Pikes Peak Prep: A Colorado Springs Charter School

I want to start by saying that I really appreciate all the support and guidance you have given to me and my family when we arrived. I arrived to Colorado Springs without my husband, who is in the Army and downrange, and I was on a short deadline to get my kids in school, find daycare and a place to live before I had to start work. When I was referred to your school by Early Learning Connections, I was pleased with the way you invited us into the school and was able to have my son back in school immediately. As we found out, my son needed to improve upon some skills to be on target with the school’s standards and with the help of Ms. Rinehart, it seems we have been able to improve upon those skills. I saw Connors’ end of 2nd grade assessment test and he tested with a 94% which I was extremely pleased to see.

I would also like to say that I was pleased at how my concerns were handled concerning things that were going on, on the bus during the bus rides to Early Learning Connections. The way that situation was handled showed that the teachers care about the students and want to handle situations in a way that will not affect the children and I greatly appreciate that. Unfortunately, we have had some changes come into play within the last week which have caused us to have to pull Connor from school early and have him attend another school next year. Being military makes changing schools often a way of life and it is hard for kids to change schools and equally as a hard for the children to re-adjust to life at a new school, so it was nice to be welcomed into your school. I only hope that our experience at the next school will be as positive as you have made it for us.

We enrolled our sons in what was then the 21st Century Charter School and is now Pikes Peak Prep Charter School in 2007. We felt that charter schools offered an excellent alternative to public and private schools. It is with great disappointment that we must inform you that due to business and employment opportunities we must move back east and withdraw the boys form Pikes Peak Prep at the end of this school year.

We would be remiss if we did not take the time to praise the current administration, the incredibly dedicated teachers and staff at Pikes Peak Prep for their efforts to educate and nurture the development of our sons and the other students that attend the school. Needless to say, Kyle and Brian have flourished at Pikes Peak Prep.

Since you became the principal at the school during the 2008-2009 school year, we have observed many positive changes in all facets of the educational and character development process. We have been extremely pleased with the quality of the teachers and their dedication to the student body and the learning process. The school not only has the resources and flexibility to advance and challenge those students that excel, but the school is also a nurturing place for the “at risk” students who need the special attention that is so lacking at other schools.

We have routinely recommended the school to our neighbors, friends and business associates when asked how our sons have progressed so well and where do they attend school. Even though we have to leave the “Springs” and Pikes Peak Prep we will always remain as one of the school’s most ardent fans. Please feel free to use this letter as a recommendation to anyone who is considering enrolling their child in the school.

In closing, we cannot thank the staff, the teachers and you enough for the efforts you all put forth with regard to education and development of our sons. They have enjoyed experiences and relationships at Pikes Peak Prep that will benefit them for the rest of their life."

"I just wanted to take a moment to express how happy I have been this year having my daughter in Ms. Sherman's Kindergarten class. Picking a school is always a big decision in any grade and for any child, but when you are choosing for your child's Kindergarten year, I think it is especially nerve racking and this year has just been wonderful. Ms. Sherman is such a wonderful teacher and it has been such a blessing to be able to send my daughter to her each day and know that she is happy, learning and well cared for. If I had the decision to do over I would send her to Ms. Sherman every time without a doubt in my mind. Thank you for the opportunity to send my daughter to Pikes Peak Prep for the 2010-2011 school year."

My experience at Pikes Peak Prep has been a great learning experience. The education, with the opportunity to take college courses, and teachers are amazing. The teachers are much different than teachers at other schools. Unlike other schools where the teacher are uninvolved and don’t care what grades you get, here the teachers will give you one on one time to make sure that you understand what they are teaching. They will give you suggestions on how to keep or get your grades up.

The teachers will go above and beyond with your education. Unlike other schools where they teach you to a certain level, here they teach high school students college level Math and English. This school’s curriculum is not like other schools which their lowest is a D, here the minimum grade requirements is a B. It’s a very high standard compared to others. The thing I really love about this school is the opportunity to take college courses. This is the main reason the teachers teach at such at a high level, to get the kids ready for what college is about. You take college courses in high schools starting at ninth grade.

What I didn’t mention is that we get to use iPads at our school and we are the only school in the country that gets to use them. With the iPads we use them in every class to help expand our learning to make it a more enjoyable experience. We get our own personal iPads and we get to customize what the screen looks like. Only high school students get to use them but soon, maybe even middle school students will get to use them. Getting to use an iPad is a huge privilege at our school.

When I first started going to PPP I thought that it was a regular charter school, but it’s different in many ways. So Pikes Peak Prep is one of the greatest learning environments out there in the world; don’t pass up an opportunity like this.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Dr. Patty Arnold and her teaching faculty in the area of literacy. Literacy has been a clear priority to Dr. Arnold as evidenced by the resources she has made available for the literacy training of all Pikes Peak Prep classroom teachers. The intensive professional development provided has resulted in very solid reading instruction and improved reading scores of the students. This progress in reading instruction will continue and create an even stronger literacy climate in the school.”

My name is Kadesha Williams; I am a sophomore at Pikes Peak Prep. I have been attending PPP for 4 months. When I first transferred, I thought there was no way that I would come to enjoy the school. As days went by, I realized this is the school I have always wanted; I just hadn’t known it before. The small classes and personal attention are things I’ve always wanted in a school. The students are very amiable, helpful, funny, and smart. After a few weeks at Pikes Peak Prep, I finally felt I fit in.

Some of the best experiences I have had at the school so far were joining the volleyball team, getting iPads, and receiving the Eagle of the Month award. I joined the volleyball team maybe a week or so after I started school here. I figured it would be a good way to meet new people and have fun at the same time. We all got along great and still do. The iPads are magnificent. We can find the latest news for our current events with one touch of a finger, we do assignments on them, take notes, and find any information we need on them. Dr. Arnold, the Eagle of the Month from k-6 grade winner, and I went to lunch. We all very much enjoyed each other. I learned Dr. Arnold and I have a lot in common.

By coming to this school I now have the opportunity to attend classes at an actual college during high school. The previous school I attended, did not offer this option. I have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. I now know that it was a very wise decision to start attending Pikes Peak Prep.

My name is Daneila Cole; I was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Before I came to the U.S I went to Marcus Garvey Technical High School. I was there for 3 years and I never got an 80% on any Math test English, Science, Social Studies or Spanish.

Ever since I came to Pikes Peak Prep my grades have been better. I have a decent grade in every class because we have tutoring. At my old school we did not do tutoring because we had over 3 thousand kids so the teachers would not have enough time for them. But we did evening class but that was at six and you had to pay for it.

When I first came to PPP I did not like it because I was used to public school with a lot of kids. But then the longer I stayed here, I found out that this school is a great school.
At PPP the teachers have time to help every single student. I hope that I get to stay at PPP because if I go to another school my grades will not be the same. In October, 2010, something great happen to our school, all the high school kids got an IPAD. We all loved those IPADS. We did everything on those IPADS; we did homework for Ms. Levicki and we did web quest for Ms. Duran and other things for other teachers. So Pikes Peak Prep is a great school. So I hope that more kids can come and have a great time like a do.

Have you ever dreamed that your school had everything? Like a great education, great teachers, great technology, and most importantly FREEDOM!! Here in Colorado Springs dreams do come true. All you have to do is enroll at Pikes Peak Prep. Never heard of this school? Well let me tell you a little about it. This school is K-12 and offers a Middle College Program. Wow! Isn’t that amazing you can start college in the 9th grade, how awesome would that be, but wait, there is more!

Every single teacher and staff member at Pikes Peak Prep is loving, caring, and quite frankly just AWESOME! There are no other words to describe these teachers. In order to help students excel, teachers provide free tutoring and one on one support after school.

Now I’ve personally attended many other Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, and Pikes Peak Prep is by FAR the BEST. Since the moment I stepped on campus, teachers greeted me with smiles and enthusiasm. I feel safe, loved, and simply in good hands.

Now let me ask you a question? Does your school have iPads? YES, iPads! Well, as of October, 2010, Pikes Peak Prep is the ONLY school in the country to give iPads to the High School students. It doesn’t end there! Pikes Peak Prep is getting more exciting technology you’ll simply just love. Want to know what it is? You do? Well enroll at Pikes Peak Prep so you can find out.

If you love technology and want to pursue it as your future, well what I’m about to tell you next will blow your socks off. You can be a technology assistant and help out with any tech issues, and it is documented on your transcripts special recognition. Can you believe that? Opportunities exist for students to be Learning Guides in Art, P.E., and even cross grade level teaching.

Our school has a music program like no other! Music flows in and out through the school. Unlike other schools, students/parents don’t have to purchase or rent instruments because we provide them free of charge. We have vocal, instrumental, and band opportunities for all age levels. The teacher also expands students’ abilities with one on one free private music lessons of any instrument after school. Like music, all students enjoy Art, Physical Education, and Spanish as part of the curriculum.

Now, are you thinking, “Oh well, I like what I’m hearing about Pikes Peak Prep, but my school offers yearbook, or maybe even student council.” Well don’t worry Pikes Peak Prep has that too, but that’s just two of the clubs we offer. Additional clubs are Photography, Rock Climbing, Technology & Video Editing, Science, Chess, Garden, Girl Scouts, and Yoga.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Pikes Peak Prep has the best gym in the country. Don’t think that we just have a gym for the looks: we have a great variety of competitive athletic sports Including volleyball, basketball, and much more.

Isn’t Pikes Peak Prep just a dream come true? I’m living the dream and you can too!!!!!

My name is Dallas Holeyfield, and I am a current student at Pikes Peak Prep. I simply cannot put into words how thankful I am to be a part of this school, and to have a chance at free college credits. I started here last year and ever since I have been here my education has sky rocketed. Two years ago at a public middle school I got into trouble and always received a poor grade in every class. Now I am a sophomore at PPP. I haven’t received lower than an 80% the whole time I have been at this school! To add to that, I haven’t received one referral and because of my grades and behavior I plan to attend the college program next year. At this school I have received an exponential more amount of 1-on-1 teacher student time which has greatly aided in my studies. Now I have an Ipad to help me gather information quicker and even study without the use of a computer. The dress code allows me to give off a more professional outlook on people and myself. If I had never come to this school my education would probably not carry me far in my life, but now I am confident that when I graduate I will have enough skills to dominate any college I am interested in. Thanks to Pikes Peak Prep, I will prove to be a productive citizen in the American society.

My name is Demi Oakley and I attend one of the best schools ever. I must say I wasn’t use to the whole dress code and homework everyday thing. Before I came to Pikes Peak Prep I was D and C+ student most of those being D’s, but then I started to attend here and in the first week I could tell that Pikes Peak Prep cared.

Unlike my school before this one they didn’t care about if you failed or passed they just wanted to get through the year without troubles or to much work. At Pikes Peak Prep, the teachers actually care about you and your education. They answer questions instead of saying “I will address questions later” and never do. Or, when you need help, they have tutoring available after school. They care about your education and help you meet high standards and education to the fullest.

I’m in the tenth grade and the bad grades I use to get in my old school have changed into C+ and B average. I’m very grateful that Pikes Peak Prep has the great education that we deserve but also for the great opportunities they give us.

I can now span my education further then before with the college program they offer, once they believe you are ready to take on the role of college classes. Pikes Peak Prep is actually a very positive change in my education and toward myself as a person. I feel more determined and confident and I know its because the teachers care and listen and I’m not just some girl going through school. No, I am a student and when I make it through successfully with my head held high I will become a great asset in life and for others. I know it’s because of this school that I am who I am now and what I have yet to become.

My name is D’Metria Thornburg. I am a junior at Pikes Peak Prep. When I first came to PPP I was a sophomore. I was very shy and I came from a very small school. The school I came from had 30 students from k-9th grade. So, as you can imagine, I was very scared. Eventually, I got over my fear and shyness and met some awesome teachers and great friends. I don’t want to disrespect the other school but it sucked. I had one teacher for all subjects and she was as good at teaching as I was at jumping over a skyscraper. When I got here I felt behind. Other kids who were here a year prior would know things that I was just learning. When I got caught up I felt great! Most importantly, I felt for the very first time, that I was smart. My teachers through out the years would tell me that I am so smart and that I have potential. You could be the best architect in the world but if you don’t have the tools you’ll never be able to build a house. Since last year I haven’t had a grade drop below and 80%. I had trouble in math but I’m doing great now. I really like this school for its academics. If you or your child is like me and just needs a push in the right direction, this school is perfect for you!

I can’t say I’ve never thought about my future. Actually, if I was being completely honest, it’s always on my mind, like a puppet master pulling strings influencing my every action. I guess it makes sense for my brain to be hardwired that way since I’d decided before I was five that I’d wanted to become a pediatrician. My every decision has pretty much been aimed toward that goal. I knew what I wanted so when I heard that Pikes Peak Prep had a middle college program I was thrilled. How great it would be if I had gotten into college as merely a sophomore! I became determined. Finally, I’d gotten the news I’d only ever dreamed of. Ms. Nace crowed proudly the accomplishment of my acceptance. Kennedy, my very close friend, and I were going to be attending Pikes Peak Community College with the other middle college students. I’d worked my tail off and the teachers were forever offering their generous encouragement. They treated us with respect and dignity.

Responsibility was thrust upon the student body the day we received Ipads. Things were changing and the teachers’ positive outlook grew on each of us. They told us how we would be able to do so much more; how our lives would be easier, brighter, more fun, and things were looking up. Our current events, our work, some of our labs, even the internet would be at the tips of our fingers; Facebook and other social things were blocked of course. Those were just a blip on out windshields though. How much cooler could it get?! Things were easier, but that didn’t hinder us from hands on. Quite the contrary, it required us to do more. We were finally getting what we so fervently hoped for. Our futures were that much brighter.

I grew up in Harrison District two since I was in Kindergarten. I loved the school system. When it came to choosing a high school, I chose Harrison High School. It was the most fun and athletic based high school. The school’s big focus was athletics, fun, and making sure the student’s had the best high school experience ever.

The education department was not at a high expectation level. Even though I had my friends there, I chose to leave my senior year for a better education opportunity. I later found Pikes Peak Prep. I refused to go for about a week because of the word “Prep”. I did not like the idea of being at a prep school but with the guidance of my step mom, I enrolled in the school.
I soon realized that the school was not as bad as I thought it was. Mrs. Nace and Mrs. Levicki were the first two teachers I met. All of the teachers are very kind and understanding. Pikes Peak Prep has offered me a hands-on learning experience and because the student population is not very big, I pretty much know everyone.

The school also received Ipads from the Geo Foundation and we use them everyday. There are books online and we used the internet for research. Pikes Peak Prep also offers the middle-college program. I think the college program is a great head start for some of us who want to go to college. Pikes Peak Prep also provides students with an H.E.A.R diploma which stands for Higher Education Academic Requirement.

So even though my year started out rough, I know it is going to end even better.

			Pikes Peak Prep \| 525 E. Costilla Street \| Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-570-7575 \| Fax: 719-475-0831 © 2008 GEO Foundation, All Rights Reserved \| Site design by Fanger PR