Coyote Ridge Elementary School in Fort Collins

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	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.

Posted: April 18, 2026

As an involved parent who values both strong academics and clear communication, our experience at Coyote Ridge Elementary School has been very positive.

One of the biggest differentiators is the schools International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program. This isnt just a labelits truly reflected in how students learn. The inquiry-based approach encourages kids to ask questions, think critically, and connect ideas meaningfully across subjects. Instead of focusing on memorization, students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and how they apply in the real world. Students are taught to understand the why behind what theyre learning and to see themselves as part of a larger, global community. Weve seen our child become more curious, confident, and engaged as a learner. She's grown, not just academically, but as a thoughtful communicator and problem solverskills that will matter far beyond elementary school.

The teachers and staff are another standout. Communication is consistent, transparent and thoughtful. We regularly receive updates on whats happening in the classroom and how our child is progressing. More importantly, theres a clear sense that teachers genuinely care about each student's success and well-being.

Academically, expectations are high, but students are supported in reaching them and the school performs strongly compared to others in the state. But what matters more to us is how that performance is achieved: through a balance between rigor and whole-child approach that values social-emotional development, creativity, and collaboration alongside core academics.

The school also fosters a strong sense of community. There are lots of opportunities for families to get involved and engage in meaningful ways. That support system makes a difference in how connected both students and parents feel.

No school is perfect, but what stands out here is a commitment to continuous improvement and a shared culture that is committed to putting students first and doing what is best for students.

If youre considering schools in Thompson School District (Loveland/Fort Collins area), Id definitely recommend taking a closer look at Coyote Ridgeespecially if youre interested in the IB approach. Tour the school, talk to current families, and see the classrooms in action. The difference in approach is noticeable, and for many students, it can be transformative, so worth exploring to see if its the right fit for your child.

Posted: April 18, 2026

Posted: September 30, 2025

This school has the worst teachers Ive every seen

Posted: September 30, 2025

Posted: May 9, 2025

My child attended CRES throughout elementary (except when I had her out during the lockdown). We couldn't be happier with our experience there. The teachers, staff, and admin are wonderful. They are very caring and on their game. I'm sad that my child has to leave for middle school! If we could keep her at CRES until high school graduation, I would gladly do it. I'm very grateful for our time at CRES.

Posted: May 9, 2025

Coyote Ridge Elementary is a wonderful experience! The Principal and Staff genuinely cares about their Students and families. Mr Davis knows every Students name and is very involved with every aspect of the school. Ms Gebhart who is currently teaching 4th grade is a wonderful, kind and respectful teacher. She meets each student where they are and is very encouraging. Coyote Ridge Elementary is a great choice for anyone considering a school for their child.

Posted: May 9, 2025

Posted: May 8, 2025

My daughter has been here for 3 years. Has had her own challenges but the staff at coyote ridge has been there to help each step of the way. As a parent you dont always know if the choices you make are the right ones, but the staff at the school has always been supportive and helpful.
We could not ask for better team. We are sad to see some of the teachers leaving this next year but hopeful it doesnt impact how great coyote ridge has been!

Posted: June 15, 2024

We have had an excellent experience in our three years at Coyote Ridge. We toured many public, charter, and private schools before enrolling our kids at CRES, and most of them would have been fine, but Coyote Ridge has been OUTSTANDING!

Thanks so much to the teachers, Mr Davis the principal, and all the support and admin staff. They are so welcoming and do such an amazing job challenging the students in ways that make them EXCITED about learning.

Posted: May 29, 2024

My daughter wen to this school for only 2 years. At the end of the first day she told me how great it was. A few kids were odd but the teachers,IB SYSTEM, and students are great

Posted: May 29, 2024

I have had three children at Coyote Ridge and it has been a wonderful experience since day 1. The teachers are hands on, teach at each child's level, and communicate with parents about things going on in the classroom. Overall, the school keeps parents in the loop about everything going on. We have loved our time at this school, and I'm excited for my fourth child to start there in the fall.

Posted: May 29, 2024

Posted: May 27, 2024

We had an incredible experience at CRES! My big kiddo did 4th and 5th gradehe has dyslexia and ADHD. He was fully supported by the CRES staff. He received top notch intervention which brought him up to grade level after years of struggling to keep up. My younger kiddo had a wonderful kinder and first grade experience. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the CRES staff and community! Definitely the gem of Thompson school district.

Posted: May 27, 2024

Posted: May 25, 2024

I have 2 kids who have been through the school K-5 and it has been the best experience! Coyote Ridge is a school where kids are challenged and supported. They are given voice and choice in their learning with guidance from a team of amazing teachers! The IB Program offers a continuity of learning K-5, and supports the development of international-mindedness in students who want to create a better and more peaceful world. My kids learned to be inquirers, risk-takers, and supportive & balanced humans. Im so grateful that I have one more child to attend Coyote Ridge!

Posted: May 25, 2024

Posted: May 24, 2024

Coyote Ridge Elementary and The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been outstanding in developing foundational skills in my children. Its holistic approach emphasizes academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and physical development. The inquiry-based learning model encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, making my children more curious and engaged learners.

The Programmes focus on international-mindedness broadens their perspectives, fostering empathy and respect for diverse cultures. The teachers in the PYP are exceptional, going above and beyond to challenge students with creative and engaging units of inquiry. They provide personalized support, recognizing each childs unique strengths and areas for growth.

Moreover, the teachers are amazing and caring, prioritizing students' social and emotional health. They create a nurturing environment where children feel safe and valued. Overall, the PYP has been instrumental in my children's holistic development, preparing them for future success academically, socially, and emotionally.

Posted: May 24, 2024

Posted: May 7, 2023

I have a child leaving CRES this year and another in 2nd grade and we have loved our experience at CRES! We have loved every teacher my kids have had .

Posted: May 7, 2023

Posted: April 27, 2023

New to this school, and have nothing but great things to say! Teachers are great, all mesh well together. My son has strived here, and definitely advanced due to this amazing school!

Posted: April 27, 2023

Posted: May 23, 2022

We absolutely love this school! The staff and teachers are wonderful and caring and truely care about my child and their success. It has been the best school my child has gone to.

Posted: February 21, 2019

The principal seems to be engaged and is works hard to be the best school in the district.

Posted: February 21, 2019

We are new to the school this year. The second day of school my child was greeted by name in the car line. Also, the teacher has done a wonderful job engaging my child in what they are learning in the classroom and making learning meaningful to the world around her. I have appreciated the IB program in how it interconnects the learning experience with other classes, teaches a foreign language (Spanish), teaches how ask meaningful questions, as well as teaching how to think critically and independently.

Posted: February 21, 2019

My child only gets homework in math and reading, which takes about 30 min total each evening. Some days she does not have any homework besides reading.

Posted: February 21, 2019

Teachers care about their students and work hard to find meaningful ways to meet the needs of each child. They hope to spark an excitement with what the students learn in the classroom and celebrate them extending this learning outside of the school day.

Posted: February 21, 2019

Posted: September 16, 2018

It was great finding this school!!! In the first week we seen how awesome this school is! The teachers are wonderful!! The food choices they have are great and healthy!!! Its hard anymore to find a school that teaches kids morals, principals and values! My kids love the school garden and getting to bring home fruits and veggies they picked! I could go on and on! This school has been exceptional!!!!!

Posted: September 16, 2018

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC SCHOOL!!!! Extremely glad we used the choice program and put our kids in this school! Exceptional!!!!!!

Posted: December 4, 2015

My son brings home so much new information everyday and loves to share with us the things he has learned. I can only believe that his teachers are play a large part in his enthusiasm for learning.

Posted: December 4, 2015

I like their homework system so far. I'm sure it changes in the upper grades, but in Kinder and 1st grade, they are given a small packet each month to turn in at the end of the month. If you do one worksheet every couple of days, it's very easy to get done. There are also reading logs and at the end of the month, if you've completed your reading log, the kids get a little something from their teacher.

Posted: December 4, 2015

In Kindergarten, they had 'talk time' where they would sit in a circle and express their feelings in general or toward another student, whether good or bad, and discuss with everyone the best way for the students to resolve any conflicts. That's pretty sophisticated for kindergartners, but it really worked, to my amazement.

Posted: December 4, 2015

My son is in first grade this year and we are impressed by the amount of information he brings home to us. The school encourages parent involvement. All of the staff is super friendly and everyone seems to know every child by name. It amazes me and makes me proud when I get to walk through the hall with my son.

Posted: March 18, 2015

This is our first year at CRES and we LOVE it!! Having had an opportunity to volunteer in several classrooms, I feel I can truly say they have a great teachers, staff and principal!!

Posted: March 17, 2015

We are so pleased with our experience at Coyote Ridge Elementary! Our son's Kindergarten teacher is extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive and we know our son is receiving a top notch education! We are extremely happy about our decision to send our child to Coyote Ridge Elementary!

Posted: December 13, 2014

We have 3 kids at Coyote Ridge and have been so impressed with their growth and development over the last 3 years. Our child was struggling with behavior after starting full-day school and both the principal and teachers worked with us and him to be sure he was not left behind and felt confident in his new surroundings. He is now thriving and excelling in both math and reading, two subjects he struggled with when he entered 1st grade. Although I was nervous with the change in principal leadership for the 2014-2015 school year, my fears have been erased. Mr Davis is so great with the kids and works with the parents to be sure everyone is treated fairly and justly. He is an excellent leader and Coyote Ridge is fortunate to have him.

Posted: February 26, 2014

My daughter loves this school. We were blown away when we found out that she'd be able to start Kindergarten because we knew she was ready! She loves her teacher and it blows my mind how much she has learned in such a short amount of time. The individual learning that happens is beyond what I expected. They keep her challenged, yet know where that very fine line is. I myself, have learned so much from the teachers there!

Posted: August 19, 2013

We have loved this school from the start. We didn't know what a wonderful place of learning we had found and we are grateful for it. The help for my daughter has been above and beyond every time. Teachers here are caring and put more time and effort into the children than is expected. I would have a hard time moving out of our home simply because we would be losing an excellent place of learning for our children.

Posted: May 15, 2011

Amazing staff, very attentive and caring. My kids absolutely LOVE the school, and the principal Mrs. Spearnak is wonderful! The school is always clean and beautiful. We feel so lucky that our children attend there!

Posted: March 23, 2011

I love this school! My autistic son has attended for the past 3 years and has grown in ways I never imagined. The staff is wonderful and they have an amazing leader in Mrs. Spearnak, the principle. We are leaving the school district sadly and I hate to take him from this incredible school!

Posted: March 6, 2011

I'm the parent of a kindergartener at Coyote and we have had a wonderful first year experience. Our child has learned things we never even dreamed he would learn in kindergarten. He loves going every day. His teacher is kind, patient, and caring.

Coyote Ridge Elementary School

Fort Collins, CO 80525

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Coyote Ridge Elementary School

Fort Collins, CO 80525

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