Holly Hills Elementary School

I went to this school from 1st to 4th grade, and I can confidently say that out of the many schools I have gone to throughout my entire life, this has been the best one. The attention that students receive from teachers is excellent, they dedicate time and effort into the activities they assign, and work adequately with each student according to their needs. They are also emotionally involved, being concerned about how the students feel about their school, friends, etc. The environment is safe, classrooms are clean, with many outdoor spaces to play. Bullying is also taken very seriously. In my own personal experience, I believe that this school played an important role in what values I consider important today. Teachers are helpful and attentive and ensure that parents know what their children were learning. I look back at my time in this school fondly. I would 100% recommend this school to anyone.

As the principal of Holm Elementary, I am proud to say that we are a school that welcomes every child exactly where they are and helps them to grow to their fullest potential. Our focus is not simply on where students begin their educational journey, but on the academic, social and emotional growth they make while they are with us. At Holm, we believe every student deserves the support and opportunities they need to succeed. For students identified as Gifted and Talented, we offer services through our GT program as well as advanced math opportunities. For students who require additional support, we provide targeted interventions, special education services, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language services, and dedicated adult support when identified through an IEP. Our commitment to the whole child continues to grow. Last year, we added a Restorative Practice Coordinator and a Liaison of Student Support to strengthen our Whole Child Model. This year, we are excited to add a second school psychologist to further support students and families. we believe social-emotional learning is woven throughout the school day and embedded in every interaction, not confined to a single scheduled lesson. Holm has consistently been recognized as an Effective School throughout Denver Public School's School Performance Framework and previously earned the Distinguished rating. In 2023, Holm was honored as a Center of Excellence by the Colorado Department of Education. While our achievement scores may not always be the highest in the state, our growth data consistently demonstrates that students make significant academic progress, often achieving more than a year's worth of growth in a single year. Family partnerships are an essential part of our success. We encourage families to advocate for their children, engage with teachers, participate in our Holm Helpers parent group, and attend the many family engagement opportunities offered throughout the year. We communicate regularly through Friday Folders, ClassDojo, social media and school-wide updates to keep families informed and connected. Holm may not always be the highest-performing school by every measure, but we are a school that believes deeply in the potential of every child. We celebrate growth, foster meaningful relationships, and work every day to ensure students feel supported, challenged and valued. Simply put, there is no place like Holm.

Yeas ago this school was a G&T magnet school. It was rated highly and had a stellar academic record. It was one of the reasons that we moved into this neighborhood. Since the change in leadership, that curriculum has been removed and subsequently the academic rigor at this institution has suffered. Currently it is a "decent" school but previously it was better. It was a bit of a disappointment. I would recommend reinstating the G&T program and focusing more on academics.

Not only did we face racial segregation on the school buses from August-December 2025, this school did not support my student with his ADHD or support his emotional growth. Instead, he was disciplined for reacting to daily, active bullying. He did not learn anything this last year. He completely failed math due to the teacher never giving constructive feedback. Instead, my child received only 0/whatever points written on his assignments. So even I, couldn't figure out the correct answers. This school failed my son and they failed me. We have since left Denver and moved back to Aurora. I would think twice if your race is considered a minority here.

Denver Jewish Day School is a wonderful educational community that caters to each child's individual needs and growth and offers dual secular and Jewish curriculum.

Our daughter went to two different schools and struggled before finally landing at MSD. At MSD, she had a wonderful experience, and she told us completely sincerely that she loved school and loved going to school every day. The campus grounds are beautiful, but the most amazing thing about this school is the teachers and the love that they put into not only educating the students but helping them transition into fulfilled, contributing human beings. As a family with a child attending MSD, we experienced a nurturing environment across all of the dimensions of our child's needs, including social, emotional, academic, arts...you name it. Our daughter occasionally had some special needs from the school, and every time everybody involved rose to meet those needs and ensure she felt good and felt like she belonged.Truly, MSD is a wonderful place, and they're doing good work there.