good job as far as I can tell. I think any issues regarding children being bullied is way blown out of proportion and maybe the parents that keep posting bad reviews need to work on not being helicopter parents as much and maybe need to get there kids to toughen up a little bit. I know it's not fun but at some point your kids will have to grow up and face like real life and not get coddled anymore and at that point all your doing is setting your child up for failure by not giving them a chance to deal with some of life's adversity and conflict that they will inevitably have to face on their own so maybe all the bad reviews here that oddly said the same thing 10 different times that were probably all written by the same helicopter parent should consider not babying your kid quite as much and focus on teaching them to deal with conflict a tad bit better instead of crying and then having you go freak out on someone because you can't deal with your kid having a mark on them.(What does that even mean?) When I was in grade school I came home with marks all over, it wasn't cause It was a bad school it's because I was a rowdy little kid playing with friends on a playgroyund, it could be from running and falling on a gravel playground, or slipping on a monkey bar, or having monkey bar fights and falling off the monkey bars.Or trying to do a flip off the swings and falling as well 8000 other possible instances that would potentially leave a mark on me...even a dodgeball can leave a mark on a child's arm or leg. So I'd take the 1 star reviews posted with a grain of salt as it is pretty obvious the same upset parent has posted multiple bad reviews cause they are upset about not having there kid get babied continuously with no regard to how their kid probably acts when they are not present. Just a thought.

But honestly I think this has done a.fine.up to now keep in mind when public.schools are all underfunded teachers are underpaid it doesn't create the best opportunity to create an amazing school experience when the school is understaffed the staff is underpaid the districts leadership is changing constantly so I think they best they can with the resources they have to work with.

Posted: February 19, 2023

Posted: May 13, 2022

The leadership at the school has created and allowed violent instances to occur, without reporting to either families or the district. When a mandatory reporter refuses to report violent instances that occur at his school, the concern is an all time high. Amazing neighborhood, horrible principal. Be aware! My family has a 1st grader, and a soon to be middle schoolers, we are currently looking for another school for our current 1st, soon to be 2nd grade. From what my family has understood, this is a major issue that has affected numerous students, across the board of grades.

Posted: May 13, 2022

Posted: January 22, 2020

As an educator myself I have had nothing but positive experiences for my two sons.

Posted: January 22, 2020

Posted: November 11, 2019

Leadership is ineffectual in helping children with special needs.

Posted: November 11, 2019

I rate it low. Teachers are not assisting my kids and the board of education are denying him his special needs rights! Im very disgruntled!

Posted: November 11, 2019

The school hasnt presented my child with the proper preparation he needs

Posted: November 11, 2019

Awful. They refuse to help my child.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Posted: September 10, 2019

My grandson has autism and is being bullied

Posted: September 10, 2019

If your child has Autism dont send him here also breaks my heart when my grandson cries that he doesnt want to go to school because of bullies wow

Posted: September 10, 2019

Heartbroken if a child is danger and crying for help us as adults ask your selfs do we extend a hand or Turn our backs

Posted: September 10, 2019

The staff are not supportive with parents that have children with disabilities

Posted: September 9, 2019

Teachers Brush off any issues occurring when there isn't any staff around even when it is reported by a student. For example, bullying.

Posted: September 9, 2019

A student was bullied and physically hurt by other students and teachers have taken no action

Posted: September 9, 2019

As I explained on a previous one my nephew was physically bullied and no action was taken whats so ever

Posted: September 9, 2019

Highly Do Not Reccomend they do not care about our children

Posted: August 12, 2016

My daughter talks a lot. Sadly I believe it's the symtom of being an only child. The teacher she had in 2nd grade really nitpicked little things when she could have been using her time to find a better solution than sending notes home.

Posted: August 12, 2016

Is a great school as far as learning and friendly staff. Although they focus a lot on behavior and my daughter was singled out a lot.

Posted: October 25, 2013

I think the teaching staff and administrative staff work hard to know all children and develop an enriching educational experience+

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Windmill Apartments	Apartment Complex	Colorado Springs	CO	3.3 mi
2	Cheyenne Mountain	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	4.9 mi
3	Comanche Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort carson	CO	6.2 mi
4	Mountain Shadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	6.3 mi
5	Dakota Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	6.5 mi
6	Pronghorn Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.2 mi
7	Security Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.3 mi
8	Stetson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	8.5 mi
9	Briargate - Fairfax	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	8.6 mi
10	Wolf Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.3 mi
11	Cordera	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.6 mi
12	Wolf Ranch (Briargate)	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.9 mi
13	Fountain Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	10.5 mi
14	Falcon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	12.2 mi
15	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	12.3 mi
16	Meridian Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	14.7 mi
17	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	15.9 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Colorado Springs Co	Colorado Springs	CO	0.8 mi
2	North Cheyenne Canyon	Colorado Springs	CO	6.2 mi
3	Manitou Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	8.2 mi
4	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO	13.1 mi

Base	Distance
Peterson AFB	6.3 mi.
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station	6.9 mi.
Fort Carson	7 mi.
US Air Force Academy	11.7 mi.
Schriever AFB	15.2 mi.

Columbia Elementary School

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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Columbia Elementary School

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

School Ratings

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