Monarch High School

I graduated from Monarch this year and I think that it is a very good school. All of the math, science and history teachers are phenomenal, the students are friendly, and there are plenty of challenging classes offered. I only have two complaints about Monarch. One is that the language arts department is severely lacking. My senior year I took an L.A class in which you were supposed to work on writing college essays for the majority of the fall (at least that's what they told us when describing the class) but we only spent one day on that. The rest of the time we did whatever the unstable teacher (who cried about 15 times in class over the course of the year) felt like doing that day, which was usually watching a movie that we would never finish or having her tell a personal story that did not relate to the class at all. My other L.A classes were not much better and I don't feel like my writing has improved significantly since 8th grade. My second complaint is that there is not a lot of communication between the school and the students. We were usually informed of in-service days through rumors and many people came to school when there was no school or didn't when there was.
—Submitted by a student

Monarch is a great academic school offering something for everyone through their many programs including AP, CU Succeed, High School of Business (the only one in Colorado), Da Vinci program, award winning robotics, Speical Ed and so much more. Last week they adopted the motto or tag line "Creating bright futures, one student at a time." MHS is committed to meeting each individual student's needs, no matter what they are; academic, theatrical, athletic, musical, high tech, alternative. It's all there for the taking. Teaching staff is committed, outstanding and award winning. Students that choose advanced classes are doing well with 80% scoring 3-5 on their 2009 AP exams. $5.8 million were offered in scholarships to the class of 2009. The only place that I would suggest improvement would be in the counseling department. Being sure that the couselors get to know the kids and the parents sooner than senior year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is having a wonderful experience at Monarch High School. Our kids are academic high achievers and they have plenty of challenge and engagement from the AP and CU Succeed classes--it's amazing what the kids are learning. The science teachers are particularly inspiring, and the language arts department is up there, too. Our kids have ALSO found it easy and fun to get involved in music and sports, where even though the top performance level is really high, everyone is welcome to join and give it a try. As parents, we have both gotten involved as volunteers and we feel part of a real community that includes the school leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with bright and engaging students, and a great faculty.
—Submitted by a student

Any High School is what YOU make it. If you want to get involved there is plenty of clubs/activities to join. If you want to take drugs, you will find a way to do that no matter what high shool you go to--even Boulder schools. I've already sent two students through this school and I plan to send a third next year. Neither were athletes, but they were involved in the excellent music program and other activities. They would tell you, if asked, that they very much enjoyed their years at MO-HI and had a lot of great friends--who like themselves were not involved in drugs. They did not experience any bullying either. The academics are right up there with Boulder(both my kids were admitted to their first choice colleges). As a matter of fact, I even volunteered in the Post-Grad center for a number of years.
—Submitted by a parent

Monarch is an awful school. There is a pervasive culture of bullying that flows through both the teacher and student population. I have been very disappointed by the response of the administration and faculty time after time. If you are considering Monarch as a school, look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who graduated from Monarch High School, an both are excelling in college (highly rated universities). Both received scholarships from several great schools, and both are well-adjusted, well-prepared, and happy in their college experiences. You can find kids who drink, smoke pot, swear, screw around, etc. However, my kids had friends who were respectful, insanely intelligent, well-grounded, highly engaged in many activities and accomplished with many awards. Most importantly, they were happy, motivated and felt a part of the student body. Schools are not four walls-they are what you make them to be. There are always good teachers and less-capable teachers. Every school has them. However, the poor teachers my older child had at Monarch (one I can think of), were no longer there when my younger child began school. I strongly recommend this school to any family who wants a strong academic and well-rounded education.
—Submitted by a parent

My kid loves this school and the people who work there are the best. Programs are top-notch including academics, drama, music, and athletics.
—Submitted by a parent

Monarch High School offers a nice and friendly environment, interesting and inspiring teachers, and fun students with different interests. I was not involved with sports but got into yearbook and other extra curriculars, and I'd have to strongly disagree that sports take center stage at Monarch. They are a part of student life, as they are at any school, but the athletic program is not overbearing and students are not as preoccupied with jocks and cheerleaders as they are at any other school I've ever seen. At Monarch, I had some of the most interesting, inspiring teachers who taught students to be free-thinking individuals. And as a student who now attends a University in the deep south, I can attest to the fact that these qualities are not found in a lot of high schools schools in our country.
—Submitted by a student

I have two kids at Monarch and both have been very happy. i believe most of the teachers are above average and the school is lead by a very good principal and administative staff. Sports are important but so is band, robotics, and other academic clubs. There is a strict no tolerance with drugs so those who claim it is rampant may want to visit the other high schools in the area. Most importantly, my kids are happy and are doing well!
—Submitted by a parent

Monarch is a good school. It's not the best, but it is a good environment for the most part. I personally haven't experienced any severe bullying, but I do know the kids at this school, and yes some can be a real pain. Like most high schools, you just can't let your peers [or your child's peers] have such a strong hold on everything. Think for yourself and you will be fine, there are good teachers there, and they have clubs that range from GSA to Bible Group. I have gone to another high school and can honestly say, I really like Monarch much better.
—Submitted by a student

As an '04 graduate of Monarch I would have to agree that sports do take center stage, but my involvement in sports along with my coaches and administrations dedication to excellence I have been afforded opportunities that I may have not gotten at other schools. I also found to be challenged academically.
—Submitted by a student

Sports take center stage, and all else, including academics, are secondary. Neither of my kids are athletes, and have had quite a few bullying issues. Drugs are rampant, and over privileged kids rule through fear and intimidation. Last year, I spoke with the administration about some of these issues and was told that Monarch is for a particular type of student ie: not my kid. Needless to say, we moved on, and have had a better experience with Fairview.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, the 2007 school year is more of the same. As for parent involvement, yes, there a are lot of people involed but they gloss over the problems, drugs (#1), low test scores compared to other Boulder schools (#2). My kids both go there both are doing well, 4.0 et al., but its like a litle Columbine. All for athletics those who don't fit in have no place to turn. Cell phones should be banned from the teachers in the school, let alone the kids. What a mess.
—Submitted by a parent

Grad 04. Ah, MoHI, where teachers range from phenomenal to absurdly terrible. Music, arts, and sports all are very good, yet very separate. State champion football teams celebrate with mandatory full-school pep rallys. While the state champion drumline gets an announcement on the intercom...Oh wait,we didn't even get that. So, if your student plays sports, is white, wears abercrombe, and just plain wants to fit in(or blend in), come to Monarch. If they want to be in a stimulating, diverse environment, and want their own personality...then for God's sake, find someplace else.
—Submitted by a former student

Small classes, outstanding facilities, competitive sports teams with incredible parent involment. Highly recommend. There is open enrollment in Boulder Valley school district and would highly recommend not depending on living anywhere but move into the school area to insure a spot at Monarch. BVSD looking at leveling open enrollment to insure broader diversity within schools. Ask about the CU classes offered at school if your student is so inclined. Heard of through word of mouth but open to all who select. Principals have changed from not well liked by community to widely popular who rumor has it 'didn't get along with the faculty' back to the retired one and on to a new one. Community awareness and visibility very high--Discipline goes with what you think about Boulder--not much
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs have a great variety of advanced and basic classes. Their is an extensive music program with a quality marching band, multiple jazz bands, and many orchestras. Many of the sports are ranked in high positions like football which is undefeated. Their are man ways for parents to get involved including the Booster Club, information nights. Overall Monarch is a great High School!
—Submitted by an administrator

My son went to Monarch for a year and a half. He is an average student that needs average attention. I was very disappointed to find that the class sizes were quite large and even an average amount of attention was hard to come by. Most of the teachers seemed overwhelmed even if they would have liked to help. The academics were not spectacular. Great Photo teacher in 2004-2005. There are a lot of extrcurricular activities. Many of the students participate in school activities. Their sports teams are usually quite competative and do well in their league. There are not a lot of parents who are involved, but there are a few. Thoe ferw are good at organizing special events and fund raisers.
—Submitted by a parent

so far so good... this is going to be our son's second year and I feel that they offer a strong curriculum and great opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Monarch. I feel the academics are challenging and the arts programs are top-notch.
—Submitted by a parent