Compass Montessori - Golden Charter School

Compass has offered my son an amazing blend of a nurturing environment and educational opportunities. When I walk into his classroom the amount of engagement blows me away every time. Surprisingly, when I toured the school, the same level of engagement was present in the high school as well. I'm hoping my son can be here for the next 13 years!!!
--Submitted by a parent

As much as we wanted a place at Compass for our daughter, we learned there are 200 students on the waiting list! With precious few available spaces, we made a plan B. Alpine Valley School was so unique and interesting to her, she wanted to start her trial week and not wait for Compass. Now she is enjoying school thoroughly, making friends in a non-stress environment. For the first time, within the ingenious framework of the Sudbury Valley school model, she is given the time and freedom to study what she loves. As a parent, it's important to consider all school options for your child. This school is like nothing you've ever seen; it may be the best K-12 school in Wheat Ridge.
--Submitted by a parent

Compass provides an incredible environment for my high school student. She is engaged in her learning at a completely different level than she was at her previous school. The teachers are intelligent, professional, highly capable, and incredibly supportive of each and every student - not just doing a fantastic job of teaching them the academic subject matter, but helping them become independent, responsible members of our community. I feel incredibly fortunate to have my child attending Compass Montessori.
--Submitted by a parent

We've been with Compass Montessori for the past four years. This year my daughter is attending 7th grade (the Farm School) at the Golden Campus. The education follows the traditional Montessori philosophy and has been so inspiring as well and academically challenging for my child. Not only is she becoming more self directed and self disciplined in her studies she is learning how to be an excellent citizen and how to contribute to her community. The program and teachers also provide the environment and guidance for students to build self awareness, self confidence, and strength to advocate for themselves. This is a unique school with incredibly talented teachers who are approachable, communicative and take the time to connect with parents. This school provides an unconventional approach to teaching. If you, as a parent, have the personal strength to let go of conventional thinking and can embrace a teaching philosophy that has been around for a while, but is likely unfamiliar - you will be amazed at what your children can accomplish here.
--Submitted by a parent

We have only been with compass for one year, but they have a fantastic preschool program. The teachers really love their jobs and it shows. Parent involvement is great and we enjoy the volunteer programs which let us socialize with other parents and kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Our first year was fantastic. The guides in the farm school (middle) were outstanding and we felt our child was getting a great education. This past year we have not been as pleased. Project due dates have changed multiple times, papers turned in are lost by teachers, there is little to no communication and very little academic work especially in English and Math. When we have contacted teachers we are given vague answers and were even told, "grades aren't really important and its okay if chooses not to work hard in a topic they don't like.' The last 5 weeks of school this year are 'intensives' which involve little to no school work. Spending 2 hours a day learning about dance instead of academics in some form is not my definition of Montessori. Unfortunately we will be removing our child from the school rather than hoping it will just improve next year to ensure our child has a solid education. In addition having a Principal pull a student from the classroom, then tell the student that wearing an 'Air Force' shirt, (given to her by her brother who is in the Air Force) is inappropriate and promotes violence was concerning.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is unusual and amazing. I am a Montessori teacher and understand the method and philosophy completely. In my experience, this is the most authentic and committed Montessori school in the country. We actually moved our family from South Carolina specifically to have our 4 children attend this incredible school. We have been welcomed with open arms and the students are as friendly as the staff. This was the best educational decision we ever made and we are thrilled to be a part of compass.
--Submitted by a parent

Compass Montessori School is not for every student, nor has it pretended to be. The students who are successful at Compass are self-directed and dedicated to their education. I am getting ready to graduate this year and I believe that I am equipped for College. Volunteer opportunities allowed me to discover my passion for education, and work with students from every age level from Preschool to Middle School and find the age group that worked for me. I even interned outside of Compass. However, during my twelve years at Compass I have seen great success and immense struggle to succeed. Some of the students who have struggled have turned it around, but others have found that the program was not for them and gone somewhere else. I urge parents to consider the learning style of their children and observe several classrooms before making the decision to enroll their child.
--Submitted by a student

my kids learned so much here he is in the 8th grade and loves it for you other moms out their this is a great school that shows you a different style of learning my son was a c and d student and s now an a and b student he loves school and i couldnt ask for anything more
--Submitted by a parent

Very Disappointed with this school!!! My son is finishing 8th grade this year and we will not be returning to this school. The curriculum is very different not easy to follow, teachers are always changing schedules for due dates on projects, not very organized at all. The math that they have can be done online but the program is always having tech problems -which is beyond your control--- and whenever you try to tell the teachers about the problems they don't seem to care- if the work is not completed your child will get blamed for not completing the work. Whenever you send emails to the Teachers they do not respond and there is a Lack of communication. There is no advice or help if your child gets stuck or falls behind in a subject--just tough luck. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent