Mc Kinley-Thatcher Elementary School

I love this school, the teachers are wonderful and the staff their are very nice! Couldn't ask for a better school for my 7 year old daughter!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves being at McKinley-Thatcher. Our family adored the ECE teacher, Angela Foster. She really understood the mind of 4-year-old and challenged them without pressuring them. Every Friday my child would cry because they didn't want to wait two days to go back to school. The principal is new and I think she's still trying to find her foothold, but she does seem open to addressing parents' concerns and taking action. There is a core group of parents that are highly involved, but new faces are always welcomed. It's very easy to involved your child's education here. I'm really impressed from CSC meetings at how passionate both the parents and school staff about pursuing the best possible education for children. Not just in the scope of test scores, but also in physical education, music, environmental programs, etc. The school is also one of the cleanest I've ever seen. The only reason why I'm not giving this school five stars is because I wish there more multi-disciplined after-school programs with greater involvement and attention paid to them.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been at this school for 8 years and have been very pleased with the teachers/staff and the small school environment. My 5th grader says she can't tell me who her favorite teacher is because she has so many. PTA sponsors a variety of after-school activities, including chess, computers, science, Shakespeare, and art, as well as family events that make it easy for parents to get involved. The school also has a focus on environmental education through the SPREE program.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, excellent teachers. This school has a very good and positive environment, caring staff and excellent education. I definitely recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was hurt by a teacher at this school. She was grabbed by the arm and pulled. Not for safety reasons either. It was horrible. I witnessed it and she never went back to the school. The principal didn't care and wouldn't even meet with me until days later. The kids at the school all have a negative nickname for this teacher as she is known for being grouchy and mean. After the meeting that went no where with the principal (she defended the teacher and thought we were lying- we asked her point blank) we never set foot in the school again. We transferred to another school where we had a wonderful experience with caring, sweet, nurturing teachers. Thank goodness my daughter realized that not all teachers physically harm children and act angry most of the time. I do not recommend this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was rated in the top 10 in the Denver Public School system. Every time I walk into the school I feel as though I am in a small town and not the middle of a large city. The staff get to know you and your child as individuals and not just a number. The environmental education and the art programs are high importance to the SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education) school. If you are thinking of sending your child here drop by I know the staff will welcome you with open arms. My daughter love Ms. Angie the ECE teacher so much she even wants to go to school on Saturday and Sunday. Heather Jacobson, ECE Parent
—Submitted by a parent

We chose McKinley-Thatcher because of its small size, friendly atmosphere, and environmental studies. The teachers are experts in their fields, and they really get to know and care about their students. I would say that both of our children have gained confidence as a direct result of their school experiences at McKinley-Thatcher. There is a very active P.T.A. at the school which works closely with school staff. A sampling of these shared activities includes a chili cook off/silent auction, a winter holiday craft activity fair and sale, a family turkey trot, and the South Platte River Environmental Education Field Trips. If you are looking for a small school with high educational standards and a supportive environment, then McKinley-Thatcher is for you! DPS statistics show that if your child attends and stays at McKinley-Thatcher, then he/she will show academic progress. Kris Woods, parent
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I drive 15 min. just so I know she is getting a good education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fine example of a small school that cares aobut its students and gives them the all the tools they need to succeed. Small class size allows teachers the ability to do a great job- and they do! We love our teacher. She has made a positive, life changing mark on his future. This is a community school and everyone knows your name from the principle to the janitor. A fantastic library and terrific focus on reading with the million word program that is fun and educational. We have used the CHOICE program to attend and we are glad we did. The staff is always helpful and we love the kids and families here.
—Submitted by Brandy ellis, a parent

The teachers and parent community are great at McKinley-Thatcher. It's a small school that really makes you feel at home.
—Submitted by a parent