3251 S Holly St
Denver, CO 80222

I am a parent of a child in a general education class and a parent of a special needs child in a center program class at this school. We have been enrolled in this school for several years and as a parent and teacher myself I could not be more pleased with this school. Most importantly, my children’s emotional needs and mental health needs are graciously met. The school psychologists have cared and understood my children in ways no other therapist ever had before. The way they speak of the children shows the knowledge and training they have but the love they have for each of these kids. I have not met a teacher that I have not been impressed with. The staff here loves big!! Even their classrooms are so cozy and time and money spent to make their kids have a space like this shows they love their work. They are each encouraged to be true to themselves and teach with their life’s passion. The staff loves and appreciates their leader and so do I. The principal Mr. Wera is one of a kind. In my years teaching and involvement in schools as a parent, I have never seen the dedication for staff, care for community, love for children and personal time shown the way this man does. His involvement with the schools, families and the community is something you rarely see. Having a child with behavioral special needs, I never have felt he was more loved and understood by a team. I have never been disappointed by a decision made in this school and never felt judged or not heard completely. My children were safe and cared for. The hands on education and engaged learning they received was just a bonus. This is a school and staff that will never be matched by another.

I heard rumors from other parents before enrolling my child; about how bad the school has become. For 6th grade; I decided to take a tour and personally meet with the principle. I fell in love with the principle and her vision for the school. Sadly it was all a farce; First day of school; our child had to write their pronouns down on a name card and carry it to every class. That I didn't have an issue with; but when a teacher had each student in class, stand and tell everyone their sexuality is NOT OK. This is a place of education; someone being straight, gay, bi etc. shouldn't be disgusted in class. DONT put students in the spotlight when it comes to this. First week of school we were told students would be let out by the Holm elementary exit and parents pick up there (map given).. well the kids were getting let out on the total opposite side of the school. Called multiple times to get clarification on pick up location; I was given multiple responses and multiple locations. This was brought up to the principle by numerous parents at the first back to school night meeting and principle PROMISED it would be addressed and teachers would be informed of the correct locations for each grade level. NOPE; still a complete mess at pick up. On back to school night; the social studies teacher emphasized she will not be teaching WHITE history. Shocked by this, I asked her to clarify. She said it was American history she wasn't going to teach. WHY NOT SAY AMERICAN HISTORY; NOT WHITE HISTORY. Completely inappropriate. Disgusting! My child is in IEP and needs special learning requirements that is UNDER CONTRACT with the state. Part of the requirements were made; but unbeknownst to me, their IEP teacher had left. For over 1/2 the year there was NO HELP. Now starting 7th grade; we were hoping for a better year, new teachers etc. NOPE; still completely disappointing. Disappointing to the point where we had to change schools. Students are rarely allowed to use the bathroom. HORRIBLE considering this is when girls start their mensural cycle. Shouldn't have to get a doctors note to be allowed to use the bathroom. Denver Public schools really needs to get police back in the building. School fights happen multiple times a week; and the security guard cant and don't do anything. KEEP LOOKING FOR NEW SCHOOL, KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE.

A great school; overall it’s really good