Compass Montessori - Wheat Ridge Charter School

I have had the experience of having 4 of my children go to this school at one time. I can say that I believe only 2, maybe 3 of them would have excelled in this particular montessori program. It is a very parent/money biased school. one o my children was told that they were having so many issues that she was going to fail a full grade level. I questioned this and was oousted by faculty and the board. When I moved my children out of the school, all of the children (including the one who was 'failing') are at the top of their classes in academic performance and are poulling either straight A's or A's and B's. IMO this is not a great school to attend.
--Submitted by a parent

Its a wonderful charter school that follows the montessori philosophy!
--Submitted by a parent

Compass Montessori thinks outside box to encourage kids to do their best and constantly learn.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for 5 years. It was fine but the people were not never very friendly. The trips were good but had huge student to teacher ratios. If you were not a 'founding family' people seldom speek to you. This community preaches diversity but it really is quite closed to things 'different'. I'm happy to be leaving. My son needs to know the real world - Compass does not offer this. Academics are only mediocre.
--Submitted by a parent

I have heard Compass has improved, but when we were there I found that I just wasn't willing to risk my childs education on what I saw as a nice but disorganized school. (I can't say enough good things about the kindergarten though.) They rely on parents to the point of burn-out for many. Communication is poor. I would often find out about events a day or two in advance and it was impossible for me to adjust my schedule with such short notice. Add to that the fact that if you happen to not like a teacher it is tuff because your child stays in that class for three years. There is a large turn over in staff. It is a well-intentioned school that needs to iron out the wrinkles that have lead to many of us switching to more conventional schools with better academic ratings and more opportunities. Golden campus may be
--Submitted by a parent

I am enrolling my 5th grade, 11 year old daughter in Compass Montessori for the 06-07 year. I had also looked at the school for my 16 year old daughter currently in an IB program. My 11 year old really liked the school, visited with her dad and I and also shawdowed. Our 16 year old really liked the school but as she has been pre IB since 7th grade felt she felt she needed to continue being academically challenged.
--Submitted by Beth Jones, a parent

Compass does a very good job of following Montessori philosophy while complying with state and District reguirements of a charter school. Teachers are very caring and dedicated. My one complaint is that there are no consequences when children don't meet expectations. At times the teachers would threaten to withhold privileges, like field trips, for children who haven't completed the expected work. Yet, it seems that every time the teachers would not carry through on that threat. The school has a good music program, and offers some martial arts after school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is currently in 2nd grade, and has been going to Compass since Kindergarten, so I do not know how to compare it to Jefferson public schools. Compass is one of the only Montesorri's that have a Secondary school & it's nearby in Golden, which is great! Compass offers discounts for several academic activities, however most our not coordinated by Compass. A few extra cirrucular activites that Compass does host is a music program, karate lessons, art, Science fairs, Spanish lessons(although haven't seen any this year)and I'm sure many more I'm not aware of. Compass requires 50 hours/school year of parent (relatives & freinds can also help you out on your hours) volunteer time to help clean the school, do projects, handyman work, etc. Overall I like the teachers (although limited) and the program Compass offers for my 2nd grader!
--Submitted by Angie, a parent

Compass Montessori Charter School has put confidence back in my son, that he can succeed. He has had the opportunity to study music here and loves it. He is learning to manage his time and work independently as well as work with a team. These lesson are helping him understand himself. His teacher has a one on one meeting every week with the students to help with their success. This has been very helpful for my son. He doesn't feel lost. I highly recomend this school it has been a Godsend.
--Submitted by a parent