Singing Hills Elementary School

Thank you for taking the time to research and review schools on behalf of your child. Please understand that the data that was used to rate Singing Hills Elementary School, by Great Schools, is outdated and inaccurate (it has not been updated for several years). Singing Hills is a high performing school and continues to exceed state testing averages and targets. We continue to show growth and progress with our school improvement goals in the majority of CSAP tested areas. I encourage you to visit our school web-site for more accurate and timely school information. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you. -Danelle Hiatt, Principal
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has great meals and has great teachers that help my child learn so well that she is in gifted and talented program
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at SHE for five years. Every year we have had great teachers and staff. Good grades and good test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

Things at SHE have really changed for the better. The staff works very hard to increase students learning. They are making big gains in science and teach. I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for this school. I hope with the cuts in money the school can keep all those great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This school maximizes limited resources. The teachers and the administration seem dedicated to the students. Sometimes the kids do not treat each other well so that part of the culture could be improved.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is committed to improving the school's academics.
—Submitted by a parent

I was surprised with the ratings that I found on your site for this school. A 6 is rather low, I would probably go for a 7 or 8. The new principal this year has proven herself as a leader,loves education and has plans for much needed improvements. She is slowly turning the school around from the old principal's standards into higher standards for the teachers and the kids. They have implemented a behavior standard, I've never encountered a better acting group of kids toward each other. Although I didn't really like the 3rd grade teacher we had this year (we hope for better next year) I think she taught the subjects fairly well, but the writing and science teaching failed miserably. I think this school should be looked at for a higher rating. A turn around takes time. D. Jodice
—Submitted by a parent

This school has low academic EXPECTATIONS. Also, the somewhat rural environment presents itself as a postive place to help students reach their potentional both academically and emotionally, however; after five years, I have learned that this school places no value on the protection of theirstudents from bullies which greatly inhibits the learning process.

The Teachers are top quality and the district shows continual interest and effort to increase ratings. Prior to choosing a new school, I visited SHE and another 5 star school (in the Cherry Creek Dist.) and found the 5 star school to be not as interested in showing me around, and the school seemed crowded and loud. When entering SHE, I was treated with top customer service, and was given adequate time and answers to my questions by staff. It seemed like a more quiet environment and had smaller class sizes. Coming from a highly rated, popular, yet crowded school, I felt like a striving school with smaller class sizes such as SHE, would benefit my child most. I volunteered regularly in both classes and witness the difference in organization which equates to a better learning experience for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently a parent of a student that has been at Singing Hills for 3 years now. 2 years of preschool, and this year Kindergarten. I'm very please with the academics and teachers at the school. We also got a NEW principal this year, and I (as well as MANY others) have been very impressed with changes she is making. Unfortunately due to the demographics of our area, our bond issues largely fail, so the money (and pay) is not there, and teacher turnover is VERY prevelant. Which is very sad because we have had a lot of GREAT teachers that we have lost to higher paying districts. This also effects the lack of extra programs. I am hopeful though that we will get a bond measure passed soon. I've been very involved, and have been happy with the parent participation I've seen.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher and a parent of several children at the school I find the school overall to not meet the social, emotional, or academic expectations I have for schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My 5 year old son can read things that i never thought possible at that age thanks to the diligence and seriosness the kindergarden teachers show
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at this school for only 45 days so I can only give a limited review at this time. The school has a very warm feeling, the admin. staff is very helpful and accomodating. Academically, I have been impressed with the Everyday Math Program they have put in place. However, I do think more research needs to be done for a good Spelling Program. I don't know about the parent involvement at the school as a whole, but there is really no involvement in my son's class. This is disappointing. There is an enhanced learning program as well as a gifted program for 4th and 5th graders.
—Submitted by a parent

*low funding has led to lack of extra activities outside school (band, GT, foreign lang). *great parents and students *academics OK--definitely catering to CSAP *school needs a serious change in leadership--principal seems unfeeling toward parent/student needs at times. May not be supporting the most innovative best practices in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely happy with our 3 years at Singing Hills Elementary. The teachers have been great and the principal seems very dedicated.
—Submitted by Julie George, a parent