Southmoor Elementary School

There is so much potential here but the problems are bringing it down. Bullying has been a large problem that is not being addressed by the Principal. In the last two weeks, my son has been spit on, choked, punched in the head, pelted with sports balls and dragged to the ground during recesses. When I brought it up to his teacher, she said it's a big problem and actually gave me names of kids my child should avoid. The Principal came in to a parents meeting last month, showed next year's budget, not saying how she came to the figures but two teachers would have to be released. The next day, we receive a memo from her indicating that the parent committee recommended that two teachers be let go, essentially blaming others. On the other side, I have found my son's teachers to be extremely helpful and caring about his needs and the HGT program is strong, although the Principal has indicated that program may change. There is a leadership void at this school that needs to be addressed. Also, there is almost a class structure there whereas if you are not at an income level that matches the neighborhood surrounding the school, you are a lesser citizen. Currently researching other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed in southmoor. The principal is hardly visible, teachers don't feel valued or supported by the principal, and bullying is a huge problem. The overall atmosphere here is disconnected with a huge lack of communication on all ends. The overall atmosphere was so unhealthy that I pulled my child from the school. They need a complete change in every direction starting from the principal on down!
—Submitted by a parent

Southmoor Elementary is a jewel in the DPS. This school is rich in teachers, has an excellent parent group and is located in a supportive community environment. My children have thrived and they continues to grow. The school communicates with parents, hosts all kinds of events to bring the community together and meets the needs of the kids. Southmoor is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 5th year at Southmoor. We have had an amazing experience-excellent teachers, strong parent involvement, wonderful cultural diversity, and a warm and caring staff and community. Our kids love school and are thriving academically. All schools face challenges and Southmoor is addressing those. Steps have been taken to alleviate class sizes. Test scores are climbing. The sense of positive energy and momentum is palpable. We are excited for another great year!
—Submitted by a parent

We are so excited for a brand new school year at Southmoor! This school brings together the best of the best - teachers, kids and community. My child has loved the experience of being a Southmoor student, and as an involved parent, I have witnessed first hand how the collaboration of strong teachers, willing parent volunteers and good leadership can help a school be the best it can be. No school is perfect, and sadly, the districts are not either, but at Southmoor, everyone is committed to working together to overcome challenges and raise the school's level of academic performance, without losing focus on helping our kids grow as individuals. And it is working! Southmoor is growing and succeeding. We are so happy Southmoor is our neighborhood school...we walk to school each day with smiles on our faces!
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from Florida 3 months before school finished. My 2 kids atended to Southmoor, and they both loved the school, made friends really quick and though the teachers were the best ever. They learned a lot of new things. I have had myself a good experience with the office, they have been very helpful every time I have had to go there. Everything has been wonderful as of experience this year.
—Submitted by a parent

the last post says it all, the other negative post in 2012 were removed. Why, we are in US and should be able to state negative comments.
—Submitted by a parent

I posted a one star review of this school earlier in 2012, agreeing with yet another one star parent rating. Ironically , BOTH OF THESE HONEST AND CANDID REVIEWS HAVE DISSAPEARED FROM THIS WEBSITE! What is up with that ? Not a great school. There are many unhappy parents looking for alternative schools and it would seem we are not being given an opportunity to genuinely warn other parents! No strength in the new leadership. The leadership seems mostly concerned with test scores...not with giving our children a strong general education. Teaching to the test is commonplace, in fact the principle discussed bringing in tutors to raise test scores in science the week before the CSAP tests, rather than demanding the teachers actually TEACH science more effectively during the school year! I don't get it! Time and effort is taken away from reading and math so that the younger kids can "practice testing"! I find this absolutely unaccepable. Many nice teachers, but many are not truly strong teachers, and they are not getting guidance they need from the principle.
—Submitted by a parent

Overcrowding is the only issue at Southmoor due to it's popularity. Now that they are restricting enrollments the overcrowding shouldn't be an issue. You just won't be able to choice into this school and need to be living in Southmoor. The school is overcrowded and popular for a reason.....it is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

One of the best and brightest elementary school in DPS. All of the classes are full because of this, even the highly gifted progam that is in the trailers. The teachers are hard working and dedicated to the kids. A great, diverse population. The new principal comes with great creditals . It is so hard to ask for more in these day when all schools are asked to cut things to the bare bones. My kids thrived at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is way over crowded, class size is to high and classrooms to small to accomodate the size of class. There is an exception; the High classes seem to get the larger classrooms and the smaller number of students. Most teachers are very concerned with their students, but there are a few who seem to let their aids do all the work. They receive a high rating because of the high classes, sometimes the regular clases get forgotten. A Grandparent

Great teachers, Great Principle, overall a good learning environment
—Submitted by a parent

Southmoor Elementary is a wonderful school! The student population is diverse and high achieving. Parents, teachers and students work together to set high learning goals and the teachers work hard to help each child reach those goals. I have observed teachers who accomodate all the learning needs in their classroom. I must say the teachers at this school work long hours and attend many hours of training and it shows! Keep up the great work Southmoor.

Southmoor is a nice school with a lot of involved parents. My son attended 1st grade and did well. He has a processing delay and needs a little extra help. The special education team was very good although it seemed stretched. But the class sizes are way too big without any assistants. My son's class was supposed to have an assistant for an hour out of the day but I rarely saw her stay in the class (when I volunteered) as I think she was working in several classrooms. The two 30+ 1st grade classes were divided into a third class half way through the year which helped. But I worry about future years where the classes are around 30 students (and few assistants). For that reason we are moving into another school district. I also thought the communication for the administration could have been better. MORE ASSISTANTS ARE NEEDED!
—Submitted by a parent

Highly focused on literacy, math, science & social studies. Dedicated teachers. The best physical wellness program throughout Denver. Music for each grade level, including band and district proformances. Art for each grade level including showings.Competitive Destination Imagination teams through parent volunteers.Competitive Cup Stacking teams offered through Physical Wellness. Non-Profit group of parents making sure no child is left behing. Mi Casa A Su Casa!
—Submitted by Mary Goecke, a parent

Parents are very involved, although class sizes are dangerously over crowded. We dis enrolled our son from kindergarten for this reason; they were running one teacher for over 30 students per class.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is a good school having a limited students per class. When I gone a teacher (for English speaking) came to me and introduced her self and told that what her role for the Kinder garten Child. ( Basically I am not from US and I am very much need this oppertunity).
—Submitted by Ramesh KOTHA, a parent

Parents in this school are very involved...sometimes to the point where it can be a competition! There are opportunities for Art Class before school with Monart and a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as science club, spanish, and more.
—Submitted by a parent