Stories

Listening carefully: survey summary

July 12, 2025

takeaways from the annual parent survey

At Aspen Country Day School, we often hear about the partnership between parents and the school. It’s even in the name of our parent association, PIE: Partners in Education. Part of being effective partners is listening, and listening is a two-way street. Each spring, the school asks parents to reflect on the year. How did it go for your children? And how did you experience school life from your own perspective as a parent? 

Sincere thanks to all 56 parents who completed the survey. Your insights will help the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees plan for the year ahead. Here are summary results for the whole community to see.

And remember: you don’t need to wait for a survey to share your thoughts. You will find listening partners everywhere at ACDS, starting with your children’s teachers, on through to the Leadership Team, Head of School, and Board of Trustees. We look forward to hearing from parents throughout the year to come!

Question 1: What happened this year to make you choose these ratings? 

Summary: Parents are deeply committed to ACDS and grateful for many dedicated educators and enriching programs. However, there are concerns, particularly around English, math, social dynamics, drama programming, and technology use. While there’s strong hope in current leadership and curriculum changes, families urge consistent academic standards, clearer boundaries around tech, and a stronger approach to fostering inclusive, respectful student relationships.

Chart 3

This is the school’s belief statement: To prepare students for the journey ahead, everything we do at Aspen Country Day School is carefully designed to challenge and nurture children as they build confidence, resilience, and joy in learning.  How are we delivering on this promise?

Question 2: What is something you would never change about this school?

• Overall, the core elements that unite the community are its outstanding outdoor education, dedicated teachers, balanced curriculum, supportive culture, and beautiful natural setting.
• Outdoor Education (mentioned 35 times) is overwhelmingly the most cherished aspect, praised for its quality, impact on student growth, connection to nature, and unique identity it gives the school.
• Teachers and staff receive strong admiration for their skill, dedication, and positive influence on students.
• The balance of academics, arts, and outdoor education (mentioned 15 times) is viewed as a special “magic trifecta” that fosters well-rounded, confident, and happy students.
• The community and culture— warmth, inclusivity, kindness, a family-like atmosphere— are highly valued.
• Traditions such as Eighth Grade graduation speeches are meaningful to many.
• Small class sizes and personalized attention are appreciated for helping each child thrive.
• Parents emphasize the joy of learning and teaching, along with a commitment to teaching compassion.
• The school’s location and connection to the natural environment are seen as key strengths.
• Several responses urge the school to embrace its unique identity as a small mountain school focused on outdoor experiences rather than trying to mimic larger city schools.

Question 3: What is something you think needs improvement?

Overall, parents want the school to tighten academic standards, improve social-emotional support and discipline, clarify leadership vision, preserve core traditions, enhance communication, and maintain the balance between rigor and the school’s unique culture.

“Which of the following statements most closely matches your beliefs”

“Do you agree with the following statements”

Summary of comments

• Deep appreciation and love for the school: Many express gratitude for the environment that blends academics, arts, outdoor education, and community. They value the school’s small mountain-town feel and hope it stays true to its core values without losing its soul to excessive academic pressure.
• Recognition of staff dedication: Many thank the teachers, staff, and administrators for their hard work, warmth, and commitment to delivering a well-rounded education.
• Hope and trust in leadership: Parents generally support the new curriculum changes and leadership efforts, especially the new daily schedule and humanities curriculum.
• Emphasis on student well-being via the outdoors: Happy, engaged children are a key priority. Parents appreciate outdoor activities as vital for mental health and growth.

Overall positive outlook: Despite some concerns, families express enthusiasm for the future and confidence in the school’s direction.

selected quotes from open-ended comments