O'Connell Middle School

This is one of the worst schools in all of Jefferson County. I say this as someone who has worked education in west Denver for the past four years. Bullying is outrageous, teachers choose to ignore countless discipline issues, and the principal takes the cake for self-absorption and negligence. This school almost shut down three years ago due to related issues like these, but a decision was made to put a Boys & Girls Club inside the facility, which is hands down one of the only redeeming factors of this troubled middle school. Don't send your kid here,
—Submitted by a teacher

I know the principal is trying, but seriously? They shouldn't be focusing on giving hour long after school detentions to students for being tardy. Instead, focus on the bullying, drugs, or so called gangs some students are trying to form. There are some great teachers who deserve recognition. The principal just needs to redirect their focus and look for the problem elsewhere. It does not lie within those who have been trying but make mistakes every once in a while, but those who don't care about their education and have no respect for the staff or school whatsoever.

Bullying is out of control, I know of three students this year that were forced to leave because of safety issues. One was attacked and the staff was warned of the pending attack and failed to respond. The new principal is trying very hard to put a stop to all of it but it seems as if he is the only one. My child has been bullied in class while teachers were watched and did nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

I did not feel that my daughter was safe at this school. There were problems with the students pushing each other infront of cars and throwing rocks at each other after school. There was a great deal of theft that happend in the classrooms. I liked the teachers and felt that they were making an effort, but not enough was done.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a very diverse population there, and a super strong focus on moving struggling students forward to success and happiness.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school it helped me learn a lot and it was a wonderful place to be in for my middle school years. great school anyone will be lucky to be here. Awesome!!!!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has done very well at this school. The teachers are fair and the academics are strong. They have a new teacher this yeat so I don't know any thing about her.
—Submitted by a parent

O'connell middle school is not a bad school. It is very efficient and the teachers there are very respectful. The dress code is kind of nonsence. I agree that it should just have uniforms theres no use of pulling out the book of 'dress codes' when they can just wear uniforms overall O'connell middle school is a wonderful learning enviorment.
—Submitted by a student

Most of my son's teachers at O'Connell would send progress reports via email, and the school's website was a great help in checking his assignments. I also liked being able to access his grades, attendance, etc online. His teachers seemed very interested in his success.
—Submitted by a parent