Kyffin Elementary School

.this is a test of this posting system, please delete if posted by accident, thank you
—Submitted by a parent

My son is completing his first year in the GT program at Kyffin. It is the first time [and four schools later] where we cannot find anything substantially negative to comment about a school. This is not your typical neighborhood school. Parents are very involved in the school. Teachers and staff appear to really care about each child. The principal is approachable and will hear & listen to your concerns. Our son's 1st grade GT teacher was quick to address any concerns or issues we might have had and kept you in the loop of your child's progress throughout the school year with general weekly letters to all parents and relevant and personalized comments in the weekly Friday Folder comments. Our son has been extremely happy at Kyffin and although he is working 1-2 years above grade level isn't burnt out and still loves school. His teacher really understands and respects the educational boundaries of each child and encourages parents in the classroom and welcomes their ideas.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Kyffin, and have to say it is a remarkable school. Both kiddos have different strengths academically and socially, but both are flourishing at Kyffin. Academics are emphasized, but every child has opportunity be it with the regular program, or additional activities like Chess Club, Science Fair, or Artistic activities to be successful and motivated. The Principal and teachers are first class, and the parent support for the school outstanding. This is an excellent school.
—Submitted by Cheryl, a parent

As a parent of two Kyffin kids I cannot say enough good things about this school. I had a very shy little girl who lacked confidence, she has been in this school for 2 years now and I have seen leaps and bounds in her confidence level! I think alot of credit goes to the staff at this school for her improvement! Thank goodness for the staff here and being able to choose your school. Thank you, thank you to all Kyffin staff!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is going down hill. Rating used to be a 10, next year probably an 8. Prior Principal set the school up for a downhill slide. Placed utmost importance on the GT program and completely filled the school to overcapacity with out of area students. Traffic problem is huge, sense of entitlement without volunteering or supporting the school is much elevated. The school is crowded although the addition of 'temps' have helped. The amount of teacher turnover last year was more than we have seen many many years. There is a very dedicated group of core parents that really support the school with time and dollars, but they are evaporating as the students from the neighborhood move on.
—Submitted by a parent

Many opportunities for parent involvement. Rich in extracurricular activities. Excellent educational opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself is great. The parents and staff are wonderful. I do have issues with the SAE program (before & after). It is extremely expensive. I was paying half in the Cherry Creek School District. Not only the cost but they seem to be closed when the school is. Im not off 2 weeks at Christmas. Im not off for MLK day. Im not off for Presidents Day. Its a huge burden to find care for my kids on days when I feel I pay these folks enough to be open. They may have a lot more children attending if they would make some changes. Cost being the first !!
—Submitted by a parent

School building itself is old-style and overcrowded, but teaching staff is excellent. School drop-off IS insane. Many kids come from outside the neighborhood and must be driven. Good specials ( PE, art and music) and extracurricular events (Science Fair, Reflections, Oral Interpretation, Environmental Learning for the Future, Junior Great Books, Writers Conference, choir). Serious parent involvement here, but not required. I feel the principal is very accessable and wants what is best for the school as a whole, that is just not always what may be best for your individual child. Overall an excellent education .
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here just over a year ago and have been overjoyed with our daughter's transition. In her previous school, our daughter was given reams of rote worksheets. The work at Kyffin has been challenging, but interesting. We had a minor problem with her teacher last year, which was quickly resolved after a few emails. The other parents have been great - involved and fun to be around. Our second child starts Kindergarten there in a few months, and we are very excited for her.
—Submitted by a parent

Kyffin is overcrowded and their system for morning drop offs needs consideration and re-vamping. The school is dark and lighting does appear to be an issue. There is a distinct air of professionalism and people seem to do their jobs well here. I think people care about the children at this school
—Submitted by a parent

School is rather dark and lighting is not good. Overcrowded afterschool program and morning drop-off is a bit crazy. Principal isn't visible/approachable enough. Needs to mingle more with parents somehow?! Would definitely be nicer place to visit if there was more personal warmth from staff. Otherwise, curriculum seems adequate and the students seem to be held to a high standard by both parents and teachers. Compared to many other schools, this is a dream. There are a lot of requests for $ by PTA but parents are involved and obviously want 'more' for their children. There need to be more quality afterschool programs and more effort put into development of children's character.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! So far, teachers have been wonderful. Not at all impressed with the principle or some of the office staff, otherwise 'Excellent' would have been my rating.
—Submitted by a parent

TRIPLE its intended capacity; parents have to line up 3-4 blocks away waiting their turn to drive into the lot to drop off/pick up their child; kindergarten teachers completely burnt out and scrutinized in how they implement a new untried curriculum (which has heavy outside observation) which the teachers have had NO prior experience teaching;PTA is heavily involved and constantly asking for more donations, parent time, etc. (I donated over $200 in the first two months alone, NOT including kindergarten/after care tuition, fees, deposits, etc.), after care program (SAE) cares for SIXTY children each afternoon in a small, stark cafeteria with only three teachers, at a tune of $20 per day.
—Submitted by a parent

Kyffin is a rather large school, but it offers a huge variety of afterschool activities for kids. In addition to the music, art and PE specials, they offer Chinese, Tai Kwon Do, Chess club, science club and many more classes after school. The level of parent involvement is amazing!
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is very good. the school has a GT program for those who need higher academic challenges. However, I found that most teachers do provide ample homework and projects. Afew good teachers have left but we have a few new ones that I highly recommend. I had three girls come from this school and felt they were well prepared. The music and art program were both excellent. The school plays were fabulous. The school excels partly because of the parent involvement which is very high.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School and Principal. It has an exceptional GT program for those with higher aptitude scores.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids who went to Kyffin, and two of them are still there. It's an amazing school! They're constantly scoring among the top 3 Jefferson County Schools. The teachers we have had are nothing short of AWESOME! I have never seen any of the snobiness one of the other rewiews talks about. Yes, it's a middle to upper income neighborhood, but I've never been mistreated and I'm not one of the rich either! As a matter of fact, I have been very impressed with how generous the wealthy can be when you don't make assumptions about them. I moved here just for the school and plan on staying when my kids graduate!
—Submitted by a parent

The 4th grade teacher my son had last year was very talented, kind, respectful and inspiring for the kids. She challenged my son and then supported him to reach his best. Amazing projects came out of these kids like powerpoint and video productions!
—Submitted by Anne Dagdelen, a parent

This school offers some interesting after-schoold programs, as well as before and after school care. However, the parents and students at this school are very snobby. The principal also leaves much to be desired. There is incredible pressure on the students to perfrom well on the CSAP tests, going so far as taking away the second recess in order to 'teach to the test'. Birthday parties and treats are no longer allowed, per the new principal as well.
—Submitted by a parent