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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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)
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.
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