Smiley Middle School in Denver, Colorado

“I would have to say that I am very disappointed with Smiley Middle School. Some of the teachers are very disrespectful to not only the students but the parents as well. They seem to care more about the name of the school then the students that attend it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We selected thisschool because of the IB honors component but could not be more disappointed. The lack of respect that the administration and teachers have for parents and students is astounding. When concerns are brought up, there is a rolling of eyes and folding of arms, no professionalism at all. Some (not all) teachers yell and belittle the kids liek bullies.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a student and i have been here for more than a year and i love it!!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a student at Smiley Middle School and I luv it a lot!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a student at Smiley Middle School and I absoulutly love it!! I am in the IPM program where I am challenged everyday! Some of our teachers stay after school to around 6:00 everyday! Great things are happening at Smiley and I hope you can be a part of it!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Their magnet program is what carries the entire school! It is rigorous and skill building but they are nurturing and not afraid to put forth the tough love with our children. I was a bit nervous about placing my son into Smiley but overall it has been a great learning environment. I am extremely impressed with the work that Judith Haye, Gary Sulley, Zelda Ford,Joel Paque, & Mr. Leher have put forth into my son. This school has more than its share of problems but if your child is fortunate enough to be enrolled into their International Preparatory/ International Baccalaureate program, it is definitely worth the time!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child attends the International Preparatory Magnet (IPM) at Smiley. She has had an excellent experience with great teachers and high expectations. The curriculum is rigorous, and features such subjects as semantics and a required foreign language. The math is challenging and taught to the top of the class. Her test scores are phenomenal. Discipline has not been a problem. We plan to send our younger children there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I feel my child is receiving a great education at Smiley and so does she. The teachers are so committed and willing to help, with their after school and Saturday tutoring help. I appreciate the principal being a firm disciplinarian. We are very happy with Smiley.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Smiley Middle School offers the International Preparatory Magnet (IPM), a program based on International Baccalaureate Middle Years program. This program is academically rigorous, and teachers are available for 2-3 hours after school and Saturdays for students needing support.. Students applying to the program must be prepared to commit to high academic and behavioral performance. CSAP scores in the IPM program are well above the district average. The school climate is productive, respectful and supportive. A strict dress code is enforced; discipline issues are handled effectively and consistently. My daughter loves going to school; she is challenged, yet not overwhelmed. All IPM students take algebra in eighth grade, preparing them for the the GW IB, DSST and East X classes. Spanish is a mandatory, core class for all grades. All traditional sports and extracurricular activities are available.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our daughter is a sixth grader in the IPM program. The academics are stellar and the teachers committed. She loves playing clarinet in the band. All my questions and concerns are promptly answered by the principal. She is getting an excellent education. Smiley is definitely on the right track.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a student at smiley middle school, I can tell you that smiley has a very good academic enviroment.I also think the parent involvement is great, although we have no privacy at school. The extracurricular activities such as drill team, sports, including hockey, drama, semantics, M.E.S.A., and more. Although the school has small mishaps every now and then, it has really helped me with my middle school years. The tri-academy experience has also contributed to my 3 years of middle school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am not a teacher at this school, but I was and I give a lot of credit to staff there. Smiley has its share of problems, but the problems lie a lot on the outside, and the scores don't show the true effort the teachers and principals put out. It is a great staff. There are many great programs (the academies, after school activities, field trips, etc)and the principals are always around with the kids. (which doesn't happen at a lot of schools) What the school needs is more support, especially from parents, the community, and the district! It a needs more teacher aids and smaller class size! Smiley has a great, bright bunch of kids who just need extra attention...they are starving for it...but the principals and teachers can't do it all alone.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I have tried to make an appointment with the principal to discuss my concerns and he s never called me back. Thank GOD I was able to put my son back in cherry creek schools I strongly believe we as parents should be involved in our children s education I also think it is the teacher s responsibilities to make you aware of any issues to give you an opportunity to talk to your child.”
This review was posted by a parent.