Steele Elementary School
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: (719) 328-4700
District: Colorado Springs 11 School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 273 students
Steele Elementary School, a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO, serves grades K-5 in the Colorado Springs 11 School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Steele Elementary School is a public school located in Colorado Springs, CO. 273 students attend Steele Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | 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 | 7/10 | 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: February 13, 2025
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Posted: February 13, 2025
My daughter attends Steele elementary school, and our experience has been wonderful! This is a school where teachers and staff know and care about each student, where everyone works to make learning fun and effective, and there is a true sense of community. My daughter is excited to go to school each day, and always comes home happy. She actually gets upset if there is a snow day because she wants to go! I have watched her blossom and thrive here, and I'm so grateful. The recent addition of the IB program has taken what was already an excellent program and added so much more enrichment. The hard work put in by everyone at the school to make it happen will pay dividends. Furhermore, the older kids are kind to the younger ones, and I see very little evidence of bullying. Kids will be kids, which means conflict will happen, but they work hard to address it and give the kids healthy conflict resolution skills. They also have a big emphasis on inclusivity and kindness, and a good social-emotionsl curriculum. I also appreciate that things like art and music are emphasized/valued and that all kids take Spanish (part of the new IB program). Probably the thing which sets Steele apart the most is the community. Families are invested in this school, and it shows. The teachers feel supported, and there are tons of school and community events that are fun and help bring everyone together. Overall, a great little school!
Posted: March 7, 2021
This school has been in steady decline over the past 4 years and the current Principal is a huge part of that equation. Lack of connection to families; only interested in those who can provide financial support to the school; complete lack of follow through and no interest at all in addressing anything other than a positive experience. This school used to be THE school to go to and had a waiting list to get into - now so many families have left there is no issue in getting in. Total lack of diversity makes the school a great place if you want your kids to think that homogeneous culture is the best culture.
Posted: March 7, 2021
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Posted: May 11, 2019
Never had an issue. Our students never had too much but also always had something to do. Help is always there if needed.
Posted: May 11, 2019
Both of our students have loved all of their teachers. It shows that they really care. I'd been worried because some of them have retired recently, but the new teachers are just as supportive and kind.
Posted: May 11, 2019
Steele goes out of its way to instill values in its students, and focuses on a different positive trait every month.
Posted: May 11, 2019
When the principal notices that your son, out of 300 other students, seems down for many days at a time and pulls me aside to let me know he is concerned, that tells me that he really cares.
Posted: May 11, 2019
Absolutely. We have a daughter who struggled with certain subjects and a son who is gifted. They seem equipped to deal with both ends of the spectrum and have been very supportive.
Posted: May 11, 2019
In the past, we had issues with our daughter being bullied and it not being addressed in a timely fashion. Our son was bullied and when we raised concerns it was taken care of immediately and has not happened again since.
Posted: May 11, 2019
I really do not understand the negative reviews. I've been a proud Steele parent since 2013. Despite there being nearly 300 students, I've always felt like everyone at Steele knows our kids; their habits, their personalities, their strengths and weaknesses. The staff have brought our children's personalities out and they have thrived here. The activities are wonderful and it feels like a close-knit family. Parents are actually INVOLVED. Our son has two more years at Steele and my only disappointment will be having to go on to middle school and leave Steele!
Posted: November 14, 2018
Unless your student excels you can expect him or her to fall through the cracks.
Posted: November 14, 2018
My child saw two children fighting who got no punishment while other students were being disciplined for minor infractions. The students even feel that punishment and crime don't correlate.
Posted: November 14, 2018
Mostly worksheets, they feel like busy work. Teachers do not then check homework or lose it once turned in.
Posted: November 14, 2018
There are great teachers but the ones that are bad, are really, really bad. They have negatively changed my children's perspective on themselves and learning in general. It took my older child a whole year in middle school to not think negatively about school and start being successful again.
Posted: November 14, 2018
Students feel unheard and discipline is not related to, or appropriate to the infraction. Administration doesn't follow what they say they support. Adults are not held to any standard. Teachers who don't teach and bully children are allowed to continue teaching and children aren't helped.
Posted: November 14, 2018
The principal doesn't understand the students. He is directed by the few very active parents and does what they want instead of what is in the best interest of the school. He pays lip service to listening and helping your child but is ineffective. If you have a problem don't expect help from him.
Posted: November 14, 2018
I am very disappointed in what was supposed to be one of district 11's best schools. The new principal has no connection to the student or family population. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone!
Posted: October 30, 2018
Posted: October 30, 2018
Posted: October 30, 2018
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Posted: October 30, 2018
Both my children go to Steele after attending a different D11 school. Night and day, my children are thriving in the environment. No school is perfect but this school gets an A+ for trying!
Posted: October 6, 2017
Posted: October 6, 2017
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Posted: October 6, 2017
Posted: October 6, 2017
I went to Steele Elementary when I was in Grade school. Now my daughter attends Steele. Beautiful and safe neighborhood, amazing teachers and staff.
Posted: July 7, 2017
IEP and 504 plans are layed out but rarely followed unless you have the money to hire your own aid for your child.
Posted: July 7, 2017
My son was increasingly bullied through the 3 years of attending this school. This past year was the final straw with him being physical assulted with no consequence to the aggressors.
Posted: July 7, 2017
My son's social skills declined while at this school along with his self esteem.
Posted: July 7, 2017
Students are not held accountable on a standardized scale. Students with parents working at the school or are large donors to the school are permitted to bully and physically assult their peers. Lower income and transfer students are blamed for others actions and punished more severely.
Posted: July 7, 2017
My child's first and second grade teacher was frequently overwhelmed by the students and would ignore students having a hard time for large periods of time.
Posted: July 7, 2017
Very poor. Increasingly bad since the new principal was hired last year. I would not suggest anyone send their child to this school.
Posted: July 7, 2017
For the 3 years my child was at this school homework was never collected. His teachers set out a basket labeled homework and hoped for the best.
Posted: March 11, 2016
Posted: March 11, 2016
Posted: March 11, 2016
My son now goes to an elementary in Cherry Creek school district and he was so behind on the curriculum after attending Steele that he had to go to tutoring two days a week the entire school year to get caught up. We didn't even know if he was going to be able to pass second grade. The teacher at Steele isolated his desk in the middle of the class because he didn't socialize with the other kids. She was a first time teacher and wasn't able to recognize that he had focusing issues. I honestly don't know how this school is rated so high. I would never recommend this school, even to my worst enemy.
Posted: September 23, 2014
Awesome school! My kids love it. They have both excelled in their reading, writing, and math. The parents participate very actively and the culture is very open minded. Fortunately, they still focus on art and music as well as the primary subjects, so the students receive a very well rounded education. We are very pleased with Steele.
Posted: February 1, 2014
Way too political. His teacher made him go up to the chalk board and write who he would vote for PRESIDENT... THIS WAS AFTER THE TEACHER WENT UP TO THE BOARD AND WROTE HER CHOICE AS OBAMA!!! Disgusting, there is no plausible explanation whay the teacher would do this. We tried to talk to administration and we were stone walled. The teacher was never disciplined, nor was any action EVER taken. We have heard multiple other stories like this from other parents. Unfortunately when a TENURED D-11 teacher is disciplined, there will be NO RAMIFICATIONS.... If you want your child BRAINWASHED in progressive thinking, then STEELE is the school for you!
Posted: March 20, 2012
A safe school and seems to have a good program and dedicated teachers. Doesn't seem to be on the ball when it comes to children with learning issues, but overall a good solid school. PTA is very active.
Posted: November 13, 2010
Transferred my kindergartner from T___r to Steele. Entering Steele, my kid's standardized tests were horrible. Three weeks later all but one of his scores are above the scheduled standard. I noticed a big difference in his knowledge of letters and words soon after starting at Steele. I attribute this mostly to the school. I'm impressed. One thing I didn't like about T___r's splitting the kindergarten class was that the selection criteria (by enrollment date) looked, at least to me, geared to get the lower performing kids into the new kindergarten class. Cold hearted introduction to the harsh world IMHO.
Posted: October 8, 2010
Caring, professional and dedicated teachers, great PTA make this school function excellently. My kids are happy and learning!
Posted: April 15, 2010
Steele Elementary prepared my daughter for her school career. She's in high school now and thriving. I believe that the caring and dedicated teachers at Steele Elementary played a vital part in her strong willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Posted: April 13, 2010
Steele Elementary is a fabulous school. A real neighborhood (community school (not kiss and drop) perfect size. Great experienced teachers (20 plus years!), great traditions (the 5th grade class does a Shakespere prodection each year) Great families, resources and support. Excellent cirriculum. Great music, art, phy. ed programs as well. This school is a true community where kids build roots and friendships that will last forever.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Windmill Apartments | Apartment Complex | Colorado Springs | CO | 4.4 mi | |
| 2 | Mountain Shadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 5 mi | |
| 3 | Cheyenne Mountain | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 5.8 mi | |
| 4 | Dakota Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 5.9 mi | |
| 5 | Pronghorn Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 7.3 mi | |
| 6 | Comanche Village | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Fort carson | CO | 7.4 mi | |
| 7 | Briargate - Fairfax | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 7.9 mi | |
| 8 | Stetson Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.3 mi | |
| 9 | Wolf Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.6 mi | |
| 10 | Security Valley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.7 mi | |
| 11 | Cordera | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.8 mi | |
| 12 | Wolf Ranch (Briargate) | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 9.2 mi | |
| 13 | Flying Horse | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 11.1 mi | |
| 14 | Fountain Valley | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Colorado Springs | CO | 11.8 mi | |
| 15 | Falcon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Peyton | CO | 12 mi | |
| 16 | Meridian Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Peyton | CO | 14.4 mi | |
| 17 | Forest Lakes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Monument | CO | 14.6 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado Springs Co | Colorado Springs | CO | 1.6 mi | |
| 2 | North Cheyenne Canyon | Colorado Springs | CO | 6.6 mi | |
| 3 | Manitou Springs | Colorado Springs | CO | 8.2 mi | |
| 4 | North Gate Blvd | Colorado Springs | CO | 12 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Peterson AFB | 7.2 mi. |
| Cheyenne Mountain Air Station | 8 mi. |
| Fort Carson | 8.3 mi. |
| US Air Force Academy | 10.4 mi. |
| Schriever AFB | 16 mi. |
