Discovery Canyon Campus School

If you love your children, do not send them here.I was bullied all throughout middle school, but the worst time was when I was on the bus one afternoon, and I got beat up by this girl I didn't even know. I was hurt pretty badly. I came home with a broken nose, and bruises and scrapes everywhere on my body. I told my mom what happened and she reported it to the school. The school checked the bus tapes and sure enough, it was clear as day. However, they told me that there was "not enough evidence" to do anything about it. I was told that the only way they could do something about it is if I asked people I knew that had also been bullied by this girl to report it. Sure enough 10-15 people then made true reports. The following week I was told to "drop it" because apparently someone had pushed the girl and they immediately linked it to me because I seemingly had a "grudge" against her. I continued to get bullied the rest of my time at dcc but I never reported it because they simply don't care. A year later the police called the school because I had attempted suicide because of repetitive bullying. They said they had no idea it was happening, and even after that they did nothing.

I've gone to three high schools. Trust me, this is by far the best of the three. The social divisions among students is much less severe than the other high school I have been to and since there is very heavy military presence, it is fairly easy to make new friends. You can always find something to complain about, but it is better to look at the school as a whole. DCC is a beautiful school, which, for the most part, has excellent and caring teachers. The teachers and administration are much more relaxed compared to my others schools, which can be annoying when you add in less mature students, but if you are serious about your education, I see this as a good thing. If you really want to succeed and work hard, you will. The AP courses provided are pretty good, and I felt prepared for the tests. I just wish they would add more AP courses such as AP Physics and an official AP Chemistry course. I'm proud to have graduated from this school. Oh, and to the person who said the parking lot was like a maze... What?

I have two children in the elementary school. One finishing 1st, the other 4th grade. In the beginning of the year, I was not very impressed. My son was put in a classroom where they had just moved a 5th grade teacher down to 1st grade and she was a huge disappointment. The young lady (only 2nd year teaching) realized this though and resigned about a month into school. They hired a super young lady, just out of college and I thought we were IN FOR IT!! Fortunately, this gal had her act together and made the very best out of a pretty bad situation. I think the administration could have helped the new gal out quite a bit more to get the class organized, so it took until around Thanksgiving before the class was truly in order and kids were on track. After all that though, it has been clear sailing! The new first grade teacher does her very best to differentiate in class and is very open to parent involvement. My daughter's 4th grade teacher has had it dialed in since the beginning. She is phenomenal when it comes to writing and language arts. DCC also has a "talented and gifted" program for kids that are above grade level, allowing kids to reach their full potential.
—Submitted by a parent

High school principal dresses too casual. Lead by example to the students. He lacks leadership over his teachers and counselors. The good ones are good, but they are few and far between. When you point out how unprofessional teachers react, the principal disregards. Eventually, when several of us parents tell the principal something, ignoring it is not leadership it is lazy. Find your professional attire and professional leadership. The school is going downhill under Bailey's lack of leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is not a leader at the school. I find most teachers to be lazy and unresponsive to parents questions. Some teachers know less about what is going on in the school than parents. Some teachers don't teach and the kids have to teach themselves. Many poor quality teachers and I don't understand how they keep their jobs year after year. Overall, it is a disappointment.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the "campus" design of this school!!! What a huge convenience, especially for someone with children in different grade levels (elementary through high school). This is a brand-new, beautiful school w/ all the best amenities. As far as academics go, there is a strong emphasis on IB curriculum - which is great for college-bound kids! The school is also in a wonderful and safe (extremely low-crime) area... You really can't go wrong if you send your kids to DCC!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My children all attend DCC,1 HS, 1MS, and 2 ES. What a wonderful thing that they are all on one campus! We have been at this school for 5 years now and being a military family who has moved around, we have had experience with lots of schools, DCC is by far the best we have encountered. I was shocked to read some of the negative reviews, but realized some people just like to complain. Administrators at each level have been responsive to all of my requests, and have always been able to work something out to make sure my children get what they need. They are definitely child centered and do their best to make sure every kid is taken care of. Is it perfect, no, but what school is? Being a newer school, DCC has had to work through some changes and growing pains, but has come out better in the end. Having seen how hard the teachers work behind the scenes and the hours they spend outside the school day, I guarantee you will not find a more dedicated group of teachers, anywhere! I would not hesitate to recommend DCC to my family and friends(and have). I would choose DCC again in a heartbeat for my children! You will find a caring community, great teachers, and a fantastic facility!
—Submitted by a parent

I have daughters at both DCC middle and high school and we are very happy with both. The actual school is beautiful with equipment that rivals many colleges. The teachers have all been responsive when contacted and the counselours we've dealt with regarding our special needs children were great - so much more concerned and responsive than those we dealt with in Distruct 49! Teacher monitored after school help is available every day, there are TONS of after school clubs and activities and community service hours are required for every student. There has the usual teenage drama but none of the bullying my girls saw in District 49 and the administration here is much more visible and approachable than at previous schools. The curriculum here is much more demanding than at other schools the girls have attended but students have the support system to succeed and teachers and administrators who are invested in their success. I'm really shocked at some of the reviews here, which totally contradict the experience we've had here!
—Submitted by a parent

This is THE worst school in the district. The teachers are just as catty and insensitive as the high school students. And the administration? Don't even get me started. My daughter went here for both middle school and high school. She hated it from the beginning, but to go to any other school was too inconvenient logistically. So we tried our best to work out the problems. Unfortunately, nothing was ever resolved. She was bullied and harassed by a group of students throughout the years and nothing was ever done about it. Also, because District 20 has this ridiculous hiring policy, all of the teachers are new and inexperienced. My daughter didn't learn a thing until she left! Plus, anytime she struggled with her work, no matter how hard she tried, it was always our fault. Working parents can do their best to help with homework, but ultimately, it comes down to the teachers. And these ones don't have a clue what they're doing! I was shocked at how rude and utterly disrespectful they have been to our entire family. I hate this school so much that I'd be willing to picket in front of it, telling everyone how terrible it really is.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at DCC from sixth to eleventh grade. It was a terrible experience. Starting in my first year, I was teased horribly and all I was told to do was "walk away." No one ever took any action, despite the fact that we had "Bully Proofing Training" once a month. Most of the teachers I had in both middle school simply just didn't care. Despite the fact that I was obviously struggling, they continued to let me slip through the cracks. Then, in high school, I was faced with a whole new set of problems from not only the cruel students, but also the administration and staff. The lack of professionalism was tremendous. During my freshmen year, my English teacher made several remarks about my religion. Her and the entire class decided to gang up on me one day and harass me about my personal beliefs. I'd also heard several teachers make rude remarks about other students' appearances and intellect when they weren't around. They acted like they were the ones in high school. When I told the school, no one did anything. This school is filled with close-minded, insensitive and discriminatory people. I'm very glad that I finally left and I would never recommend it to anyone!

My daughter attended kindergarten in this school for 6 months and it was a disappointment. The teacher and administration were unable to provide the challenge my daughter needed. In addition, there was bullying in the class. I personally had to stop a fight in the playground since the teacher did not act on it. When we decided to leave the school the teacher and administration did not even ask or care to get feedback on what was wrong. One day I picked up my child from school and her nose was swollen. She had a bloody nose at school after hitting the table and no one had the courtesy to call me. Between the lack of leadership in preventing bullying, the less than challenging curriculum I would not recommend this school. We made a decision to change schools mid year which was not a light decision but in three weeks I have a different kid who loves school and is challenged. She is being pulled out for enrichment 3 times a week, she is getting extra reading homework and her math book even covers fractions in kindergarten. I placed her in AIES and would highly recommend the school. We have restored the love for learning in our household.
—Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be happier and more impressed with DCC. We've had a kid at this school for four years of elementary. We have always felt welcome, the administrators are always quick to respond to issues and the majority teachers are top notch. The positives far outway the few negatives. To address some of the complaints: parking lots by definition are a hassle. Spend a little time in any of the other school parking lots. And really, is that your biggest concern? As for atheletics, the HS is new. They haven't had years to develop a strong atheletic program. If that's your biggest reason for sending your kids to school, maybe another school might be better for you. As for the IB issues, it's an IB school, so of course they'll be teaching to that cirriculum. My main goal for my children is for their continued academic success. I believe that can be accomplished with the IB program at DCC.
—Submitted by a parent

DCC is a fantastic, top notch school. The focus on IB profiles is great for rounding out their education. But I can honestly say the other areas of learning have certainly not suffered. My kids have excelled and I believe they are learning more than their average peer at a different school. The elementary staff is great - they are kind, accomodating, knowledgeable, and organized. I will definitely miss this school when we move!
—Submitted by a parent

Love it! I am an out-of-district parent and choice my children into DCC because it far exceeds anything they could get in my school district. Yes, IB is emphasized; however, AP and technology are also available. My daughters have different learning styles and both have excelled at DCC. Both daughters are also involved in sports. Before one daughter received her license, I was driving back-and-forth four times a day since one daughter was in high school and another in middle school, which had different starting times. I have no regrets! I'd do again.
—Submitted by a parent

So I am reading posts about the school, and would like to clear up a few things. #1. DCC is an IB school, and they should be focused on the IB program, otherwise why be IB. I taught for UCCS for 8 years, and I could spot the IB kids immediately, as they were better prepared than their peers. If you aren't interested in IB, please go to a different school that would fit your needs. #2. Security Guards. All D20 high schools have security staff on site, voters approved that staffing a few years back. #3. Athletics. No school will be great at all things, but the High School has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance, and the MS had been improving each year. #4. Academics. As the school has grown every year until this year by adding grades, they have done a great job of making things work through multiple years of change. #5. Involvement. I have been involved as a parent every year since we started, and found doors to be open from admin and teachers. #6. Students. My kids all enjoy the school, and i have a child at all three levels right now. #7. Academics. Again, three kids, all levels, all different learners, and all doing great.
—Submitted by a parent

I would say as a fairly new school, it's doing okay, but there are some areas that need to be fixed in order to improve the quality of the school. This school claims to be a "Math and Science" emphasized school, however, there are not enough math text books that are provided by the school's funds. Ironically, there are more English text books on the shelves of the English classrooms compared to the math text books in the math classrooms. The administrators are a bit over-scrutinizing the behaviors of the students and often give them punishment that is above the level of their committed act. They also tend to over exaggerate these stories, causing parents to be worried about their kid[s]. Furthermore, there are armed security guards that the school wasted its funds on because of the fear of potential felonies by the students, while the funds could've been used for a better use like on the math textbooks as mentioned above. In retrospect, there has not been a single drug deal nor fight etc. that existed on this campus, which proves that the security guards are not a need. I do however like the history of no drug deals nor other despicable acts on this campus.

To the people who complain that the school focuses on IB too much: It's a pre-K through 12 *IB* school. IB, as in: International Baccalaureate. DCC is one of only a few in the US. The staff, parents, and administration worked hard to get the designation, and to maintain it requires that . . . they actually teach it. Oops. So sorry. IB may not be for everyone, so why not choice in to a place that doesn't emphasize it. DCC is a choice school, after all. It is a new-ish school, so the sports program is still growing -- it seems pretty funny to me that people are so quick to criticize, and yet don't look at everything this school does really, really well -- better than most in the U.S. in fact, if you look up its national standings. Get a grip. Just because a school has high academic expectations, and is unapologetic about those expectations, does not make it a bad school. Just as the students are expected to perform, so are the teachers. The staff here is excellent, highly qualified, and take their continuing education very seriously.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student at dcc, im in hight school and have been there since 6th grade. The school is not a school i would send my children to. Every year i beg my parents to let me go somewhere else. I feel they foucus way to much on IB. The athletics there are horrible. During our volleyball seaon, we couldnt get bus rides home from out of district schools, putting the parents in a dificult situation. Where as some teams get transportation there and back. If dcc didnt focus so much on giving us usless murals, sun dials, and pengelums we could possibly have a semi-decent school. if you have walked around dcc youll notice, dull colors making the school look more like a prison than anything else, and usless objects, the pengelum in the lower library cost 5,000 dollars. we could have used the money to create a better athletic program or to get a better parking lot. the parking lot is horrible, if youve been there its more like a maze. overall, dont send your kids there eventually their going to ask you to leave.

Administrators run their own little fifedom at DCC. Complain and you will be marginalized. Athletic programs are hit and miss. Great athletic facilities, pathetic athletic administration. Administration knows that they know better than the parents and patronize them. Too much concentration on IB. Students complain the inside looks like a prison, no color or decor. Teacher morale seems low.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a sad day after reading the reviews and beginning to a investigation. Into the administration this school is not interested In teaching our the basics after seeing the report on the news and the criticism on the csap I don't this school really cares about teaching the basics they only teach to get higher csap scores and not the fundamental. Which I see why parents are complaining.they need to do better
—Submitted by a parent