Principal's Page


MasoneWelcome to Manitou Springs Elementary School, an inviting hamlet nestled at the base of Pikes Peak. Our staff’s commitment to our core values of Relationships, Opportunities, and Deep Learning makes our school a special place for students to learn. Through those tenets, we pride ourselves on knowing each student who walks through the doors at MSES because we know relationships are key to student success. We strive to provide students with a remarkable educational experience that inspires and motivates them to become lifelong learners and caring contributors to the world around them.

Our staff offer numerous educational opportunities before and after school and throughout the summer. Our staff serve about 430 students preschool through fifth grade. Students receive a rich and rigorous educational curriculum via Core Knowledge Language Arts and we focus on research based curriculum and strategies to support our developing young learners. Students explore their interests through music, art, spanish, physical education, and teams. We have both a social worker and counselor available to support the needs of our student population along with highly trained special education and intervention instructors.

Families, teachers, support staff, community members, and administration all play a part in helping our students develop academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe in a strong partnership between Manitou Springs Elementary School and each of you. We encourage parents to communicate with teachers and staff to foster a successful partnership, so we can address the whole child.

I spent my early years as an educational advocate for students with significant medical and educational needs in an outpatient medical clinic and as a Special Education mediator through the Arizona Department of Education. I have enjoyed my tenure at MSES for the last 17 years as a Special Education teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal.

It is a privilege and honor to serve as the principal of Manitou Springs Elementary School. I have a deep love of the Manitou Springs community, where I live and raise my own family. I am especially proud to work alongside the talented staff at MSES, who have a deep love and passion for educating your children. I am committed to whole child education at MSES and leading with my heart!

Maria Masone, Principal
Manitou Springs Elementary School