Academy of Charter Schools in Denver, Colorado

“I absolutely LOVE the Academy! I almost never get teased or bullied and when I do, it's so easy to get help. The teachers are flexible and they will bend and morph their teaching skills untill they fit according to their students and parents. Especialy Mrs. Alexander! Without a doubt, The Academy of Charters Schools is the best of the best!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Both of my children attend the Academy and we love the high expectations that the school and each of the teachers hold. As parents we desire for our children to grow to be responsible citizens which will give them confidence to reach for anything they desire in their lives. The core curriculum, excellent reading program and character development are a few of the highlights for our family. Our children are encouraged to be individuals and yet still learn to function in group settings because this will be how their entire lives are structured in the adult world.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“High School teachers really care. Administration in secondary school leaves much to be desired. Board is very secretive. Things happen that are not explained. Good people leave suddenly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If you care about keeping kids in dress code than this school is for you-not your kid. If you want your kid to have an open mind and learn- stay away.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“We have had two children graduate from The Academy 2008 & 2005. The school was great in assisting them maintain character traits that are above and beyond any children we have come across. The staff is wonderful, very well educated, supportive of parents and has great discipline policies. My children are better people for attending this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school. My wife attended the school when she was a senior and two of our children go there now. The only problem I have is Mrs. Lurvey. She doesn't listen and she is not helpful at all. We had a major problem last year and she said that her main priority was 'to defend the teachers'. Really? See here I thought it was to educate our children? Replace her and this school would be doing a lot better.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In general the elementary school here is good but the secondary has much to be desired. My family has been here for over 10 years and it was MUCH better when we were at the other location. The teachers cared about the students they didn't put so much emphasis on the dress code and in general a very warm atmosphere, then it is here. Now it is too ritsy, they act to good for people and worry to much about the way the students are dressed, the clothes have to be a specific brand and style, if they would put more energy into teaching as they do the dress code this school would be outstanding. Mr. Kaufman is just the worst director in the history of directors doesn't care about the students education at all too busy being snotty then trying to teach the students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overall I'm glad we made the switch to the Academy 2 years ago. The curriculum is awesome, my kids are reading 2-3 year above their grade level, and writing good solid stories with details is required as early as kindergarten. The teachers are awesome and even took an active part in helping my socially awkward daughter 'fit' in. They are encouraging, and communicate well with the parents. Sometimes more attention is put on the dress code vs learning. I got a phone call that I needed to replace my daughters broke belt during my lunch break. I thought this was totally absurd and asked to speak with the principal. The matter was solved without it going to that level, but the fact that I was contacted at all made me wonder if the focus was not on teaching but what she was wearing. The uniform policy needs to be revamped.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children are in Secondary school. I like the dress code. I also like that teachers are not afraid to give students failing grades. The sports programs are very good. Going to a small school gives my children opportunities to participate where they may not have had at a larger school. I like the smaller classrooms. My only complaint is that some of the teachers don't have a lot of experience. I would give it an five star rating for more experienced teachers. However, this is also one of the things I love about the school. There are many young, enthusiastic teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our first year at the Academy and I am so impressed! Just the communication alone is so different from any schools our friends attend. The curriculum and character education is just something that would not happen in our neighborhood school (about a block from our house). I cannot believe the writing/reading/spelling they are doing at the kindergarten level. It was a difficult decision not going to our neighborhood public school, but I am so grateful that we tried the Academy. We were very lucky to get in and my son is doing so well and he loves it! The future looks extremely promising for this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We can only say great things about the Academy. Our 2 children are in the elementary program there. Both are reading 3 grade levels ahead. I like that they are trying to improve the writing portion of the curriculum. I appreciate that the school is really concentrating on character education, it is what sets them apart from other schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Good teachers, and a great learning atmosphere for the most part, but the general way the school is run is not very... smooth? You might say? When they try to work out kinks it just makes it harder on the students.”
This review was posted by a student.

“We have been going to ACS for 3 years now and love it! The education my child receives is far better than most of the schools in our area! My child is more advanced in reading and math compared to the children in our area that go to a Adams12 school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been at this school going on 4 years now and she is so far above other kids in the neighborhood schools. She is reading three grades above her level and loves being there. As a parent I am very happy with the school and am very involved in my daughters education.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love ACS & defend this school fiercly when others have negative things to say about it. Currently, there are more kids on the waiting list than there are enrolled! They must be doing something right! If you don't like it there, you need to take your kids out immediately & make room for someone else that desperately wants in, instead of complaining & trying to change something that the majority loves. I've tried our local elementary school down the street & even attempted home-schooling for a couple of years. I never thought I could be so happy in a public school. It is like getting a private-school education without the outrageous tuition. We've built lasting relationships with other ACS families & I'm thrilled that all of my children will be attending school on the same campus all the way from kindergaren through 12th grade graduation! It's simply awesome!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been so pleased with the teaching staff, they are beyond wondeful. I am truly amazed at the core curriculum and what they are learning. My children are above average in their grade level. I love the fact we can volunteer at any time and we are welcome with open arms.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children at The Academy. My oldest child has been there since 1st grade and my second child since kindergarten. I would not send them any where else. Love the K-12, Core Knowledge, the discipline structure and, of course, the parental involvement. I do wish they offered more hands-on learning, field trips, etc.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school seems more focused on displining the children for dress code violations than focusing on academic achievement.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children that attend the Academy and I am extremely happy with the school. The curriculum is similar to private schools. It is very rigorous and challenging. The school does have a few small issues with being able to provide extra methods of teaching to the GT children. The elementary is incredible and has great teachers. The administration understands the parent s wants and needs. The school has remained on its path to academic excellence. I will have a child moving to secondary in the next two years and look forward to pushing the administration and teaching staff to uphold the standards that the elementary has set in place. I have heard that the secondary and high school have gone down mainly since the move to the new building and I believe that to be more the surrounding community and the new parents to the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is a joke. The teachers spend more time worrying about how the kids are behaving to teach anything. The teachers don't care about the students nor does the administration. Everything there is about sports and dress code not about helping children to succeed.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I pulled my child and will never look back. The administration and parent run board can do whatever they want because they have no one to hold them accountable for their actions. The board has abused their power with teachers, kids and parents since they opened and will continue since the school district turn their heads. State and religion are supposed to be separate, but not in this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“well this might be a little to long but this school the administrative people only worry about the building and how it should be ranned but they only care about them and the building they dont listen to peoples issues here at the school some teachers do care but others dont even ccare what we think always them them and them not us and what we need... they think that being in a good buildin they shouldnt care bout what we think but at the old buildin everybody was kind and carin unlike here..... It's not really worht bringin your child here during jr high and highschool but elemntry its ok but here theres not enopugh classes or opporunity's they expect so much but little classes..... its not a good school like i said they could so its a good and put all pretty but it ain't!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“this might be long but its worth to read! ok well this school the academy its not so great as peaople put it ya it is teachers worry but the administrative people worry more about the building and how they should better it but they dont want to understand us students how we feel. parents think that we lyieng bout what we say and dont believe us.... this school isnt the same as it was three years ago we might have been a t a lod building but everybody there was more careing.”
This review was posted by a student.

“If you want to put your child in this school for k-6 I would say it is a good choice. I would pull my kid after that. The middle school and high school are a joke! They can't keep good teachers and the turnover is extremely high! There are very few choices for classes. No challenge for kids that excel, no options for kids that struggle and the administration is less then desirable. They should have at least two to three adademic councilers....they have one for 7-12 grade! for The middle and high school kids are suffering because of this.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Having a child in a public school as well as at the Academy, I find the atmosphere at the Academy is much better.The athletic programs are growing, coaches are great and most of all the athletes are having fun.The one thing that disturbs me is the high turnover in the secondary teaching staff. I believe the academic progress of the high school is lacking because of this.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We just moved our children to the charter school this fall. What a wonderful surprise. Academic standards are high, behavior is very appropriate, teachers are above average, and the environment is professional. We feel lucky to be a part of this school. Scores are high. All of our children, 1st, 5th, and 8th graders love this school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been attending this school for quite sometime, I find that the academics are very above average however on another note the dress code issues are a bit much.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Sorry to say The Academy has declined drastically in the last few years. The grade school seems to be stable, but the middle and high school are academically lacking and seem to be more focused on their new building and the 'character' of the kids. Be very careful if you are considering this charter school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is awesome I have been Going here since kindergarten and have excelled so much. I skipped a grade and I am currently doing pretty good keeping up with my peers now. The teachers are not always the greatest but they do what they can! The lunch is good and the administration is real cool. Also the building is really nice! A little small but Really nice. I would highly reccommend this school to anybody who is looking for a nice school with a good enviornment. We need new people!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am very impressed with this school. The academic program is very challenging and the children also learn a great deal about respect. More importantly the teachers allow each student to progress at their own pace. In addition the school has an excellent arts program. The art and music classes are great and my elementary age daughter has an opportunity to be in a play with students of all ages. Truly unique. We will probably be moving soon and leaving The Academy is my biggest regret. My daughter has thrived at this school which instills respect and encourages excellence. I would encourage anyone who is stuggling with where to send their child to choose The Academy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Both my children attend Academy, and I would recommend the school to anyone. My kids have gone to private, public and charter, and I would put the curriculum level to that of a private school. The work is challenging and we have had great luck with the teachers. It's nice knowing that my kids don't have to deal with the distraction of kids or their parents who don't care about their education. It's great seeing how involved and committed the parents at the school are. Being a smaller school has it's disadvantages for the extracurricular activities and sports, but they try and do the best they can and are always striving to improve them.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“my son has gone to this school for 5 years. To begin with it was great. But through it's growth the cirriculum has suffered. I will be pulling my son out becuase he is simply not being taught. I am very sad at how this school has drastically declined over the last few years. I would recomment staying away from this school. The way they deal with bully problems is a joke. There is no follow through. The children suffer becuase of it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“In general we like this school. Our daughter has been there six years and will graduate in 2005. Some administration and teachers are weak. Open mindedness is a problem. The new principal, Mr. Sheehan, is great. He is really making strides to improve the school and communication with parents. The curriculum is not as rigorous as we had hoped but it's not terrible either. In general we would reccommend the school because it is smaller and has a safer emotional feel than some schools.”
This review was posted by a parent.