September School

96 Arapahoe Avenue

Boulder, CO 80302

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on April 05, 2024

It’s hard to describe the difference in our son’s attitude to school, to learning, and just about everything else since starting at September School his freshman year. Earlier struggles at school had extended to his social and emotional life, and just the thought of navigating more of the same at our local high school was daunting.He’s now a junior, and he’s learning Spanish at an AP level where he once floundered in incomplete assignments. He’s interested in and informed about world events-- social studies hadn’t even sparked an interest in the past. In areas where he still struggles, he has teachers who understand how he learns and help him along while still holding him to him to high standards. He’s actually learning, not just showing up and turning in busywork.In past years, it was heartbreaking to see him struggle when knew him to be bright, funny, insightful, and kind. September School has drawn that out. He’s part of a supportive community and has good friends. And he’s encouraged and valued for being himself.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2024

Our son landed at September School after two very challenging years at a large public high school. It's been a godsend. He went from thinking school is meaningless and not worth the effort to enjoying many of his classes and coming home happy. The small class size, the personal attention, the caring and supportive community have all transformed his attitude toward school and learning. At September School, he isn't expected to expected to think and perform like everyone else. Teachers support him while also still holding him accountable. We also love the policy of not giving homework, which means assignments get completed in class and school stays at school. September School certainly isn't right for every kid, but for those that need a non-traditional learning environment, it's amazing.
Submitted by other on November 16, 2023

It sucks in every single way possible.
Submitted by other on September 06, 2023

I attended September School for 3 years of my academic career. During my senior year (2023) the head of September school at the time was fired in the middle of the school day while all the children were there. Unprofessional. After that I was targeted by adults at the school and denied my diploma even though I did the work I needed to do. The teachers complained about students that had disabilities and would openly talk poorly about kids with each other during class. This school has pulled me down and damaged my future. September school is unsafe and does not work for the kids.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2019

This has been the best school experience we have ever had.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2017

It's all about relationships at September High School, and this approach has made all the difference for my son. Before he started here as a junior, he was rapidly disengaging from school life and was quite happy to sit at the back of class and be ignored. At Sep School, that all changed. His teachers are mentors and friends. They not only support him academically, they devote time every day to his social and emotional development as well. By interacting with him on a human level -- recognizing him as a unique person -- Sep School has helped change the way he views the world, giving him the confidence to envision his own path. We are so grateful for this Boulder gem of a school and will always feel like part of the family!
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2013

September High School provided a top quality education for my son. Although he scored high on IQ tests, he was failing his courses in public school. He was constantly being penalized, being kept in at lunch and after school, although he wasn't a discipline problem. It turned out he was bored out of his mind. The individualized attention and focus on improving weaknesses while capitalizing on strengths was just what he needed. He is now on the road to medical school, whereas before he was on the road to dropping out of high school. I cannot recommend this school enough.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2012

The teenage years can be brutal and high school can be hell if you don t fit in. My student can be herself and excel in her talents and strengths at September High School. She is supported and encouraged to use her ideas and creativity when she writes a paper, does a project, etc. She gets individual attention from teachers, counselors and staff whenever she has a question or concern, whether it is school related or personal. In public school she was negatively challenged and criticized for the way she dressed, the color of her hair and her thinking. She was not recognized for her high g.p.a., attendance or intelligence. At September School not only is she recognized for her academic hard work, she is encouraged to be herself, use all of her talents and continue to think outside of the box. As parents we want her to succeed and be successful in whatever path she chooses and to stay true to herself. At September High School we have that support and she has the mentors and tools she needs to do so.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2012

My son graduated from September School June 2012. Before enrolling as a 2nd semester freshman he had attended traditional public schools. In the community that is the September School my son grew from an angry boy to a remarkable young man. This Fall he will attend one of the nation's top schools. I have not doubt Sept school had much to do with his personal growth. The staff and faculty treat students as young adults and a low student/teacher ratio encourages personal relationships between them. This benefits exceptional students as well as those with learning issues, or as was son's case, both. Academic programs are individualized per student. Students can explore subjects of their interest through the honors programs. They may also take classes at Boulder High School and at the University of Colorado (both are a few blocks from the school). My son was able to participate in a athletic program at Boulder High. The school uses several buildings in central Boulder. They are old and show it. The school clearly does not invest much in cosmetics. Instead tuition provides an excellent, caring faculty who provide a unique learning environment for student growth.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2012

My daughter has been at Sept School for 2 years. Prior to that she was struggling in the public school system: skipping classes, getting failing grades, and dreading going to school every day. She felt invisible to her teachers, her poor grades were causing her to seriously consider dropping out of school. It was agonizing to watch her going through that experience and we felt helpless. That all changed the day we walked into September School. It was small, homey, and the staff we met with seemed genuinely interested in listening to us. Our daughter immediately felt comfortable there. We walked out of there feeling truly hopeful for the first time in years about her education. Now, 2 years later, we can say this: not all of my daughter's issues with going to school were completely solved (she still struggles with motivation), but many of the big issues were. She really likes the staff, she feels she can be herself there, she attends classes and field trips, she feels like she can speak out, and most importantly, we have no doubt that she will be graduating next semester. I'm not surprised that they have such a high graduation & continuing education rate.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2012

My son attends September School, and I am very pleased with the education he is receiving. Previously, he attended a Boulder public school, but he hated the environment. Since switching to September School, he has been happier and continues to perform at his best academically. He no longer complains about teachers and school. I admire the dedication of the teachers and staff, and my son appreciates the egalitarian teaching style. I agree with the parent (October 3, 2009) who stated, This is the best school for creative students and those who care about justice and freedom of expression. As for the comments posted March 6, 2012, they are misrepresentations. I find the small campus to be charming, the buildings are not dilapidated. The students are not permitted to smoke on campus. Tests are given and students are assessed. Furthermore, there are student evaluations (conferences) given twice a semester and, if requested, the teachers provide a synopsis of the students performance every two weeks. I encourage anyone with a high school student who is dissatisfied with their current school situation to visit the school and have the student shadow for a day.