Gold Rush Elementary School

30+ students to teacher for last three years, don't let the false review by the employee below fool you, I have the class list to prove it. We've been attending since the school opened with numerous promises of Spanish as second language, band, running clubs, two full time kindergarten classes with two aids per teacher, all promises cancelled after signing up for fulltime. Every year a new principal, or new teachers midyear, etc. Complete inconsistencies' in academics between teachers in same grade (parents group comparing curriculum between teachers). When you speak to the administration concerning issues or giving support, you can see the District's Hand speaking for them as they are just puppets. The largest complaint, "no consistency!" Every time the kids set their hearts on something, the school makes a change, or the staff completely changes. It is known that DCSD is non union and several friends that are pursuing their PHD's advise they would never work for DCSD. They advise teachers in DCSD are short term to gather experience, then find union scale pay outside the district. My experience and other parents feel the same. Gold Rush has failed, "F".
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids have been at Gold Rush since it opened. Luckily the school is on a better track with the new principal but it will take a lot to create some much needed change. The principal that opened this school created a climate that made it difficult to make suggestions or voice concerns. Expectations aren't given for what is taught and this is quite evident within grade levels. One teacher in third might teach X facts but another in the same grade doesn't. There is absolutely no consistency in curriculum. My child has literally had a different spelling program for each of the 5 years there with one year having none at all! Where is the philosophy and vision ? You just don't know what your kid will get year to year. The math curriculum has major gaps and when the students enter middle school they are lacking basic skills because the teachers do not supplement with these skills. Their only award, Top Dog, is almost impossible for a student to get. It's either all or nothing. However the middle school recognizes students using a variety of criteria-all A's, A's and B's, etc.., work habits, etc.. Many families have chosen charters and home school over going to Gold Rush!
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the best schools I've ever had the pleasure of being associated with, as a parent AND employee. I feel I have to address some of the disparaging comments from previous reviewers. About class size, yes, the classes are larger than some schools, HOWEVER, there is a dedicated EA (assistant) in each grade, plus many parent volunteers. The teachers often use the EAs/Volunteers to split the class in half to do group teaching, so instead of one teacher for 22, 28 or even 30 students, it's one to 15, which is a great ratio. The school uses a great budget model, so there have been little to no cuts in specials, EAs, library, technology, and other areas. You won't see many DCSD schools with all these resources still intact. Regarding the principal situation, there were 2 interim principals because no one at this school wanted to 'jump the gun', and hire someone quickly who was perhaps not the best fit for the school. So they took their time and have found a wonderful, experienced principal for next year. If I were to choose again, I would still pick Gold Rush as the best place for my children.
—Submitted by a parent

We had great hopes for this school when we moved to the area, but after 2 years we are really disappointed with the lack of progress we've seen in our kids compared to previous schools. They've had a lot of changes in staffing in the last year - two part-time interim principals, new vp, new staff in specials. There is very little support for students who are performing above grade level - they may be given different work but then they are on their own to complete it. The class sizes are crazy. Our kids have had 30 and 31 in their classes. In my daughter's class this year, she had a variety of substitutes throughout the year so her teacher could do planning, or have meetings, or who knows what! Frequent subs are disruptive to the minimal structure and learning that was going on. On the plus side, they have many friendly staff and our son did have a strong teacher this year. But who knows what we'll get for next year - are our kids going to grow or just get by? The search is on for a new school...
—Submitted by a parent

School highlights for this school say: "Band". This is misleading because the elementary schools no longer offer band due to budget cuts. This school is also very overcrowded. I would recommend you call and find out actual class sizes rather than relying on averages because they are very misleading. This school has over 30 students in classes at all grade levels. The Douglas County school district overall is in a very sad financial state right now. You will pay for things you never expected to pay for like bus service and text books to the tune of $100 each.
—Submitted by a parent

Things may be changing for the better now that the old administration has moved on!

My son has attended Gold Rush last year and this year. It is a wonderful school! Every teacher seems to be personally invested in the succes of the student and the school as a whole. The environment is calm and very positive. Smile are all around when ever I am in the school. The school has a fantastic book room as well as a well stocked library. It is a beautiful school and I feel lucky that my child is able to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school that my children enjoy going to. Our older son is able to walk to school and back with his friends, just like schools used to be in the "good old days"
—Submitted by a parent

We started at gold rush in January and have had a wonderful experience with both the staff and the kids in the class. It is nice to see the positive energy that the school putts out and then see the kids bring it home with them. I have been very pleased with the communication from the front office staff and teachers. We came from a charter school that didn't seam to communicate well with the parent body at all. I am happy we made the move to gold rush.
—Submitted by a parent

Gold Rush is an amazing school. Teachers, administration and office staff are top notch! I have 2 children at Gold Rush both of whom are thriving academically and socially. I have full confidence that my children are in the right place, and are being both supported and challenged in the appropriate areas. I never worry about my children when they are at school, I know they are in good hands.
—Submitted by a parent

It is when the rubber meets the road is where you will see whether this staff can step it up. Disappointingly, we have come upon "issues" and it is disappointing to see how the issues have not been handled. Looking for a new school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves this school. We have 4 children going to this school and we have not had one bad experience. The teachers have been top notch...we haven't seen teachers in the past that care so much about each individual child. The office staff is wonderful. They know each student and parent by name as they walk in the office. WONDERFUL!! Can't say enough! :)
—Submitted by a parent

there is no discipline or consequences for failure to complete in class work!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been thrilled with the all day Kindergarten program at Gold Rush. Can't say enough about the teaching staff and social growth of my child. It is an academic program all day long from 9-4 and he comes home with a kick in his step and a sense of accomplishment every day. The teachers and staff provide a positive learning environment and my son wakes up ready to go to school every day. He loves it!!! And so do I.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! The administration and teachers truly care about the students and their education. Top notch all around!!
—Submitted by a parent