Trailblazer 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	3/10	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 14, 2026

Trailblazer is a great school with an amazing community! They have the best staff and teachers!

Posted: April 6, 2026

This school has been such a safe and engaging place for my child. I am so impressed with the staff and their team mentality. The principal knows all the kids by name, he is accessible and visible not just throughout the day but at pick up time as well! He's always out in the parking lot engaging parents and children while directing traffic. The staff truly cares and the "place-based learning" has been extremely influential in my child's life. The way the teachers get the kids outside as much as possible is incredible. They also try to create intentional moments where the students can apply what they learn in every day scenarios. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience at Trailblazer.

Posted: March 15, 2026

Trailblazer has amazing staff, including a Principal that knows all the students amd families. My child loves the school and we couldn't be happier!!

Posted: October 17, 2024

Upon moving here from California where we experienced distinguished schools with excellent programs, I was hesitant on where to send my kids to school. I did my research and landed on Trailblazer. I could not be happier with my decision. This is an EXCELLENT school. The Principal takes the time to learn every single students name. The principal does the crosswalk for the kids and parents every single morning and afternoon. I love walking my kids up to the front door every morning, they make it fun! Music is playing on the boombox and teachers standing at the door to great each student with a smile and a fist bump. I cannot express how grateful I am for this school.

Posted: August 27, 2024

Transferred my kiddo here over our neighborhood school and couldnt be happier! Their Place Based education program is such a cool idea and I love their focus on outdoor time and physical activity. Monthly field trips and fun family events like movie nights really give the kids something to look forward to. Looking forward to many more years here!

Posted: July 10, 2023

My child went here. She lovey this school, they never leave kids out, and they make learning fun, if this teacher still works here they were the best teacher in me and my child's opinion, Mr. Perez

Posted: December 8, 2022

This is a second year for our daughter at the Trailblazer Elementary school. We were welcomed and treated kindly and with respect from the very 1st day. We like everything about the school. My daughter loves all of her teachers. She is eager to go to school every day. She is only in the 1st grade and everything she knows - reading, writing, math- she learnt in school. Also, communication with teachers and school staff is great. Principal is wonderful, very involved in all the school activities, easy to reach out to, responsive. Trailblazer hosts plenty of events to bring the community together, and promote good relationships between parents, teachers, and students. I also like the fact that there are many more field trips for students to enjoy this semester, and hope it will continue to be that way. I think it s just another way for my child to aquire different skills, while exploring the surroundings.
I would definitely recommend this school to my friends (and have done so already), whose children are of the Elementary school age.

Posted: September 22, 2022

We have been at Trailblazer Elementary for 4 years. It feels like a family. The staff and faculty are clearly engaged in generating a community-based learning environment that focuses on the student's growth academically and personally. They provide countless extracurricular activities and opportunities for parent involvement. We could not be happier with our experience!

Posted: September 22, 2022

Posted: September 1, 2022

Trailblazer is a Wonderful school with excellent staff!

Posted: September 1, 2022

Fantastic learning environment with teachers that care and are lead by a great principal.

Posted: September 1, 2022

Posted: August 28, 2022

In general, Great Schools' metrics by which they base a school's scores are ridiculous and outdated. Test scores are a horrible indication of whether or not students with disabilities/low income needs are being met. I have a 6th grader who went to Trailblazer K-5 and two other kids who are still there. The level of instruction is top notch, and it offers a unique group of diverse students for this area of town. The administrative staff is involved, attentive, and incredibly kind. They approach learning in a more individualized way--making learning more accessible to each and every student (both advanced and those with individual needs). There are also after- school club options for most of the year that our kids have loved being a part of. Kids are outside a lot during the day--utilizing the huge field, playground, and trails on school property--as well as nearby open space. Your child will be moving, creating, learning life skills, and be supported by the most wonderful group of teachers and staff. Learning is about SO much more than standardized test scores. I cannot stress that enough. I consider our family very lucky to have Trailblazer as our home school.

Posted: August 28, 2022

Posted: August 23, 2022

Ive been a parent of a Trailblazer student for several years. The teachers really care about my child and want him to do his best not only academically but also be the best person he can be. His learning applies to the real world and he gets choice throughout his day. Im confident Trailblazer is the best school to come for your child to become a well rounded individual!

Posted: August 23, 2022

My child has gone to Trailblazer for three years (now four), and in his time here he's grown so much. He's received personal attention from his teachers, aides, principal -- and even his bus driver. I've been so pleased with this school, and I'm thankful for everyone who cares about him and challenges him.

Posted: August 23, 2022

I have 3 children at Trailblazer Elementary and weve been a family there for the past 6 years. The staff and principal are all outstanding. They put so much energy and compassion into the children and are always working to grow the opportunities and outcomes. There is a free part-time Preschool AND a FREE after school program which are both huge benefits to families.

Posted: August 23, 2022

My children have flourished with the structure of learning within Trailblazer. The principal and all the teachers are wonderful. The communication is consistent and much appreciated. Our family loves the sense of community Trailblazer strives to achieve!

Posted: August 23, 2022

Posted: June 3, 2020

Our son was in the GT program, and they did a wonderful job challenging him! Our daughter was struggling when we moved here, as a result of her previous school, and these teachers made her confident and she grew so much under these teachers!

Posted: June 3, 2020

We are a military family and this has been our favorite elementary school by far!

Posted: June 3, 2020

The principal that took over this school in 2018 is wonderful! He seems to truly care about his students and his teachers.

Posted: November 19, 2019

10/10, this school is doing great things and preparing their students to be kind and capable citizens.

Posted: November 19, 2019

There is minimal homework outside of reading. Students are not unduly stressed by heavy homework loads.

Posted: November 19, 2019

The teachers communicate effectively with parents and with each other. The staff places great importance on respect, learning, and creativity. I understand what is going on at my childrens' school and parents are given many opportunities for involvement. I feel like parent input is both solicited and valued.

Posted: November 19, 2019

This is the most cohesive team in terms of leadership. The principal values the rest of the staff, the office assistants know what is going on with the entire school and they always are willing to help. Any concerns are cared for in a timely and professional manner.

Posted: November 19, 2019

Posted: November 2, 2017

I love what Trailblazer is doing! They are thinking beyond teaching to a test and having kids jump through the hoops of school and focusing on the skills needed for success beyond school.

Posted: November 2, 2017

Posted: October 25, 2017

My impression of this school is that the principal has an ego and thinks she and her school are the greatest but is living in fantasy land. The school is average. Some kids will have good experiences and some won't. The Next Gen learning thing is a gimick to market the school with but it really just means lowered academic advancement for the top students, less instruction from the best teachers, and more screen time for the kids. It is de-professionalizing teaching, imho. The school is heavy into marketing - staged photos on their website, etc., to make you think they're great - I know, my kid participated. The middle school is following suit with this Next Gen thing much to my dismay - thank goodness Coronado is being level-headed and still preparing kids well for college and other post secondary stuff - this elementary just does not have a good picture of where kids are supposed to be by high school and is losing that vision more and more all the time, I think. Beautiful campus and teachers as good as anywhere for the most part. But let's be clear - this school is all about its own ego or the ego of its principal and not really that much about your kid.

Posted: December 14, 2016

I have had many recent negative experiences with the principle DENISE RUBIO-GURNETT regarding my son. I met with her and the district supervisor one week ago to discuss lack of communication on their part and the impact its having on our partnership for bettering my sons experience there. At the end of the meeting I made it clear that I want to be contacted by phone immediately in the case of an emergency or something important. Yesterday, my son was seen by school officials on the play ground before school but when the bell rang for school he never made it to class. He left campus and was gone for almost 30 minutes before he was found by school staff. My questions are where were the adults that are supposed to be monitoring these students? Why was I not contacted immediately regarding the disappearance of my son? I did not receive a phone call until 7 hours after the incident occurred. The school is negligent at this point. They assume liability of him and any child once their feet hit school grounds. I never received an apology from anyone about their lack of responsibility in the matter. The blame was once again placed on my 6 year old son. If we can trust the schools with our children who can we trust??????????

Posted: December 14, 2016

They are bullies themselves. I doubt they do anything about the children.

Posted: December 14, 2016

I don't feel like my son is getting any extra help. They are quick to send him to the office to shrug him off and not deal with him or help him progress.

Posted: December 14, 2016

The principle is a coward. She does not take accountability for mistakes that are made by her or any of the school officials. She has no problem placing blame on 5 and six year old children. She is a poor excuse of a leader.

Posted: December 14, 2016

I feel as though as my son has been labeled and is treated poorly because of it.

Posted: December 14, 2016

I'm not a fan of the teachers thus far.

Posted: December 14, 2016

My son has never had homework and he has attended for a year and a half.

Posted: April 26, 2016

My daughter went here for Kindergarten, and had a wonderful experience. I worked with my daughter at home with Fry's Sight words, as they were also using them in class there, and when my daughter surpassed 500 words, she and another student were both moved to an advanced reading group. I was very glad they were able to work with her! We were sad to leave (as we got her into a gifted program at a charter school for 1st grade), my daughter still misses her teachers from there. We've been back a few times just to say 'hi' and the office staff and teachers all remember my daughter, and are very pleased she is doing so well in her new school. I always point out though, that they were the ones who started her on her path to success. ^_^

Posted: May 17, 2014

I am so sad to be leaving this school. We have been here for 2 years and are moving to Arizona this month. They have been amazing with my son. I couldn't have asked for better teachers. The support staff has been great also! They have all worked with our family to find the best way to help my son learnand accommodate his needs. We are really going to miss you all.

Posted: August 20, 2013

Great school! This will be my children's 2nd school year here. So far been a great experience. Ms. York is an awesome teacher and I highly recommend her if you have a child entering kindergarten. So far impressed with Mrs. Birringer has kept me updated through email so far on everything going on in my child's class.

Posted: December 11, 2012

Very unhappy with a 5th grade teacher named Miss Donnelly. She is a very rude person and has terrible communication with parents. She doesn't do what she says she's going to do in terms of contacting you when she says she will. She could care less about the students. From my understanding she has 23 students, with 13 of those making an F in at least one subject. To me, this shows a "teacher problem", as opposed to a "student problem". If more than half your class are making a failing grade, you're clearly not doing your job teaching. Do yourself a favor, DON'T put your child in Trailblazer Elementary in Miss Donnelly's class. It's quite apparent she hates her job, and the world. Maybe she should think about retiring, or find another occupation. Teaching is definitely not her forte.

Posted: May 15, 2011

Trailblazer is a FABULOUS school!!! I have visited the others in our area and none compare. We choice-in to Trailblazer!! The teachers and support staff are amazing and fully invested and my kids are both thriving there.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Mountain Shadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	0.5 mi
2	Dakota Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	6.6 mi
3	Briargate - Fairfax	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.5 mi
4	Cordera	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.7 mi
5	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.8 mi
6	Wolf Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	8.2 mi
7	Wolf Ranch (Briargate)	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	8.5 mi
8	Windmill Apartments	Apartment Complex	Colorado Springs	CO	9 mi
9	Pronghorn Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.6 mi
10	Stetson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.7 mi
11	Cheyenne Mountain	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.7 mi
12	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	9.9 mi
13	Comanche Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort carson	CO	12.1 mi
14	Falcon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	12.8 mi
15	Security Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	13.5 mi
16	Meridian Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	14.8 mi
17	Fountain Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	16.6 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Colorado Springs Co	Colorado Springs	CO	6.3 mi
2	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO	8.6 mi
3	North Cheyenne Canyon	Colorado Springs	CO	9.2 mi
4	Manitou Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	9.5 mi

Base	Distance
US Air Force Academy	5.8 mi.
Peterson AFB	11.4 mi.
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station	12.1 mi.
Fort Carson	13 mi.
Schriever AFB	19.6 mi.

Trailblazer Elementary School

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

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Trailblazer Elementary School

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

School Ratings

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