Shaffer Elementary School

My son has been attending Shaffer for 4 years. He has had an exceptional teacher every year and we are very pleased with the instruction he is getting. The community of kids and parents are over-whelmingly supportive and friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

Shaffer Elementary is an excellent school to consider if you are new to Littleton, Colorado or new to the Jefferson County School District. We found the school s curriculum challenging for all different ranges of learning. The staff at Shaffer is dedicated to the students and community. Shaffer s teachers are constantly working on improving their skills to be able to educate the students with state of the art technology. Shaffer also offers extracurricular activities such as a language, science, and music programs. There is also a running club, junior great books reading group, math group, writing group and choir. Shaffer also helped establish a sister school in Kenya, Africa. Some of the teachers go to Kenya and assists teaching at the sister school over summer break. The community supports Shaffer through volunteering hours, supporting PTA efforts, Watch Dog Dad program, and fund raising events. Shaffer has given our daughter the skills necessary to move forward on her progress towards higher levels of learning. All families experiences are different just like our perceptions. I encourage anyone interested in Shaffer Elementary to visit the school. We send our daughter
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at this school for 4 years now and has never experienced bullying nor has he witnessed any. I don't understand the previous reviewer's comments on bullying. Also, I think that accusing teachers of being involved in the bullying is crazy. This is a great school!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Shaffer for just 3 months before we decided to move her to a different school. Although she liked her teacher and the kids, the work was not challenging. When I communicated this to the teacher, absolutely nothing was done. In fact, when I told the teacher the books she was sending home for reading were too easy, she actually told me to have her read it backwards......unbelievable! When we decided to leave the school nobody even asked why. You would think that when a bright, well behaved child leaves a school that the teacher and/or principal would want to know why. I believe they simply don't care.
--Submitted by a parent

We have never experienced the horrific level of bullying as in this school. We have watched as bright and friendly children, year after year, withdraw and transfer due directly to bullying. Some of the faculty is no exception, and in fact instigate the bullying. There is little accountability for the students, let alone the instructors for poor choices. This school is dangerous. Do yourself a favor, before you place your child in a dangerous situation, research the number of children checking "out", before you check yours in. Talk to parents waiting; dropping off or picking up their children to and from school during the week. You would be really surprised what honesty and insight you receive. Sigh..
--Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but good things to say about this school. My children love it and they have been very supportive with the special education program. My children have not been bullied. Their reading and math curriculum is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started this year at Shaffer Elem. as a 5th grader and loves it!! We moved from a very small town, her 4th grade class only had 10 kids. I am very happy with the school as well. Thanks to all for being so helpful!!!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Shaffer since K and is now in 5th. It has been a good school for her and she has done well. They do teach "to the tests", but that is a CO thing rather than a Shaffer thing. Her teachers have all been good, and parent involvement is very high. That being said, parent involvement is expected with projects and homework. Also have band for 4th and 5th. Lots of extra curricular if you like. I have been happy she has gone to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been really disappointed with Shaffer. Kids that cause problems are not dealt with appropriately, and as a consequence their peers suffer. There is a consistent problem with bullying, and the administration is decidedly lax about dealing with any issues that come up. From an educational standpoint, our child has not only not been challenged, but every effort has been made to lump all kids in to the same skill-level, resulting in frustration and disappointment by all of us. Although the scores were historically high, they have decreased dramatically over the past few years, and we believe that kids are being taught to the test. We are looking to pull our child from this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Very, very disappointed in the administration at Shaffer. My second grader was physically assaulted numerous times last year by the same student. The "zero tolerance" policy is just talk. This student bully picked on many other kids in the class and was never appropriately disciplined. The principal minimized incidents, in my opinion, so they wouldn't have to be dealt with, and couldn't be bothered to discuss or even acknowledge the consistent issues our student had with the bully. I am very unhappy with Shaffer and consider this a probationary year. If things don't improve, we will move schools. Shaffer also seems to have lost numerous students from the previous school year. Academically, I am underwhelmed. Agree that they teach to the CSAP scores, which have dropped significantly over the past few years. It doesn't seem like the teachers are empowered. I do not believe the principal is equipped, engaged or experienced enough to handle the responsibility of her role.
--Submitted by a parent