| Date | Who | Comments |
| 5/31/2012 | parent | This is our first year at CCPS. We are wonderfully pleased with most everything. A sum-what minor thing we have some difficulty with is that they are not very welcoming & although they try to be a community they don't quite pull it off. Somewhat cliquish amongst the adults. If they do not know you they are not very out going & treat you very hmm stern I guess. Want to immediately see your ID & will not allow any body beyond the desk. I understand safety for children but come on there is a happy & safe balance. Maybe we were spoiled at our old school where there were almost 200 students but yet the staff knew who you were, often by name, & families knew each other. This also made volunteering so much easier. Other than that we are very happy. |
| 5/26/2012 | parent | This school is very unethical. I won't be enrolling my daugher again next year. Most teachers are great! PE teacher is cruel. We are happy with the friends she has made this year but we will be seeking a school without nepotism. |
| 2/7/2012 | parent | I really couldn't be happier. My kids have GREAT friends, the classrooms are small, academics great and the bar goes up every year. I really feel confident my children will be ready for college after CCPS. That is what it is really all about. |
| 10/9/2011 | student | This has to be my favorite school of all time: The classes are small, at about 14 to 20 students in each, so that after one month, you know almost everyone in the school, teachers and students. The classes can be quite difficult, but that's what makes them fun for us, and of course, anyone is willing to help you with as much as much as they can. I love that there is no cafeteria, because we get to sit outside and eat on the unique and beautiful campus, which is right next to the bosque (we go inside during bad weather though). Our classes are just awesome, with great teachers that can teach according to everyone's needs and accommodate anyone that may have fallen behind, or challenge the most advanced students in a way that keeps them learning, no matter their level. The students are respectable and kind, and you would never see someone discriminating against another person for any reason. If someone is being inappropriate or discriminate to another, a warning is given, and with another offence, depending on the severity, they are usually taken from the school and asked not to return. Our principal situation has been shaky over the years, but we are currently at a great one. |
| 9/21/2011 | parent | Our family is very, very happy with CCPS! Our son is in his third year there, and is learning and growing in his analytical thinking skills, writing abilities, and knowledge base by leaps and bounds. We are so pleased, too, with the fact that the school is a welcoming place for students who might be a bit different from the 'norm,' or who have differences in behavior or learning abilities. Diversity is appreciated and celebrated, and that is something we value tremendously. The school's new director is outstanding, and we couldn't be happier with the job he's doing thus far! Excellent hiring decision!! Overall, a wonderful school, and a wonderful experience for our family. |
| 8/18/2011 | parent | My son is in his fourth year at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School and we couldn't be more happy on all levels. Our son always struggled with focus, being still, and being respectful of the teacher's efforts. In the last three years at the school, he has found his voice, confidence, and now respects the role of the teachers and adults at the school. He went from being sent to the principal's office every year of elementary school to being 8th grade class president and getting good grades. We thank those who dedicate so much to the students of CCPS and look forward to our future with them. |
| 6/23/2011 | parent | My child will be in 7th grade after completing 6th grade at CCPS. He has never struggled until this year. He realized he had to focus on his work, pay attention to detail and spend the time to complete projects to the best of his ability. This school does not accept mediocre attempts which I love! Yes, there are bumps, but the potential of this school is there and I'm willing to put the work into the school to make it the very best school for my son. |
| 5/26/2011 | parent | This has been our first year at the school. Very challenging for our children but they have risen to the occasion. The vision of the school is amazing and they way the students learn is even more amazing; padeia, IB, Socratic discussion. Really making the children think and use their verbal skills. The school is very new and predictably has had some changes and growing pains but my children are happy and I am happy and we plan on continuing at the school. Worth looking into. |
| 5/19/2011 | parent | We have been at the school since the beginning. First year my student struggled (having been APS trained), second year was a turning point, and now this year he is rising to the top. I am so incredibly proud of him, and honestly feel we made the best decision. I am undoubtedly certain he will be ready for college, and will be very successful. The school has been through some bumps, is currently going through some bumps. However there is a very strong group of amazing teachers, students, and parents that are the backbone of this school and will pull through. |
| 4/11/2011 | parent | We have been at the school since the beginning. Despite the chaos, we've stayed because of the other children and parents. The academics are good and in the third year, better than they have been. Teachers are better than ever. But we must face the reality of leaving the school because the math and science in the HS will not be what we need to get our child into a top college of choice. The IB program isn't yet up to par. I wish we could stay, but like many other families, we will have to leave and finish the HS years somewhere else. We aren't leaving because of the academic "rigor." It isn't an incredibly challenging school at all. We just wish there was more attention paid to really challenging math and science classes. We also wish the school were more welcoming to parents in ways other than having them come and do work at the school. |
| 4/7/2011 | student | This school is wonderful and first rate. The new Executive Director is fantastic and in really improving the school and getting rid of any chaos that remained from our old Executive Director. The academic schedule is rigorous and difficult, and is a real challenge. I highly encourage anyone thinking about entering the lottery next year, or any teachers thinking about working for CCPS to do so. |
| 3/31/2011 | parent | We have been here since the beginning. We have been very happy with the school, with the rigor of the curriculum, the dedication of the faculty, and the current leadership. It has been through its growing pain, and things have not always been easy, with changes, chaos, and a divided faculty... Leadership change has not been smooth, but I truly believe that we are moving into a more stable, better phase of growth, and look forward to this school finally making the map! The fact that several faculty members left this year was a necessary step toward a more positive and unified front. Many wonderful, dedicated and experienced faculty members remain, and they are to be applauded for being there for their students, not leaving for their own selfishness. I agree that this school is selective in its student population, and is catering to the subgroup of students who have a curious mind and love to learn. Not every school fits every child, and this is not any different. This has been an amazing learning environment for my kids, as well as a nurturing place for them. |
| 3/30/2011 | parent | Response to 2/8 parent review. 3 different leaders: Only 3rd year, so personnel flux inevitable. Students from 120 to 240 to 380. Faculty from 8 to19 to >30. CCPS evolving and many LOVE being part of the evolution. Paideia, IB, college prep school turning out real thinkers. 3 teachers resigned: School of choice=faculty take stock of charter and decide whether good fit for long haul. Instructors leave: 5 of first 8 instructors still at CCPS. Great teachers predictably come and go. Academic focus changed: Stylistic differences among faculty account for shifts between didactic, project-based and Socratic instruction. Paideia system allows for this. Teachers ARE using project-based instruction. Greek, Latin & art: 2 Greek teachers, 1 left. 4 sections of Latin; IB Latin new next year. All 6, 7, 8 grades have art; also a thriving IB art class. No upper classes: 30 6th graders needed higher math, so 2 new sections of 7th grade math on 6th grade campus. Watered down: 15-to-1 teacher/student ratio assures each student is known and served. Program is for students who are college bound and want rigor. Overflowing wait list. CCPS a gift to public ed. My kid mid-range and THRIVING. |
| 3/27/2011 | student | I love this school and am looking forward to joining the IB program. I like that the students at CCPS get individual attention from the teachers, something that would never be experienced in a public school. Also, we are very close to many teachers. It's great that we know that the teachers actually care about our succeeding in school, and later on, in life. I have to say that some of the teachers are really, REALLY awesome, and others are just average, but I like all of them. I get annoyed, as well as, sad, though, like the majority of my fellow classmates, that teachers leave in the middle of the quarter, semester, etc. We are not given a chance to say good bye or at least get a reason for their departure. The students here come back to school Monday and are told that the teacher will no longer be here. I hope this will change, but overall, I believe that I am receiving the best quality of education that a public school here can offer. |
| 3/21/2011 | parent | I am very happy that my children have gotten into this wonderful school. The project based curriculum really works great. My kids don't notice how much they are learning. The administration focuses on maintaining an excellent education for our children. |
| 3/7/2011 | parent | There are loads of charter schools to choose from in and around Albuquerque and I am glad we chose CCPS. It may not be for everyone but it is perfect for us! |
| 3/2/2011 | parent | My kids have been at the school from the beginning. A small community, the kids are so close it is wonderful to see. Yes It has its growing pains, as any new school will. BUT The class size isn't 30, and this is the closest you will get to a private education from a public school. My kids love this school. They wouldn't want to go any place else. |
| 3/2/2011 | parent | For their third year in existence, I am quite impressed. If something is not working, they fix it. That does mean changes to classes, but what is worse would be sticking with something that isn't working. The school has doubled in size for the last three years, meaning double the staff every year. Teaching, and especially teaching IB and Paideia is not for everyone. Also a college prep school, it is a rigorous program and not for everyone, that is the beauty of charter schools! You find what fits your child. My kids LOVE this school. It is a wonderful community, and we feel very fortunate to have been chosen in the lottery. |
| 2/27/2011 | student | I'm a high school student here. I'm really happy that I chose to go here because of the IB program. I know that college will be easy (and easy to get into) after going through such an academically rigorous program. IB is similar to AP in that you get lots of credit for college, but the learning process is different--IB focuses on developing critical thinking habits and global perspectives. All of the teachers are extremely knowledgable about their subject and really love teaching, and are very invested in the students' progress. The administration has been a bit shaky, with a few different principals and lots of schedule changes, but growing pains are expected in any new school. There aren't a lot of students, but most get along well and there are very few outsiders. It's not dorky to be smart; it's normal to see people working on homework at lunch together or reading a novel in between classes. Overall, this school is great. |
| 2/8/2011 | parent | The school has had three different leaders in 5 months- and the current principal makes erratic decisions. Three teachers have resigned in one month, and it seems that most of the experienced instructors will be leaving at the end of the year. The academic focus has changed from hand-on projects based learning to long lectures with note taking. They used to offer Greek and Latin, & art and the ability to take upper classes, but now it is a watered down program. Very sad, we will move our daughter to another school. In 6th grade they changed her schedule more than five times in one semester : ( |
| 1/18/2011 | parent | IB College Prep schools typically are academically rigorous; this school is no exception. There's no basketball team, or football team. No cheerleaders. Electronic communication is the primary mode of information sharing with parents. The school has huge potential. A great vision for the future: quality of a private school education in a public school. |
| 1/15/2011 | parent | I have high hopes for this school. They have a great vision, but are struggling to reach their goals. My son is a 6th grader, and he loves it -- he's very happy is doing well. The teachers he's had have been great, and most are very responsive. My biggest concern is the "growing pains" they're experiencing. They expanded their 6th grade class and have had to adjust schedules and programs several times to meet the needs of kids and teachers. Communication about these changes has been somewhat delayed (I hear more from my son than from administration about changes and cancellations of programs) which makes it difficult know what's going on. Many emails and phone calls go unanswered. Frustrating, but we're hanging in there because we see the potential, he's doing great, and he's happy. |
| 4/20/2010 | parent | This school has great potential...that is just not being met. The administration doesn't seem to be communicating with each other, much less with the parents. There is a HUGE turnover in staff, it is so bad the teachers don't even wait to leave at the end of the year, they leave in the middle of the semester. My son has had two PE teachers, two science teachers, and three math teachers this year alone. If your child excels in school, they will do well here, if your child is average, or has any learning disabilities at all they will be overlooked, ignored, and even bullied, by the teachers and administrators! Their intention is to be elite and to weed our all the underachievers, and with the amount of students leaving at the end of this year, it appears they have succeeded. |
| 4/15/2010 | parent | CCPS is a great school with small class size and awesome teacher who care about their students and quality education. It has also recently qualified for International Baclaureate Eduacation for 11th and 12th grades. |
| 1/25/2010 | parent | This school would be a better school if the staff could learn how to relate to the parents with out an elitist attitude. The teachers have issues with relateing to real life and are more interested in their agenda than educating the students. This school has great potential but will need to know about how students, no matter how smart, or unique, relate at the different age levels. ie high school students are just that not yet college and this school should recognize college is a goal not a place the children are in now. |
| 1/15/2010 | parent | My son is in his second year at CCPS and we love it. This school keeps him challenged yet impowers him to be involved in the quality of his education. |
| 1/15/2010 | parent | My son is in his second year at CCPS and we love it. It challenges him and has helped him become a more involved learner when it comes to his eduction. |
