Research Excel Academy Charter School charter Schools in Denver, Colorado

“Excel has been a great place for my daughter, who is going into 4th grade, to learn and play. Although I was a bit intimidated by the volunteer requirement at first, I really appreciate it now - I always feel welcome and appreciated when I help out, and I love that there are always younger siblings hanging around while their parents volunteer, it really creates a warm atmosphere, and I know they will feel really ready to go to school when they are old enough for kindergarten. I do agree that the administration could use some switching up - there is a lot of tension in the main office, and I'm sure the kids aren't aware of it, but the parents are, especially when the director and the other administrators are always ready to complain to whoever will listen about the other two.”

“My two children have attended Excel Academy for 5 years. The charter and concept is excellent as well as most of the educators. The Administration has much to be desired. We've noticed a steady decline over the past three years in leadership and the learning environment Excel once had. We are very disappointed and are considering new schools.”

“If your child excels in a work-at-your-own-pace atmosphere and enjoys an overwhelming amount of variety, then this school is a good fit. However, for the child who requires some sort of discipline and a structured learning environment, this is not the school that you'll want to attend. This is our first year at Excel and our children will not be attending here next year. Our 4th grader went from an A student to a C student and our 1st grader will be repeating 1st grade again next year (she is a bit young for 1st grade anyway so it's not entirely the school's fault). I do, however, have an issue that all of her learning needed to take place at home because she was not required to pay attention in class. It was a tough year for all of us.”

“Excel Academy administration, teachers, parents, and students are fabulous. My son is not fond of school but the field trips and hands-on activites have made school exciting and shown that learning can be fun. I think this place is a blessing for students who learn differently.”

“Excel has been a wonderful place for our daugter. We can't wait until all of our kids can attend there. It is to bad their is a waitlist because I highly reccommend this school.”

“After attending Excel Academy for only one year we have left. Most teachers are great. The administration in unavailable, has two too many in authority, and backs the wrong teachers. The administration shows no genuine interest with what the real needs are of students, parents, teachers and the school. There are many parents that put in 2-3 times their volunteer hours, however, they continue to complain about getting parents to volunteer and show no appreciation for the families of volunteers that camp at the school. The school has a great deal of potential and it is sad that it will probably take losing more families and teachers before any changes in administration will happen.”

“My son attended Excel last year, and I was extremely in the administration's performance towards him, other students, and the staff. His teacher, Mrs. Willis, was outstanding! She was such a blessing to us. Unfortunately, I took my son out of Excel due to administration. There have been too many mistakes made and it impacts the staff's and student's happiness and success. The school itself has excellent potential, just not under this admin.”

“Though some classes were decent and informative, many taught me nothing I didn't know already and offered no alternative or higher level class. Though music, art and PE were offered, I disliked the music class and felt it did not add to my experience. I did enjoy the other two classes. Though Excel 'requires' 80 hours of parent volunteer time, they make no attempt to follow through on this. My parents feel they was not always adequately informed of volunteer opportunities. Also, the fact that this is a charter school seems to limit its budget somewhat. Overall, my experience with Excel was not great.”

“Overall, a great school, academic wise. Communication could be improved. When my two sons started at the beginning of the year, they were lost, yelled at, and reprimanded for not knowing procedures which they were never taught. My older Middle School-aged son transferred to a different school because it was too stressful for him. New students need more help with getting acquainted. My younger son has truly 'excelled' compared with last year at a regular public school. When issues are worked out, it will be a great school. Saxon Math is awesome. So is Ms. Johnston.”

“I go here. I am currently in the eigth grade. The teachers are great! I have been here since the first year in the new building and the only problems for the middle school are no locker rooms, there are not many after-school programs, and the drop-off zone in the parking lot. It makes us late for class even if we come to school early. So if you want small m.s. classes, good teachers, and friendly staff members, this is a great school.”

“One of the few 'academies' that recognizes that children learn in different ways and at different rates. Kids go to different groups for reading, there are combined grades, and they use Saxon math techniques. Classroom discipline is fairly good. Requires 40 hours per year participation from each parent (can be combined). This adds a sense of ownership, which I appreciate. On the other hand, there may not be enough engaging chores to fill the time. Last year I spent too much time making copies for the teacher. They started a music program last year. That is extraordinary, considering the size and age of the school. New building is at 84th & Simms, opened 2004-2005. The principal is pretty strange at times, but hasn't intruded on the classroom. We had troubles with him regarding school care, which are now settled down.”

“This is our second year with Excel. We had one year at the old site and one at the new. Both years have been a great experience academically and socially. Parking and pickup was a nightmare at the old location, the new location is parking is still a problem because of the small number of spaces, but if you use the pick up lane as requested by the administration pickup is a breeze, I'm usually in and out in under 10 minutes after school.When I have been at the school past closing time. I've always seen the lot and lane cleared out within 20 minutes after school is out for the day. Before school is even quicker because the parents are allowed to spread out drop offs from 7:55am to 8:13am as opposed to after school.”

“Our daughter has attended Excel since the 4th grade. Before the move to the new location, Excel was a great school, now there is less community support, teachers do not remember our names, & the parking, drop-of zone is a nightmare. We are very disastified with Excel and the whole atmosphere at the school. Eric & Patricia Bolduc”

“My son just entered this school (he is in the 2nd grade)and he likes it very much. His teacher, Ms. Keily, is a wonderful and energetic person which helps my son get excited about learning. However, the parking situation is a nightmare. The drop off and pick up takes so long. I am very disappointed with it. Some of the parents have to wait 40 min. to finally get their child in the pick up line. I heard one mother say that it's no different at any other school and from personal experience, I can honestly say that this statement is not accurate. The elementary school we just transferred from had an excellent parking structure which made it easy and quick. What is to be done about this? It's a mess.”

“My daughter was brought in to Excel at a higher grade level than she was at in her other Public School( 2 vs 3). In the last year and one half she has improved her reading to the 8Th. grade level and she is taking 5 Th. grade math. She is currently in 4 Th. grade. both her Principal, Dr. Coresh, and her teacher, Mrs. Tomko, deserve the credit!!”

“my child went here from 3-6th grade and the whole time it was a very good education and they were very consistent with homework.”

“My 10-year-old has had a very positive experience at Excel. This school is able to teach each student at their own level - students are grouped by ability, so the curriculum is challenging whether a student is 'GT' or a little behind their grade level in a specific subject. While their CSAP scores are not as impressive as some neighboring schools, I feel that Excel is better able to tailor the education to the child in contrast to a standard public elementary school, even those with 'excellent' CSAP scores. My five-year-old will begin kindergarten there in the fall and we are very excited.”

“Excel was once a great school. Poor administation, over-political correctness and beureaucratic policies have drove away many good educatrors and families. There are many good hard working teacheres still there. Overall I would give Excell a negative review.”

“I have two (soon to be three) kids going to Excel. They all love their teachers and are doing very well. I don t understand the other review who said there aren t more challenging classes offered? Both of my kids are currently in special advanced classes in math and reading. All three of the teachers I have experience with there work very hard for the kids and as a parent I am grateful for their dedication.”

“Excel Academy is a great school that does a great job at balancing academics and fun learning activities. Their creativity to keep kids motivated is a plus. Being a charter school allows the parents to be more involved with the management / operations of the school.”