Denver Center for International Studies

My son is adopted from social services and had behavioral issues. But DCIS created a good social network for him to the point of not wanting to miss one day of school. He is pushed at home to speak a foreign language and to study. When he was doing badly the teachers communicated with me and we came up with a plan to help. Now he is getting much better grades and he will be fluent in a foreign language by the time he finishes high school. It is true that extra curriculars such as music, sports, and other activities are sparse at DCIS. But, I think the most overriding factor for my son is for him to feel part of the school and get good grades. The parents are at least required to be interested in making sure their kids get a global style education. I love the assignments they give my son. They make him think about things in the world around them. Frankly we have considered moving out of the neighborhood and my son hates the idea of not being close to the school. He has NEVER liked even going to school before DCIS. The teachers are well prepared, but it is true that they need to have more mentors and one and one tutors. I think this school for their limited resources is great!
--Submitted by a parent

This school might be good if your 6th grader is ready for college but mine isn't, she is 12 not 18 years old. The teachers do not care if their students have missing assignments, fail a test and the principal does not hold the teachers accountable for doing anything to help. When I asked teachers what day they stay after school to help students, none of them would commit to doing so. With the exception of a few teachers, they leave right after school and my kid has never once been given a detention or told to come in after school to figure out a missing or failing assignment. Also the "Study Skills" class is a joke. There are no study skills taught and at least one day a week they go outside or to the gym to play. A kid could be getting an A in Study Skills and be failing a class. So, if your child is ready for college, a stellar student that can completely manager 7 different classes and teachers without issue, then certainly, this may be the school for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter, now in 9th grade has been at DCIS for the past 3 years. She and I both love the school. The quality of education is amazing and I'm so pleased with the curriculum and the fact that all the teachers are so committed to ensuring that the students not only learn, but have a clear understanding of what is being taught. As parents we teach our children to be proactive about her learning and raise them to not just depend on OTHERS to teach them, but know how to teach themselves as well. This accompanied with what she is receiving from the school, I'm certain, will ensure her a bright future. I'm looking for her being able to travel abroad and all the opportunities that that will over. In the 19 years that I've had children in public schools, DCIS is by far the best school I've ever encountered. I LOVE IT!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Awesome! My daughter started at DCIS this year and has loved it. The staff has been amazing to work with. The school offers many extra's but the greatest part is that my child is learning a second language. It is a wonderful program. The principal is friendly and easy to approach. I can't say enough positive things about DCIS!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. You never are bored in class because everything you learn is just amazing. Haha there is so much diversity at the school. im Lovin It.
--Submitted by a student

Okay now... Lets be real. DCIS is a spectacular school. The teachers are like friends, and the students (HS) are superb. Best of all the travel opportunities are abundant. On the down side there are no extracurriculars (plenty of clubs), and no sports teams (HS) also the amount of homework is huge. But if you are looking for a pre-collegiate experience with a flair of all things global CIS is 100% for you.
--Submitted by a student

This is a no nonsense school with great resources, real teachers (as opposed to those who just want a job), and a healthy balance of respect for, yet firm guidance of the students. The amount of homework is reasonable yet challenging. Global awareness being imparted to the students is beyond compare with any school in Denver. My child has learned more in the first 2 months of school this year than in most of last year at a different DPS middle school. Finally, communication from the school office and the active PTSA is excellent - on a regular basis - I'm not left in a void as to what is going on.
--Submitted by a parent

DCIS is an excellent school for the kid that self motivated and international orientated. There is a lot of free time (1 hour lunch break, 20 min office hours) to get homework done, meet with teachers, do projects, or goof off (see comment about being self motivated). Many of the teachers have been overseas and/or spend time in the Peace Corps. There are many travel opportunities both as a group and as an individual student. Down side: no art, drama, PE, music. They have plenty of afterschool clubs that allow for these activities.
--Submitted by a parent

Like any school, this one has its good and bad points. There is nothing to compare with the foreign language program--nowhere else can kids choose from five languages and study one to proficiency. The teachers have amazing, community-service backgrounds & the curriculum is terrific at producing involved global citizens. 100% of students go to collegeand each year several receive prestigious scholarships. Diversity is not just a goal here; it is a way of life. The school is small, which is an advantage for most kids, though making friends is tricky because this is a magnet school where students come from all over the metro area. The school struggles, however, to offer a full slate of extracurricular activities and electives like music and art.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with opportunities that can be found in few other environments in the public or private setting. The teachers are helpful, small class size and great overall leadership. Sometimes the focus on community work and travel superceds the academic needs - but I wouldnt send my child to another school.
--Submitted by a parent