Westerly Creek Elementary School

Westerly Creek is an amazing school with fabulous teachers and top notch administration. As was noted before, the school culture is stellar with strong values that all the children know. My children are not only getting an education that is excellent, but growing to be responsible, caring citizens. The school has added a special needs program and increased diversity over the past 2 years....these have become assets to the school and helped students and adults alike see compassion daily. Westerly Creek is not an innovation, GT or charter program, but more like the traditional neighborhood school I long for my children - for ALL children. As a family, we love that our child's high academic needs are meet along with peers of all skills and backgrounds.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my family's second year at WCE and we have never been more pleased. My oldest daughter was having some difficulty with her previous school with bullies,favoritism played by the staff and teachers, etc. From the moment we she started at WCE she felt welcome as did we. This year our 4 year old started ECE and I am hoping to get my other two children there next school year. I would recommend this school to any and everyone with children.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 3 children attending Westerly and all of them are VERY happy there. We were at another school in Stapleton for 3 years and made our way back to a smaller school that cares about kids character just as much as their academics. I'm shocked to hear other parents writing about leadership...it is TOP notch here. The staff and leadership at this school are truly impressive!!! Each and every time we have had an issue with one of our kids, I have received notification not only from the classroom teacher but also from the Principal that same day. Also, if parents want to change something about the school (ie. acquire smart boards or change the gym floor) these issues are discussed, addressed and action is taken to get them done. I was making lunch with my 4th grader the other morning and he voluntarily said to me, "Mom, I really like Westerly Creek." I responded with, "That's great to hear, why?" And he said, "There is no bullying, the teachers do what they are supposed to do (instead of talking on their cell phones) and all the kids get along...there are no clicks." Truly a testament to the expectations and culture that has been set from the start.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is pretty good. My son had an excellent teacher in ECE 4, and more than decent teachers in 3rd grade. What was confusing was the administrative part of the school. I thought it more than odd that parents were asked to organize the field trips, including booking the buses, without any clue as to how to do it. I had to go and find who was the person to book the buses, for instance. And then the field trips kept getting canceled. The teachers didn't seem to know when other big happenings in the school were booked to make sure they didn't book their own big event. Some of the front office staff were excellent and some were very rude. The principal seemed like an insecure person right out of graduate school. Clearly, according to the testing, there are more than enough great teachers to make up for the problems above, however. Both of my boys enjoyed attending the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Reading through the reviews it's clear that there really are two camps at WC -the cheerleaders and everyone else. I think it's great that many people are passionate about the school. What isn't great is that the principal caters to this crowd and in exchange they think she can do no wrong. If you dare to question this crowd or the leadership then you are labeled as unsupportive of the school. Voicing any concern about existing policy is met with disdain and, yes, as others have pointed out, the Principle is very difficult to deal with and often won't even bother to look up from her computer when talking to you. That said, most kids will probably do fine here, but if you have a gifted kid or one that struggles then you won't find much support. Many, many people have left because they simply found this school to be difficult and unsupportive. Read these posts and it's easy to see who the cheerleaders are and who experienced what it's like if you're not in the "in crowd". I would say about half of the staff has been good while half just go through the motions. BTW, Chuck Raische at Stapleton 3 is an experienced principal and seems reasonable -this school may be a good option.
--Submitted by a parent

This school keeps getting better and better. We have a 4th grader and 2nd grader that have each attended Westerly Creek since ECE. The Principal is dedicated, hard working, and fair. The teachers are excellent. The school is continuing to grow and as they add teachers, they are selecting excellent talent. I think all children are given an opportunity to thrive at Westerly Creek. This is a fantastic public neighborhood elementary school and the administration, teachers, parents, and students are all working hard to make it a thriving nurturing environment.
--Submitted by a parent

We were excited about Westerly Creek as our neighborhood school and we think the principal is above average with leadership, parents and students. However, most schools and teachers are challenged when your child has needs that fall outside the median/standard curriculum, whether a child has special needs or requires additional stimulation. Even great schools can have bad teachers, which we experienced. Our child needed a different environment and we encourage all parents to research options that are best suited for your child, don't just rely on ratings or a generalized "Distinguished" ranking. We were discouraged by the principal and the teacher to move schools and didn t get support or solutions for our child. We were also disappointed with communication - phone calls were not returned or e-mails poorly handled. With school budgets such an issue these days, we shouldn't be surprised that motives can be monetarily driven. As far as public schools in Denver, at least Westerly Creek is better than most. Parent involvement is impressive and it is a wonderful community. They have hired some decent teachers, particularly Rich Ashburn is a 5-star quality teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

Westerly is a great school for our family. We have been there for 6 years now. I encourage anyone interested in the school to go and see for themselves. The principal and staff works very hard and provides a great learning enironment for the students. Any problems we have had have been handled in a professional and caring way. My kids love going to school and are learning and being challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school starting our second year this fall. It has been a very positive experience so far. The school just received its first rating in DPS as "Distiguished". We are very pleased with the school. As for those that are not, they are fortunate in Denver to have other choices so the can find the best fit for them and their kids. In our neighborhood families I know also choose Bill Roberts, Ebert, Steck, Odyssey, Denver Language School, Logan, Blessed Sacrament, and Stanley British. All great choices too. For us, Westerly Creek is our best choice!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had our children at WCE for 2 years and in that time I have seen a staff and administration that is dedicated to creating the very best environment for learning. The teachers take the time to know their students as individuals and what strengths and weaknesses they have in order to differentiate the curriculum for every child! WCE has a principal who cares tremendously for every child and makes the tough decisions required of an effective and successful leader. She does not just tell parents what they want to hear but speaks openly and honestly to make sure parents, teachers, and administrators are working as a team. WCE values strong parental involvement, and as a new Stapleton resident and transplant to Colorado I have found WCE to be the best fit for both of my children in every way!!!
--Submitted by a parent