Whittier K-8 School in Denver, Colorado

“Whittier is a great asset to this community. The students like to stay after school, they volunteer, they ask teachers to make clubs, and they are becoming amazing young adults!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family entered Whittier excited to be involved with our neighborhood school but unfortunately found it to be not the right learning environment for our children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have had a great experience at Whittier. I was told a lot of bad things about the school but I didn't find any of them true. The principal has an open door policy, he always makes time for me and my child. The students are happy, and the staff is friendly. I am glad I choose into Whittier.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child is at Whittier and loves it. The school is very strict and the kids respond well. There is a very small group of former, elitist parents from a now-defunct parent organization that tried to force the principal to change his approach to running the school, in spite of Whittier s success. When these parents didn t get their way, they removed their children from the school and tried to get the principal fired. Fortunately the PTA and the staff came to the support of the principal and thwarted these efforts. The handful of negative parent comments posted on this web site are from parents from this former parent group. According to Denver Public Schools suveys, Whittier is in the top two of all Northeast Denver Schools for highest parent satisfaction. For an unbiased assessment of parent satisfactin with Whittier, visit the DPS website and search for School Satisfaction Survey .”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is very happy at Whittier. Last year he was a Mile High Scholar. Mr. Palmer runs a tight ship, and my son thinks the world of him. I think all the people involved with Whittier make it a wonderful asset to DPS. and I would not send my son anywhere else.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was involved with Whittier K-8 for several years and found it to be a very dysfunctional environment. I think the lack of communication from the principal as well as the animosity displayed by much of the staff made for an unpleasant learning environment. I found a real lack of leadership from the principal with no attempts at positive problem solving. Parent paticipation was not encouraged and our family felt very unwelcome there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our neighborhood school, but we were unfortunately disappointed with the leadership's ability to bring the community together in an inclusive way. We decided to send our children elsewhere and were refreshed with the difference that a functional environment has provided us and our children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I m a parent who lives in the neighborhood and I'm extremely pleased with Whittier K8. Our daughter just started Kindergarten and also attended two years of pre-school at Whittier. The principal (Jai Palmer) and faculty are exceptional. In a school with a 90% free and reduced lunch population, Whittier s test scores are amazing. Here is a sample of the results of some of their good work: 2009 3rd Grade Reading Scores 73% of Whittier s 3rd graders tested Proficient or Advanced in reading At same level as affluent schools such as Steele, Odyssey & Carson Park Hill, school of choice for many in our neighborhood, was 64% Ranked #20 out of 95 DPS schools. Ranked #3 out of 50 schools with higher than 75% minority students and higher than 75% free/reduced lunch rate. 8th Grade Advanced Placement Algebra Test For the April 2009 DPS test, 53% of the students passed. Average DPS pass rate is 5%.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We did not have a positive experience at Whittier. We are absolutely thrilled with the school that we have chosen for our children. Thank goodness for school choice!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I started my children in this school when it was about to be closed. They have over come major obstacles. They are ahead of the curve and so are my children. The staff rocks, PTA is pulls it all together and the princpal gives the kids in the community what they need. Keep up the good job.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children at Whittier and am very pleased with the education they recieve. Whittier administration and staff put children first and are more than willing to work with parents who want to committ and partner to see that every child gets the best education possible.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children at Whittier and they are doing well there. I love Whittier ECE-8 and think that the principal, teachers, and staff are dedicated, hard-working and great advocates of the children in the community. The school offers a wonderful opportunity for any parents who want a great education for their kids in a diverse, supportive, safe, and structured environment. Come visit and see for yourself!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Whittier K-8 school is a fine school! I have a student at Whittier K-8 school. He will be returning for his 4th year at this awesome institution of learning! The staff, principal and teachers at Whittier are very involved, caring, concerned and also their test scores have recently improved in many areas!! My child continues reading at above grade level and was instructed to read by Whittier teachers!! The proof is in the pudding. Whittier K-8 school continues to earn top scores on required testing!! Love Whittier K-8!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our family had a horrible experience with this school and its administration over past two years. I question the ethics and professionalism of the administration and further believe that their priority is protecting their personal domain rather than advocating for the children in their community.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A dedicated staff...a small school atmosphere...a structured setting...a relentless pursuit of academic excellence...a belief that ALL children can achieve...an instructional leader as principal. Whittier is a diverse school that is working wonders in academic growth. My daughter has attended the school for two years and I'm very impressed with Whittier K-8.”
This review was posted by a parent.