University Park Elementary School

It is the best school because of our Wellness Program. Healthy body, healthy mind!
—Submitted by a parent

We live within the Slavens neighborhood boundaries, but we've been 'choicing in' to UPark for 5 years now. From the very first interaction we had with the front office staff to becoming more involved in the PTA, it's been exactly the right decision.
—Submitted by a parent

University Park is the best school because of the everyone that works there. I have never met nicer people than at U. Park.

Great teachers, strong parental involvement in support of the goals of our principal and teachers, wonderful and diverse student population, great values (academic, personal and social) are taught to our kids .
—Submitted by a parent

We have a fantastic principal, Dana Williams, who works endlessly to make our school a great school. We also have devoted teachers and parents who ensure that everyday is a good day for the children; ranging from making sure they get out of the car safely through our Kiss N' Go program to devoting extra time for those kids in class who may need academic guidance in the classroom. One person may make a difference but working together, the parents, teachers and staff give the children the motivation to move mountains.
—Submitted by a parent

U-park is a disversified neighborhood school with educators that strive to excel students considering their individual learning mechanism and personalities.
—Submitted by a parent

UPark has a great sense of community, wonderful teachers and an awesome principal - Dana Williams. UPark values diversity and works to promote a high quality education for all it's students
—Submitted by a parent

UPark is the type of neighborhood school that gives the children not only a great education but a sense of community that seems to be lacking in many of the other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

University Park is a wonderful school! The students learn a great deal thanks to so many offerings (academics, art, music,P.E., after-school programs, nutritious snacks, etc.) ! The atmosphere is inviting because there is so much diversity and the students appreciate all the cultures our school represents. Parents are involved and the teachers have high expectations!
—Submitted by a teacher

University Park loves its students. We have a diverse, bright, hard-working, talented body of children from all over the world, an extraordinarily experienced and creative faculty, a caring and dedicated staff, and a parent body that is fiercely dedicated to the health and well-being of our kids. We also have the hardest-working and best loved office staff--Allen, Deanne, and Principal Dana--a school could hope for! We have a lot of fun together and take care of each other--body, mind and spirit.
—Submitted by a parent

I love my kids school because it is a warm and loving environment from the office staff to the teachers. I love the diversity and the parent involvement. That is what makes U-Park great!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two kids at the school. I have been very impressed with the kind community of parents and the great teachers. We have a great new principal. I would like to say that Dennis Thompson our previous principal was fabulous. I would completely disagree with the previous comment that he was not engaged. He was extremely active and always answered any concern that a parent had. I wanted this clarified. I chose the school because of him and have been very happy and sad to see him go. But, love the new principal Dana Williams she is fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent

I continue to be amazed at this school! We have an amazing new principal. We have a GT teacher to address the needs of higher achievers, as well as the academic performance of all students. We have a really active parent community to work on the new gardens, address the safety of drop-offs, provide tips for healthy habits in eating and exercise, and volunteer many, many hours of help in the classroom. As a parent I am so pleased with the teachers ability to get the students excited about learning and truly love it. We have the best potluck in town because we invite all of our families (from many countries) to share their customs and wonderful food. It has been a wonderful place for our boys over the last 7 years.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended University Park Elementary last year. I found that the academics at the school and programs available were great. However, I was extremely disappointed with the principal. When I went to him as a concerned parent looking for changes in safety and supervision policies involving the younger kids in the school I felt totally ignored and brushed off. As a result I took my child out the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent at University Park and have 2 children there. We have been at the school for 5 years in total and love the school. The staff and teachers are exceptional. We have been pleased with the academic challenges, the safe and welcoming enviroment and the school administration. We have an excellent principal and staff who really care about our kids. U-Park is a leader in assuring kids receive ample time for movement and PE as well has having healthy food offerings at school. We really appreciate the work of the Wellness Team at U-Park and appreciate all the school does for kids. We are also really excited about the run program for kids this past fall and the gardens we will be planting in the spring.
—Submitted by a parent

It's simply a great school in a great neighborhood. My wife and I have had our 2 boys at UPark for 4 years now and still believe it is the best choice for them. The teachers have all provided a good challenge for the kids and we have been happy with their efforts. The teachers are all well trained in differentiated instruction which allows them to meet the needs of everyone in their classroom (including HGT/GT, even though it is not a magnet program). The parent community is strong and works hard to provide some of the extras. The Enrichment Program provides a wide variety of opportunities and just gets better each year. The cultural diversity (due to our proximity to DU) is great and reflects our world today. UPark is adding a 3/4 preshool program next year and the momentum is good for the primary grades. Check it out!
—Submitted by Jim Kidder, a parent

University Park is one of Denver's top neighborhood schools -- meeting all of my children's social, emotional, academic and physical needs! UPark students participate in a full range of specials -- art/music and physical education -- and the community has successfully kept class sizes low. Academically, I am very pleased (my gifted students needs have been met -- and additional challenge and enrichment has always been available to them). Because of our proximity to the University of Denver (and the unique partnership our school has developed with them) our community is diverse -- often representing over 20 different countries from around the world. All of this -- and we can walk to school -- and have impromptu playdates with classmates. If you are searching for a strong community with a great neighborhood school then University Park is for you!!
—Submitted by a parent

U-park is a great school. My son gets what he put into his work. I am very pleased with the staff and the Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I was told a great deal about University Park Elementary by a friend. The office staff and the principal were kind and courteous. Upon returning to visit the classrooms however, we were surprised to simply be shown to the 'specials' class that the children were engaged in and did not have the opportunity to speak at all with the first grade teachers. This was quite a disappointment to us and we chose another school for our son. If teachers cannot take a few minutes of their 'specials' time to speak with potential parents, maybe they will not be willing to take extra minutes with children who require assistance.
—Submitted by a parent

U Park is a great school. My son loves it very much and has attended for 4 years. Next year will be he will be in 5th grade. The teachers are great and help the students learn well. My son received high honor roll twice this last year. The school has several after school activities that parents and students can participate and get involved in. EX(Destination Imagination, Chess Club, Foriegn Language Club, Band, and others) The students and parents get what they put into it. Thanks.
—Submitted by a parent