South High School

Our family has recently experienced how caring the teachers and staff at South are. My daughter has had some health issues which inluded being hospitalized 2 times and missing at least 11 days of school. Each teacher made sure to check in with her when she was able to attend school and they are helping her catch up. Everyone was concerned for her wellbeing. I would like to also add that her big sister (South Alum) is a Freshman at CSU, is currently taking advanced courses & is earning 4 points in all her classes
—Submitted by a parent

We do good work here. I am bringing my own daughter here. She wil have more opportunities at South than at her home school.
—Submitted by a teacher

I was new to South High School last year as a staff member. What an incredible GEM this school holds inside of it's walls! There is a high standard of academic excellence along with students from 60 different countries. We also host students from the beautiful Wash Park Neighborhood. How great to see ALL students getting along, learning from each other and thriving in a multi-cultural environment. I'm lucky to be here...
—Submitted by a teacher

South High School has a trove of dedicated and talented teachers with a culturally diverse student population. In my opinion, no other school in the district compares with South High.

This school is one of those gems that have incalculable value. I grew up in international private schools overseas and am amazed at the diversity within South High School. When I was offered a job at South I thought it'd be like all schools touting "we are diverse"- not so, this is truly a unique school. All the teachers work extremely hard and are passionate about what they do. Students benefit especially in this global and connected world. I've talked to many people in the community who are ambivalent about South, but they miss the message- would you rather have a sports car that can go from 0-60 in 5 seconds or a van that offers beautiful view of the Grand Canyon, the south of France that you can share with friends and receive an incalculable experience? Which one is more valuable- I'll leave that up to you to choose. What I learned in my undergrad (and take into my graduate work) is that you get what you put into an endeavor. I am a confident South supporter and teacher. If you' d consider traveling the world as a positive experience, you'll consider South as such.
—Submitted by a teacher

I just started working at South. I have been in DPS since 1990, and I think South is the best kept secret in Denver Public Schools. The administration is definitely top notch. The faculty and staff are very positive and I really like that. Only great things can happen in this type of healthy environment. I expect to have a great year of success because the administration is doing everything right; I feel I am being set up to be the very best I can possibly be for my students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Great principal, rigorous and caring teachers, and a true community feeling in an excitingly diverse population.
—Submitted by a teacher

South is one of the top schools in the Metro Area. Where else can you find high academic standards and a true international focus. South is a representation of what the world can be when we work together and value each other. It is amazing.
—Submitted by a teacher

What an amazing school! South has such a fabulous student body and staff. My child was taking 11 grade classes there as an 8th grader and the students really embraced her instead of teasing her for being smart. They would even text her to remind her of the schedule change since she was only there for one class. She has been a full time student now for over a year and we have such a long list of wonderful things about the school staff and student body.
—Submitted by a parent

South has provided an amazing experience for my 2 kids. The teachers are dedicated and excellent, and there are academic challenges for everyone. The counselors and staff advocate for the kids and are proactive in communication. The united nations demographic has given my kids a greater understanding of cultures beyond and within our borders, and a deeper appreciation and empathy for people not as fortunate as themselves. My son continues to talk with reverence about international day and the beauty of the various dances and clothing/costumes exhibited that day. Our principle was personally acknowledged by the president in his state of the union address for her excellent leadership. My devotion and flat out reverence for South will last the rest of my life. My children's brains have been challenged and coaxed in a nurturing, secure environment of cooperation and global culture. When another parent first told me about this school (not our home school), she actually got teary, and she worked for another high school in the same district. I am so grateful she said something to me.
—Submitted by a parent

South has not only a diverse student body, but an inclusive one. You can tell that the students, teachers, and administration enjoy one another and work hard to make it a welcoming place for all. My son has had wonderful educational opportunities both academic and social. When there have been challenges the teachers have been right there supporting and advising. When he excels the teachers take time out to not only let him know, but call me and let me know. Moving him from a magnet school to South was the best decision we ever made for his academic success. I know when it comes time for him to head to college he will be well prepared.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a senior graduate in May (begins college in the fall) and another student who will continue on as a junior. The classes are small, the teachers are well prepared and experienced, and they really care about their students. I have always been able to talk to a teacher with any questions or concerns; they make it a point to be available to students and parents. The SHS athletics program also gives us something to cheer about. Reading online reviews is great, but the best way to see what's going on is to visit the campus and maybe even take time to attend a PTSA meeting. It will be time well spent.
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent neighborhood school with an extremely diverse student body. It offers the programs of a big school but has the feel of a small school. It's small enough that kids can try a variety of activities and find their passions by participating in sports, drama, clubs, and many other activities. Teachers have been excellent. Plenty of rigor but very little snobbishness.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from South High in 2012. She came away from South High with three AP classes in which she scored high enough to receive college credit. She also was encouraged to take college classes while at South. She performed in plays, participated in student leadership, and played in sports. She had good friends and caring teachers and counselors. South is a great neighborhood school. She had friends from African, Lebanon, and Washington Park. It was a great experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished his freshman year and had the great fortune of taking an AP class and scored a 4 on the test. How lucky am I as a parent? He had great instructors, made wonderful friends and experienced more than I could hope for. What a jewel of a high school! Excellent leadership as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Denver South High has been a good fit for my step-son. He's a very bright kid who needs to be academically challenged, but he also has emotional issues that require sensitivity and patience. The teachers, deans and coaches have been encouraging and supportive. He's been academically challenged to just the right point, and he has made many diverse friends from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a bad school but not a great on either! Students are the type to just get by and not care about college..."Metro State Kids" the teachers have been a big part of keeping this school above water, i am surprised that in the high income community surrounding South High School this school would be at a higher level than it is. But unfortunately the surrounding community opts to pick better private schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful, multi-cultural school with fabulous teachers, especially the English department. The chem teacher is outstanding The school is a magnet for ESL students, and that gives ita really welcoming and multi-cultural flavor. It also has an Avid program, great X and AP classes and a fine choir. Lets hope the new principal keeps up the school's culture and reputation, and doesn't change much.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a good school they let the children do what ever they want
—Submitted by a parent

I have had one son complete 4 years and get accepted to college at UCD, and I have another starting this fall. It seems to stand on par with the other major high schools in Denver. None do well on overall ratings, but they do offer solid opportunity to kids who want to learn and go to college. That said, a major component of the South student population and probably other DPS HS also, does not seem to value the education opportunity. Consequently they create the need for extra security and discipline enforcement. Also, this component will pull down scores as I have seen how this shows itself as kids progress from junior to senior year. In a class of over 400 in junior year, less than 300 made it in as a senior on schedule. Kids with good capability are directed to honors and AP classes, the others don't.
—Submitted by a parent