Mackintosh Academy

It isn't that Mackintosh doesn't get gifted education, it's that the administration is more interested in projecting a caring image than actually cultivating it. When it comes down to it, the only thing that matters is what the Head of School wants, not what is best for students.
—Submitted by a parent

Our negative comments do not result from lack of value placed on deep respect for self or for respecting and appreciating diversity of community. Our negative comments result purely from our son's needs not being met, but more than that from the Head of School's disregard for the changes that need to be made at the school to make it a great place for gifted learners who are not twice exceptional. Our son is highly gifted but doesn't require any special accomodations emotionally or socially. He just needed to be academically challenged. No time for that due to so many students who have special emotional, social or academic needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Mackintosh Academy is an amazing community of diverse learners and master educators. Self-acceptance and a deep respect for the world is nurtured. Academics are tailored to each individual student since GT students inherently have a huge range of capabilities. I suspect that many of the negative comments out here are the result of a mismatch in parent/school philosophy. Deep learning and questioning is present at all grades, but it is not a place of academic competitiveness. Rather students individual needs are thoughtfully met. My students have experienced many different types of learning environments in the Denver metro area -- none met their social-emotional needs and individual academic requirements quite like Mackintosh has. I am forever grateful to the wonderful head of school who has made this amazing community possible. We have truly found a home.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in middle school at Mackintosh. I agree with the positive comments about the teachers -- almost all of them are caring and skilled teachers. I also agree with the comments that the administration is more interested in filling seats and projecting a particular image than offering education. A lot of great middle school students have been leaving because the middle school lacks discipline, leaving the kids that were the problem to begin with. It makes me wonder if I should keep my child on a sinking ship.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school for three years. The teachers and curriculum are excellent. However, the discipline process is absolutely terrible. The discipline process is terrible. The administrative and visual arts section of the school lacks, ensuring no one is offended. This school is no longer what it was due to this,
—Submitted by a student

I am not at all impressed with Mackintosh Academy. My son attended 4 years there. For the tution fees around $12,000/- per school year kids are better off in public than Mackintosh. Academically poor and it looks that they want to fill up the class to get tution fees and not looking the kids are gifted and talented.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Mackintosh with very poor results. The administration seemed more concered with filling classrooms than focusing on making a good fit for the child. There is very little concern for children who fall behind. If you need any special help you will struggle to figure it out, pay for it, education the teachers, etc. I feel many gifted children are also ADD or have some sort of sensory integration dysfunction or even dyslexia. Mackintosh admits these kids but the teachers don't know what to do for them. Please beware. I don't know many kids who intetrate well into public school from Mackintosh.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Mackintosh for several years. The teachers are amazing which is the biggest strength of this school. Their enthusiam and love for these children are evident. The school itself is poorly run however, and discipline is lacking . The teachers and the administration especially are not open to suggestions or ideas from the parents. There is poor communication with the faculty and the parents. The IB program is good, however there is too much emphasis on meeting these requirements and the children therefore are lacking the knowledge that their peers have gained in other schools. Having my child evaluated after his elementary years was concerning to me as he lacked the infomation he needed to integrate into a public school. A tax paying Douglas County education is the same (minus the $13,000+/yr) if not better. The kids love Mack though, and that had made us very happy as parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended the 06-07 year. At the public school, our daughter was distressed at the lack of respect and inconsistency of enforcing rules. Here, the IB principles and attitudes were lived each day in her class. Enthusiastically embraced by the staff, this allowed her to blossom academically. Every class had math at the same time so no matter how old your child was, they attended the math level that suited them best--not the one which suits 'most kids their age.' The drama program was fabulous. The school is small, so there are trade-offs: lack of sports teams or afterschool programs. To feel of the spirit of this school, go to the graduation--every class not only attends, but participates in this wonderful event. If you have a caring, sensitive and bright child, this is a fabulous school. If we still lived in Colorado, we'd still be there.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was a student here last year. We had a miserable experience. There is no teacher accountability, the administrator allows the teachers to run classrooms as they wish despite parent complaints/concerns. The administrator admitted several months into the school year that she hadn't observed the classes that year. Parents' opinions and concerns are not welcome -they are the experts, parents know nothing. The administrator talks a very good talk when you first meet her but there is no followup. There is a lot of favortism at the school including the administrator's two children who attend - just hope your kid is not in their class! Note very carefully that the majority of the positive reviews are from teachers, not parents. There are some wonderful schools for gifted kids in the Denver area, unfortunately this is not one of them. The concept is great, the administration is lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught at other schools in the past but Mackintosh Academy has the best curriculum and learning environment for children that I've seen. Teachers at Mackintosh truly care for their students and go beyond expectations to ensure that they are comfortable, challenged, and inspired. The I.B. program that Mackintosh offers nurtures the gifted child, stretching their thinking and develops them into well rounded students. In my opinion, the quality of learning is truly superior to other schools. Also, parents take an active role at Mackintosh and teacher- parent relationships are outstanding. As a teacher, I am so fortunate to be apart of such a wonderful team. As my own children get to school age, I wouldn't consider another school for them!
—Submitted by a teacher

As a teacher at Mackintosh, I feel very fortunate to be in such a supportive, compassionate, well-rounded school. Mackintosh recognizes the children s individual needs and works hard to support these needs. The values at Mackintosh help the children to learn how to think, and how to use their knowledge in the world around them. The community of students, staff and parents are truly exceptional. I am honored to be an educator at this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

My son is a bright and extremely reticent guy, the most important thing about middle school at Mackintosh was that he was valued and honored for who he is and therefore, he emerged from middle school whole and sure of himself and his values. The transition to a much bigger school went smoothly and in his words was 'underwhelming'. No, he's not an overachieving, straight A student, but Mackintosh prepared him to think critically and problem solve-something I think is lost in the CSAP driven world of many public schools. The specials classes were also so important for his development. I wish every school (including high school) would require kids to go to PE every day. I also loved that he had to be in the plays. It wasn't something he would have chosen, but he had fun with them and learned so much.
—Submitted by Sharon, a parent

Mackintosh provides a unique opportunity for children to grow intellectually and emotionally in a safe, caring environment with an outstanding 10-1 student/teacher ratio, with an authentic emphasis on the arts, both performing and visual.
—Submitted by a teacher

As a teacher at Mackintosh Academy I am honored to be an educator within such a positive and heart filled environment. Within our school one will find a community of learners that are inquiring about the world around them through a rich academic curriculum that is supported by experienced educators. In their learning, the students acquire and apply not only academic skills, but social skills as well that are valuable in the classroom as well as in their own personal lives. The staff and families of Mackintosh are committed in making a positive influence in the educational experiences of all the students by appreciating their differences in learning. It is a compassionate school where it is a joy to watch the students love to learn.
—Submitted by a teacher

Mackintosh Academy has offered my children an excellent education. The school philosophy revolves around honoring the whole child and I have seen this to be true. The academic program, enhanced by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, is outstanding. Students develop a love of inquiry and learning. I have been impressed by the teachers and administration in both their communication and listening skills.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our daughters first year at Mackintosh and we couldn't be happier! During the last eight weeks, my husband and I have noticed tremendous growth--both academically and socially. There are many components that make Mackintosh such a unique learning environment. Some of these components include, small class size, highly qualified teachers, International Baccalaureate accreditation, amazing leadership by the Head of School, and the 'family like' atmosphere. We are blessed that our daughter has the opportunity to attend such an amazing school!
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at Mackintosh Academy, I am grateful each day to be part of a compassionate, intelligent and conscientious community of teachers, students and families. Mackintosh strives to teach the whole child-head, hand and heart- by addressing the differentiated needs of each student and honoring them as individuals. Each classroom is a fusion of individuals exploring the world together. With the International Baccalaureate Program as a foundation, each class investigates concepts to deepen knowledge and develop skills. The children continuously explore what it means to be an IB learner, and are encouraged to take their learning and put it into action. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this excellent program.
—Submitted by a teacher

Mackintosh Academy is the best school in which I have ever taught in over 15 years of teaching experience. The International Baccalaureate accredidation is not merely a label but the attitudes of everything from compassion, creativity, and curiosity to empathy, enthusiasm, respect, tolerance, and more, are taught intentionally on a day-to-day basis. I started at the school as a substitute teacher. I remember my first visit being so impressed with the kind of learners being shaped here that I deeply desired to work here full-time. Happily, that has happened, and I love implementing the kinds of teaching that form our students into reflective thinkers, principled risk-takers, and caring, open-minded, knowledgeable communicators. I highly recommend this school for all of the reasons above, but also because it is a genuine community of people who have keen minds, compassionate hearts, and are global actors, working for a better world. Barbara VB
—Submitted by a teacher

As a teacherf at Mackintosh Academy, I really love working here. Our IB, student directed/techer led curriculum is wonderful. Students get to do a lot of exploring and discovering on their way to learning. The small class size with two teachers per room is one of the best parts of the school. We are able to address the needs of students with many different learning styles and learning needs. There is lots of time and room for individual attention. I have found this one-on-one time to be the key to growth, improvement and overall learning. We are also blessed to have a parent community that is involved, interested and supportive. The education of the children is truly a team effort between teachers, students and parents.
—Submitted by a teacher