Polaris at Ebert Elementary School

Ebert is the best school in the metro area. Having come from other school(s) my husband and I feel like our children have found a safe haven that is nurturing and challenging to their intellectual and emotional needs. The teachers are exceptional, well trained and simply loving. The principal is a lovely person. She is open-minded, has an open door and heart for these children. The curriculum is cohesive and the electives are cherished by our kids! THANK YOU EBERT!!!
--Submitted by a parent

The Polaris program at Ebert Elementary provides the best elementary school education in Denver. I've looked at Edison, Steck, Bromwell, Cory and Park Hill, but none of them compare.
--Submitted by a parent

My child felt like an outcast at other schools. We were hoping that at Polaris, she would finally have a group of peers whom she would feel accepted and understood her. Polaris has been the answer to our prayers. Highly gifted children have very special and specific social needs, and Polaris is Denver's expert at addressing these needs. This is not a school that will push advanced academics, like certain private schools for the gifted. Instead, Polaris focuses on nurturing the childrens' creative side, and helping them to be responsible, friendly, happy children with the skills to be successful in the world they will one day venture into.
--Submitted by a parent

While certainly still the best of DPS , I feel the new direction that Polaris has taken is decidedly less optimistic than it was 4 years ago. The new principal is very concerned with awards, test scores and appearances. I am concerned that the joyfulness of teaching and the of learning, are being dismissed. A majority of the very best teachers that Dr Howard had worked with are now working elsewhere, and every year more will quit. While the teachers that remain are dedicated, hard working teachers, the principal is unapproachable. The kindness, warmth, and nurturing that attracted us to Polaris in the first place seems to be dissolving into thin air. I hope that I am wrong and that next year I will see a a different atmosphere. But for the last couple of years, our family has really struggled with the change in leadership. We are thankful for the teachers that carry on and for the great parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Ebert is by far the best elementary school in DPS and you should send your kids there if they test in. However be aware that the quality of the program and teachers is slipping. Too many good teachers have left in the last 3 years. We were thrilled with K-3rd grade but 4th and 5th grades were a disappointment. With one outstanding exception parents are unhappy with the teachers in those grades. Also it's a school that values the arts above all else and does very little to nurture a passion for math or science. The Friday electives program (parent run) is beloved by all.
--Submitted by a parent

Since October seems to be the month to rate Polaris, I might as well join the throng. The great thing about the school is that you have all these bright, inquisitive, high-achieving kids, who don't feel ashamed or self-conscious about their gifts, who are encouraged to be normal, regular kids, explore what they want to explore, have fun and learn in a joyful, free, kid-friendly environment. My husband was gifted, went to his local, public school and always felt like the odd-ball, the weird, smart, different kid. I am thankful that my two gifted kids don't have to go through that - they can be smart and it's totally normal and accepted. Shouts out to the great teachers, great parent volunteers, great arts and science curriculum. Now if only we could shrink the class size (of all DPS schools) to maybe 20-21, life would be just about perfect.
--Submitted by a parent

We love the hands-on opportunities for the children, focus on community, empathy and building rounded children, the challenging curriculum and teachers trained to differentiate, the smaller size and intimate atmosphere, and integration of science and the arts. This is a school that is trying to engage children and challenge them to do their very best.
--Submitted by a parent

this school encourages children to think globally. Children think creatively how to solve typical problems.
--Submitted by a parent

An incredible school - the best elementary in Denver, hands down. Excellent teachers, caring principal, global curriculum - all focused on the needs of gifted learners.
--Submitted by a parent

The children experience educational freedom - they have choices and make decisions on their own much of the time...