West Jefferson Middle School

9449 SOUTH BARNES STREET

School District

Jeffco Public Schools
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 19, 2024

I am incredibly impressed with the exceptional education and nurturing environment at West Jefferson Middle School. From the moment my children started attending, we've experienced nothing but positivity and growth.The dedicated and caring staff at this school go above and beyond to ensure that each student feels valued and supported. The teachers are passionate about their subjects and truly invested in their students' success, providing engaging and challenging lessons that cater to diverse learning styles.A special mention goes to Principal Kim Halingstad whose leadership has been instrumental in creating a positive school culture. Kim Halingstad is approachable, attentive, and genuinely cares about the well-being and academic progress of every student. Under their guidance, the school has flourished, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Submitted by student on April 04, 2023

I go to this school, do not recommend. Way too much drama, and overall a complete joke.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2021

This school is a total disaster. If I could give it zero stars I would. The teachers are a complete joke and promote a culture of isolation and hate. The principal is powerless, which is also not an excuse. If you’re a leader, act like it.The 7th grade teachers may as well just bring liberal recruitment forms for the students to sign and pledge allegiance to cancel culture.Jefferson County is struggling enough during Covid with the idea of “education”. This pathetic mess of a “school” drives that to a new low.Great work .
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2019

Horrible and if my child didn't want to stay I would remove him. I believe that something needs to be done and that as parents we need to band together.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2018

Terrible - no differentiation for students with learning issues, bullying is promoted and kids have to fight to stand up for themselves, lack of diversity creates spoiled kids that make fun of other races and religions - I wouldn't send your child there if they are not white and Christian, or aren't willing to stand up to the excessive bullying.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2018

This is a horrific middle school in my opinion and based on my experience. Bullying runs rampant and is pretty much ignored by the admin staff. The principal is always on leave for something and now she’s retiring. The counselors do their best but there are too many kids per counselor. Problem is though, there isn’t any other good option other than sending my children to Evergreen Middle School, which is so so far from our home. Sad to day but my kids are stuck with this terrible school. I sure hope they can make it to high school sane.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2018

I would rate my experience with this school as unacceptable. Apathetic teachers who fail to adopt to the needs of students with learning disabilities. Administrative staff that is unwilling or incapable of changing the direction of the school. And an academic program that is focused only on improving standardized test scores.
Submitted by other on July 21, 2017

I live in conifer and i didn't know how big of a problem this was until now
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2016

I wish this site would differentiate when a school makes a complete change and show what type of school it now is instead of scores and reviews from before the overhaul. Based on where this school is NOW, it is a 5 star facility with 5 star teachers and students. This school's "numbered" rating should be an 8 or 9. The changes have brought this school up to GREATNESS.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

My daughter is almost done with her 2nd year at West Jeff Middle, and has had a great experience a this school. The staff, principal and vice-principle are caring and helpful and all know my daughter well. The teachers have been dedicated to helping her with any issues and work with her after school as needed. If you are interested in getting involved in the PTA, they are active and anxious to have you!
Submitted by other on July 26, 2013

This school is absolutely awful. I attended 6th-8th grade at West Jeff and hated it. The students are rude (of course this is a generalization) but the administration is the WORST. Instead of taking time to tackle the problems that really matter, they will yell at your student for going inside on a day that it is snowing and you don't have a jacket (they force the students to go outside in almost all weather, unless you can get one of the rare library passes). And the dress-code... Seriously? Last year they initiated a dress-code that made it against the rules to show any shoulder. I can understand no spaghetti straps and no shorts below your middle finger but shoulder?!? Ooh shoulder, scandalous! The only reason I am giving this 2 stars (barely) is because I was fortunate enough to have the small portion of good teachers in the school. Most teachers are rude, unfair, and moody. If you get lucky enough to get the good teachers, they are GREAT. Especially the band/orchestra teacher! She is fantastic and the best teacher in the world! When a younger student tells me they are going to West Jeff, all I can say is, "You'll survive, but barely." DO NOT SEND YOUR STUDENT TO THIS SCHOOL!
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2013

Apathetic. A fair bit of burnout and treading water at this facility. Teaching the Tcap is the most vigorous application of skill seen so far. I understand because that is now the measure for funding and salaries, and you get that for which there is incentive.Students are tested on the test as preparation for the test. The band teacher is remarkable. The students enjoy and respond to her. She is outstanding!!! This is the single reason I was willing to give two stars. The academics could be considered more challenging for the parents. Concepts of conflicting nature are introduced without adequate enlightenment on their appropriate usage. Students are sometimes tested on material for which there has been no introduction. Poor performance on a test in the form of mistakes, unfinished questions, or unanswered questions is written off to a "focus" issue or poor study skills. Rest assured, my child had neither of these issues prior to attending this school, nor does he currently evidence these difficulties at home. If vouchers existed, I suspect this school would struggle to retain adequate enrollment.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2012

I am very, very happy with West Jeff Middle School. The staff are caring, smart, giving people who do their very best with limited funds. They treat my children and myself with respect. They go out of their way to make a difference and to address our needs as best they can. Yes, there are some teachers I feel lack some things. However, these same teachers are praised by others. My son did not fit in the so called "box" that a student should. Despite the challenges, I always felt heard, helped and guided to assure the best for my son. He is now a successful college student. In times of need the staff and outside support staff were amazing. I believe, limitations in the school come from lack of funds. Hopefully this will improve with time. Smaller class size, more teachers and teachers aids will help everyone.
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2012

West Jefferson Middle has undergone a significant change in leadership, the effectiveness of which is still undetermined. The Elementary and High Schools that it is sandwiched between are excellent, making the expectations of parents very high to start with. Many of the community organizations in a "rebuilding" phase as well; PTA, CDM etc. As is probably true of all schools the staff cover the entire continuum from fantastic to marginal. The Special Ed staff is very lacking and in need of turnover. As with any school, parental advocacy is critical to ensuring your child's needs are addressed. The good news is that current leadership is responsive to input. Definitely a school on an upward trend.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2011

I am giving school 4 out of five stars. As far as public middle schools go, this is one that stands above the rest. Not only do teachers genuinely care about the academic and emotional well-being of every student, tWJMS also has a great electives program that is designed to get kids excited about High School and possible career options. Keep in mind that the middle years are arguably the toughest on kids. WJMS has peer mentoring, and help for many kids after school. My kids went to WJMS, and my youngest just finished the 8th grade. My only criticism is that there are kids who hold classes hostage. they constantly interrupt their teachers, and are discipline problems (bullying, skipping class/school), almost every hour of every day. The rest of the kids miss out on the quality education they deserve, and WJMS can not meet the academic and emotional needs of troubled kids. These kids are socially promoted, and the administration is convinced that recommending an alternative school for them is "giving up" on those kids. I disagree, as my kids missed out on countless hours of lessons, labs, and other learning experiences due to their learning environment being disrupted a lot!
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2011

We took our son out of this school - actually, he begged us to get him out of there - the staff is very rude and condencending to their students - our son is an A, B Student - and the type of person that holds the doors open for others -- naturally polite and has a great demenor -- this is a terrible school
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2011

If it were possible to give a school ZERO stars, I would. This school claims they are anti bullying etc., however the bullying that occurs is not only between students, but also occurs when teachers bully students. The principal lets the teachers do anything they want, and there are no consequences when a teacher treats a student unfairly. I would love to speak to the person who wrote the last review as her description of the teachers being full of their own self importance makes me think our kids had the same teacher. My child is now withdrawn from the school......GOOD RIDDANCE. If you are considering enrolling your student at this school, save yourself and your child a lot of heartache and DO NOT DO IT!!!
Submitted by other on April 12, 2011

As a middle school teacher myself, I am appalled at what happens at West Jefferson Middle School! The teaching staff, and I mean solely the core teachers, were very full of their own importance while maintaining an apathetic attitude. Granted, my son was not a scholar, but he was NEVER a discipline issue. When we withdrew him from the school due to bullying issues (and him being falsely accused then questioned by a SRO--without in locus parentis), not one person in the school inquired as to why he was leaving. I'm not sure why this is...apathy seems to be my only consideration. The supposed group of friends he hung with were "Awesome", but the moment his back was turned he was lambasted. When withdrawing him, his core teachers never bothered to say goodbye...good luck...any even PLATITUDES to make him at least feel like he was cared about....guess they have enough students, mine isn't necessary...but it was a shame. A teachable moment for him, however, as I let him know that REAL teachers will demonstrate compassion to children....at the very least providing the dignity of saying goodbye to someone they had such close contact with. They may rate high as per CSAP, etc..hmm???
Submitted by other on January 20, 2011

This is a great school particularly because of the great academics and nice and caring teachers. They give you lots of help when you need it. This school is overall the best.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2011

This is a great school! My daughter attends this school and absolutely with out a doubt loves it! They have the best leadership.