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GreatSchools Rating

James Irwin Charter High School

Charter | 9-12 | 440 students

Our focus is character development with a college preparatory emphasis.
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted April 4, 2013

There are other GREAT schools out there where you don't have to put up with archaic rules and dress codes that are only enforced on kids who are not the "pets" of the school! I don't like the fact that the dean was very condescending with me, but it did not surprise me as that is the typical culture in CO Springs on a whole. My child absolutely LOVES 3 of her teachers at JIHS and has made friends that she will miss terribly but she begged me months ago to remove her from this school (when they made her wear another girl's clothes) and we were undecided and then I had to face this administrator and that finalized my decision. He was nasty and pretended that I was demanding something that I absolutely WAS NOT just so that he could be right! The administrators often do not realize that many parents (such as myself and my husband) have just as much or more education as they do and act surprised when you won't tolerate them looking down on you or allow them to treat you like an uneducated person. They will be glad to not have to see me anymore and the feeling is quite mutual!!!!! The teachers are mostly great and I don't have a problem with them at all!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 19, 2013

This is truelly the best school ever. It stands out and uses its limited resources to make something that brings an impact. I entered this school with a negative outlook on it but as time went on i found out that it was the complete opposite.This school really challenges you to strive for post-graduation live through its five pillars;Excellence,Honesty,Integrity,Responsibility,and Respecy. I Really dont know why people talk bad about this school because it is better than most school in Colorado Springs and in the state. It truelly is the best school ever.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 8, 2013

Smaller school... BIG heart! The school year starts off with a fantastic retreat to Frontier Ranch and only gets better from there. Lots of support among students and faculty. Kids are academically challenged to reach their full potential. We are proud of our kids and our kids are proud of themselves. Look out college, here we come!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 28, 2013

i love james irwin! this school is great! :D it's better than widefield by a long shot
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 13, 2008

This is an excellent school that truly helps to prepare kids to tackle college and life beyond high school. My kids have enjoyed the 4 years they spent there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 21, 2008

I transfered to JICHS my senior year and read more books in that one year than all the other years of schooling combined. And that was just English Class. I loved the environment and teachers. It prepared me for college.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 9, 2007

james irwin is an excellent school witha strong sense of community and wonderful teachers. they are always encouraging us to do our best. the curriculum is tough, but really good. James irwin rocks!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2007

You have the right to have your opinion about a school, but please make sure you are clearly informed before you speak out. My kids have been going to this school for years and they have excellent teaching and if you don't care about academics and don't want to be a positive influence in your kids life then maybe this school is not for you. James Irwin has had to come over some obstacles, but this school does not favor or leave out any children. My girls have disabilities and they have learned to over come them and not use it as an excuse. Don't let your kids suffer on education because of your uninformative ways. I seen in one review that a parent had bad things to say, well don't believe them because it not only takes the teachers to make a school work it takes the parents too.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2006

I currently attend this school,and have attended other public schools.In 2006,its a school that helps students excel,independent and not.We have AP art classes,and multiple sports,If the sport we don't like is not offered,we are allowed to play for the local public ones. The teachers thoroughly know what they are talking about,are always available for questions and its actually fun.The only downfall what so ever is the dress code.James Irwin is teaching us to be great independent,responsible citizens,and equipping us with boundless knowledge.There are special accommodations for those who excel,in any subject.If you want your kids to have a great education,please check out this school.James Irwin has helped me get ready for the world with smarts & common sense.This is a school that lives by their mottos of integrity,honesty respect,responsibility and of course excellence.Ilove this school dearly, and couldn't ask for a better one.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 26, 2006

James Irwin is a school of excellence and outstanding character.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 11, 2005

This is a fantastic school. I absolutly love it there and would not give up this opportunity for anything in the world.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 5, 2004

This school would have greater impact if the numbers and stats were less important than the person. If you have no concern about your child being treated like an individual this is a great school. If your child's individuality and feelings are important, this is a school to avoid. Only the compliant child will be happy here. The child who is confident and independent will be tamed or eliminated.
—Submitted by public all, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 37% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
45%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 51% in 2012.

124 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
51%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%
Science

The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 48% in 2012.

111 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students45%
Female37%
Male56%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic32%
White (not Hispanic)52%
Free lunch eligible32%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch50%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities46%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable45%

Reading

All Students84%
Female86%
Male82%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic74%
White (not Hispanic)88%
Free lunch eligible68%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch89%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities85%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable86%

Writing

All Students69%
Female74%
Male63%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic65%
White (not Hispanic)69%
Free lunch eligible52%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities71%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable69%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students51%
Female50%
Male53%
Black (not Hispanic)31%
Hispanic46%
White (not Hispanic)60%
Free lunch eligible39%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch57%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities51%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable52%

Reading

All Students87%
Female94%
Male76%
Black (not Hispanic)88%
Hispanic85%
White (not Hispanic)86%
Free lunch eligible93%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch86%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities87%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable88%

Science

All Students69%
Female67%
Male71%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanic67%
White (not Hispanic)71%
Free lunch eligible57%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch74%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities69%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable70%

Writing

All Students74%
Female82%
Male62%
Black (not Hispanic)69%
Hispanic70%
White (not Hispanic)76%
Free lunch eligible68%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities74%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable76%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 61% 61%
Hispanic 18% 28%
Black 11% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 8% 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 14%N/A35%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

College readiness and student pathways

Students typically attend these schools prior to attending this school James Irwin Charter Middle School
Rocky Mountain Classical Academy
Other Area Middle and High Schools
Colleges most students attend after graduation UCCS
CSU
PPCC
Read more about resources at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
College counselor(s)
Computer specialist(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff French
Japanese
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Ranked 15th in Colorado by "U.S. News & World Report" (2013)
  • Gold Medal Winner by "U.S. News & World Report" (2013)
  • John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award (2012)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Recycling club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Graphics
Clubs
  • Anime club
  • Drama club
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Kitchen

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Advanced placement courses
  • Honors track
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 3:30 pm
School Leader's name
  • Alex Marquez, Principal
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (719) 576-8071

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Advanced placement courses
  • College prep
  • Direct instruction
  • Honors track
  • Standards-based
  • Teacher-run
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • French
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Vocational or skills-based training offered
  • None

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • College counselor(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Poetry/Creative writing teacher(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Career/college counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • Advanced Placement courses
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • College presentations or information sessions
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Cafeteria
  • College/career center
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Learning lab
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textile design
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Drama
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • Graphics

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Anime club
  • Community service
  • Drama club
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Link Crew Student Leadership
  • National Honor Society
  • Recycling club
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Assist during athletic events
  • Attend parent nights
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
More from this school
  • James Irwin Charter High School exists to develop every student's character and academic potential in an environment that is safe, postive, fun and rigorous. Our teachers, who are constantly coached, are absolutely the best and work hard to make sure JICHS students can be successful for college, career and life.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

Submit your application by

October 01, 2013

 
130
days left!
 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


5 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
75
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
150
Students typically come from these schools
James Irwin Charter Middle School
Rocky Mountain Classical Academy
Other Area Middle and High Schools

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
UCCS
CSU
PPCC
College preparation / awareness offered
College prep programs/courses during the year
College presentations or information sessions
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
Advanced Placement courses
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5525 Astrozon Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Website: Click here
Phone: (719) 302-9109

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