Charles Grv
Grv, CO 80906

My child has attended CMJH, and unfortunately our experience has been consistently disappointing, both with the staff and the school overall. As the only option in our area, we've had no choice but to continue, but if you have access to other junior high options, I'd strongly encourage exploring them. Your child will likely have a better educational experience elsewhere.

Although I felt pushed to do better academically wirh proper help, that was all people cared about. This school pushes you to make them look good and punishes those that don't. Sure there are high test scores and good colleges. But this school fosters a view that value is based on how good you are at a sport or how smart you are while pushi no down others forms of intelligence and expression which the republican staff don't agree with. This was shown when they forced the theater department to alter the script of the play because an LGBTQ+ not even involved or an active role in the play would "drive the community away."

When you look at rankings of schools, CME is ranked high in comparison to other schools in the area. So, in short, it is the best school given what is available around. The problem is other schools in the area aren't great either. So, if you can, avoid Colorado Springs for your children's educational needs. CONS:- Teachers do not engage families. If you let them, they'd communicate with you only during quarterly parent-teacher conferences, that is if they recommend having one. We have worked with a teacher who after being engaged by us was willing to challenge our child who was underwhelmed with the curriculum. We also have had experience with teachers, who even after being engaged by us repeatedly, was not willing to help or challenge our children. Quality among teachers vary greatly, and issues and lack of instruction are not being addressed. - There have been a few issues raised by parents regarding some in-class environments with the Principal, who tells you everything you want to hear but does not follow through. Bullying is not addressed properly, even though incidents of bullying by a couple of teachers have been reported. Even when in dire need for your child's safety, school does not provide or share any information about how they can procedurally address these issues. Nothing is being shared in writing, everything is discussed verbally, and very minimal, if any, is being addressed by the new Principal. We have heard of a few families considering suing the school... - The diversity is laughable as it is non-existent. 90% of school is white and Christian. Teachers feel comfortable expressing their Christian values in the classroom. There is also lack of social-emotional support with unaddressed bullying and in-class nurturing of emotional safety.- Curriculum is underwhelming for most. PROS:- School offers impressive variety of after school clubs and activities. This is a big plus, as children can choose from a wide array of selections from chess to art. - Even though it is mainly composed of conservative Christian population, the children in the classes don't act entitled, hence the competition of material possessions is not an issue. It intermingles both middle income and some wealthy families without creating the us vs. them mentality. - Morning drop offs and afternoon pick ups have been regularly pleasant, with teachers assigned to be outside always greeting the students with smiles and positivity.