George Washington High School

Unfortunately, it really is two schools. I have two children currently attending, one in IB the other in traditional but doing AP/honors courses. The IB program is good academically but according to the IB child, most students are almost actively demeaning/dismissive of traditional students. On occasions when parents of the IB students are together, many of the parents, too, have the same demeaning/dismissive attitude. I think many other IB parents were hoping for a well balanced progressive education experience that the students could benefit from a diverse environment...I truly think that, as it is now, you might be doing the opposite. In addition, the traditional school AP and Honors courses are *not* up to par relative to other DPS high schools....a real problem, for obvious reasons. In all, the school is dysfunctional and the traditional program is likely below average for the district.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is currently being badly hurt by an inexperienced, unpredictable principal who lacks vision and leadership. I hope DPS can finally find someone with the skills needed to successfully inspire and delveop all aspects of the school's students, programs and personnel.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure why a parent has to diss on a student's opinion and call it a shame and wonder why s/he is bitter, but as a student in the IB program, i can say that the student saying that many, *not all* of the IB students being pretentious is absolutely correct. I have claimed heard quite a few conversations from my classmates talking about how dumb tradition kids are, how they don't work as hard as them, and other derogatory things. Having a brother and many good friends in the traditional program, this hit close to home. I feel like many of the problems dealing with the school happens to be the segregation between both programs and it needs to be dealt with before they lose a majority of their students to other schools. Also, many of the teachers here, especially in the traditional program from what i have heard, are extremely unsatisfactory, especially in the core subjects like science, math, and english. They need to get their teachers checked out in both programs.
—Submitted by a student

I'm not sure why the previous poster is so bitter. It's a shame. So many GW students have much more positive and balanced experiences. Students who get involved in extracurricular activities have a much easier time forming more diverse friendships than do those who stick to their program or middle-school comfort zones. GW has been a great academic AND social experience for my two kids, who have gone on to excellent, non-Ivy-League colleges. They have no regrets about having worked hard in high school, as they were completely ready to take advantage of everything college offered them. IB is not a good match for everyone - that's true. But it offers top-notch college prep to students who might not otherwise have access to it, and there are an awful lot of proud and successful alumni.
—Submitted by a parent

George Washington in an amazing school that presents many opportunities unavailable in most high schools. GW have an amazing academic program with both IB and AP classes as well as 5A athletics. Another great aspect of George is the multitude of clubs and extracurricular activities. The Speech and Debate team recently sent 13 people to nationals and won an award that only 17 of the over 350 schools won. Furthermore, a team recently won first place at the Tournament of Champions, one of the hardest competitions of the year. in addition, there are many clubs aimed at diversity such as Asian Culture Club and IB Black Organization. In refutation of the division between the traditional and IB programs, i must point out that often the clubs are very diverse, and one easily makes friends in different programs. The teachers are very informed, with some, like Dr. More, who stopped teaching college classes in order to teacher chemistry at GW. Overall, George Washington presents a diverse group of students that have many opportunities and are prepared for college when they leave.
—Submitted by a student

GWHS is really two very different schools. The IB Program can be an incredible opportunity for the right student. My first child went through the program and is doing very well in college. If, however, your child doesn't fit the IB box perfectly, it can be a nightmare. There is little tolerance for different learning styles. The IB Program is run very distinctly from the traditional programs and is rather autonomous. Also, while the school is overall diverse, it is a very segregated school. The IB Program is extremely white and the rest of the school is very minority. The two groups rarely interact. The school needs a strong principal who can unite the two programs.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very diverse and the teachers actually help the kids out step by step my son is an I.B. student he has accomplished many things i give it a 8 out of 10 just because of the phyical attributes.
—Submitted by a parent

I brought my brother from out of state and he was embraced by the entire staff and students as soon as he walked in his first day. He was made part of their Latino Association and participates on different fund raisers as well as community service. He has been involved in Basketball and when he was injured the coach from the football team also worked with him on physical therapy even when he played basketball. The school has many resources as long as parents participate. Their counselors are very involved with the kids and do their best to help them out with any concerns not only inside the school but also outside. I'm glad he is attending GW.

My daughter graduated from George Washington IB program in 2007. Now she is doing very well at a highly selective college. The academic program at GWIB is outstanding. The quality of the education available rivals the private high schools. The only reason I gave it 4 stars in stead of 5 is that the music and art programs are weaker than the academic programs.
—Submitted by a parent

The International Baccaleaureate program at this school is nothing short of phenomenal! I have never felt as though I have such an advantage over my friends in different schools as I do now. The only reason I give this school four stars is because I wouldn't recommend you sending your child to this school in any other program. The IB, on the other hand, is the best education available. Upon graduating, I will be able to skip one year of college because the IB is so intense and just wonderful.
—Submitted by a student

Wonderful, just wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

After many years of teaching physical education and health I have never met a more effective department head/teacher that is as effictive as Mr. Finesilver! He has a great respect for for both staff and students. His weight class is barr non the most effective traing I have seen in any school setting!
—Submitted by a teacher

I am awaiting the outcome of the principal's decision as to why GW IB program limits its Juniors and Seniors to classes that have limited enrollment despite the popularity of the class. It is ridiculous that your student's success in the IB program (after working so hard for 2 years prior) should depend on if their lucky number is drawn from a hat. Parents need to really research what the program offers in terms of classes for Junior and Senior year. Your child will be dissappointed unless they do well with the sciences. I never would have enrolled my student there had I known this. The head of the IB is not any help. Do the research
—Submitted by a parent

My child is enrolled in the IB programa and a lot has changed since the last reviews 3 yrs ago! The IB program is not well run and the lack of teachers is appalling. The books that are required to be read range fromvery good to nearly useless. Homework seems to be assigned more to keep the students very busy at night more than learning.
—Submitted by a parent

This school and specifically Ms. Thomas saved my child. When the private schools said my child was not working to potential this school took on my challenged child and now my child is at CSU earning a 4.0.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the school is excellent academicly.
—Submitted by a former student

GW is a great school that saved my child. The teachers buily relationships with him and he succeeded. I am thankful that the administration cared as well as the teachers. I was impressed by the interventions available from GW and the Advanced Placement choices. GW had more Advanced placement classes than the two closet schools and the scores of the children were great.
—Submitted by a former student

George Washington has the strongest academic program in the Denver Public Schools. Its International Baccalaureate program and AP programs in particular attract many students. Its size, at about 1,600 students, is manageable, and students can readily participate in music, art, sports, and other activities. Parents are very involved through the International Baccalaureate Parent Group.
—Submitted by a parent

The IB program at this school is a really great program to put your child in. It will make the student bring out their best.
—Submitted by a student

George Washingon is a wonderful school. I graduated in 2003, and I still miss it. I always felt like I belonged and was able to be involved every different spectrum from Cheerleading to Drama productions. Every child can feel welcome at this school. It is wonderful. I never felt like there was any predjedice in this school, and I never felt like I wasn't safe. This was the perfect school for me!
—Submitted by Brittany Hammond, a former student