Columbine Elementary School

Top 10 Reasons to Enroll Your Child @ Columbine

1. Small Class Sizes K-5 2. Differentiated Instruction 3. Highly trained and experienced staff 4. SSL (Spanish as a second language) 5. Great afterschool programs 6. Curriculum that teaches higher-level thinking skills

Your best

7. Exposure to other cultures 8. Saves driving time AND the environment 9. Family-like community And the number one reason you should come to Columbine

Choice is your
neighborhood school

3130 Repplier St Boulder, CO, 80304 303-443-0792 www.bvsd.org/schools/columbine

WE WANT YOU!

Our school
At Columbine Elementary School, your child engages in a rigorous curriculum that is part of a dynamic learning environment. We capitalize on the strength of our caring and highly qualified staff through our ideal class sizes, which have targets of 18 children to one teacher, among the very smallest in the Boulder Valley School District. Education has always been a key to a successful future. Even more so today, children need to be prepared with a solid foundation of the basics and strategies to investigate, learn and think about topics in depth. At Columbine Elementary School, we are committed to providing the building blocks to that bright future in a warm and nurturing environment.
Columbine is providing an unrivaled education for my child. The curriculum is challenging and the teachers are committed to the ideal that every child shall receive the attention and dedication required to enable them to excel both academically and socially. -Columbine Parent

Our Program
Every child at Columbine Elementary School is expected to achieve at high levels when it comes to academics. We are committed to providing academic challenge as well as guidance and support to meet the challenge. Important elements of learning at Columbine are:

Commitment to customize education for students Class sizes, kindergarten though fifth grade, averaging 18 Talented and Gifted programming Clear and focused math program with opportunity for acceleration Intensive literacy instruction in small groups for extended periods of time Spanish literacy instruction for native Spanish speakers Literacy based ESL (English as a Second Language) Research based inquiries into social studies and science topics Strategies to investigate, learn and think about topics in depth Integrated art, music
and PE instruction coordinated with academic activities which support classroom content 4th/5th grades to promote community and solidify the teacher/student/parent relationship
I know that if we would have chosen a different school, we would have missed out on many wonderful experiences that are only available at Columbine. This school provides an incredible group of teachers and staff, and an eager student body. It is truly a gem of a school! -Columbine parent

Classroom looping in 1st/2nd and

Our Extras
We know that today's world is becoming more of a melting pot with different languages and cultures coming together in our businesses and in our communities. To live and thrive in our global economy, our students need expanding learning opportunities. At Columbine Elementary, we provide youngsters the thrill and challenge of learning a second language - a key to success in our neighborhoods, communities and world. We incorporate Spanish as a second language (SSL) into daily instruction for English speaking children, kindergarten through fifth grade resulting in basic oral fluency by fifth grade. In addition to Spanish, other enrichment opportunities offered during the school day and after school include: Math Challenge Drama Homework help Cross grade buddies TAG Yoga Science club Film Club Soccer Dance

When it comes to academic performance, Columbine delivers. Columbine enrolls many children learning English as their second language. This results in lower than average aggregate CSAP scores. However, Columbine achieves one of the highest Weighted Index Gains (year-to-year growth) per student in the Boulder Valley Schools. Despite these gains, worries about underachievement by our Native English speaking population persist and are natural. Weve recently compiled some exciting longitudinal data confirming that all learners at Columbine are challenged and achieve. Here are some highlights:

Our Results

Both Latino and Anglo students at Columbine are

making steady, measurable gains in achievement on all areas of the test.

Anglo children are scoring at or above other schools

in the district and state in math, reading and writing.

Citizenship awards

Please take some time to view the entire slide show posted on our website. Simply go to Our School where you will find the Achievement Data page.

" Learning is not about filling in the bubbles....it's about connecting the dots."
-Chris Dodd, U.S. Senator - CT

Our Staff

Our staff is comprised of a wonderful blend of skilled veterans and fresh, energetic teachers. These teachers collaborate to create an integrated learning environment that is full of energy and uses cutting-edge learning strategies. The mastery of Columbine teachers has been featured in four major educational publications. Additionally, teachers Anne Upzcak-Garcia and Brad Buhrow authored Ladybugs, Tornadoes and Swirling Galaxies, a professional resource for educators.
Staff Facts

Our Community

Avg. student-to-teacher ratio: 10.9 to 1 Avg. years teaching experience: 10

Columbine offers more than just academics. We offer a unique opportunity to learn in a diverse environment. We consider this one of our greatest strengths. Recent studies have found that students of all racial or ethnic groups who attend more diverse schools have a higher comfort level with members of racial and ethnic groups different from their own, an increased sense of civic engagement, and a greater desire to live and work in multiracial settings relative to their segregated peers. We work hard at Columbine to create a caring, cohesive community and prepare our students for We have been a part of the Columbine our increasingly Community for 3 years. It is obvious diverse society. that the kids and teachers enjoy being Beyond the stuthere, working together to gain knowl- dents, we offer edge, refine social skills, and build many opportunities for families to friendships. get involved in-Columbine Parent cluding:

Teachers and staff are viewed as members of our extended family. Their dedication and commitment to all of the students is beyond compare." -Columbine Parent

An active and vibrant PTA Successful fundraisers Mile Marathon Community Run Festive fall carnival & family nights Participation in Eco-Cycles Green Star Program Parent & community volunteers