Denison Montessori School

1821 South Yates Street

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Denver County 1 School District

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 November 17, 2024

I have 2 children at this school. We have been here for 3 years starting with kindergarten and now through 2nd grade. It has been really great for my advanced learning child. The Montessori model with mixed age classrooms, naturally fits fast learners. He gets exceptional support for his learning while being able to maintain and match his social needs right in his classroom. We were uncertain if the Montessori model would fit our 2nd child, but she has acquired confidence in her learning and has been emboldened to choose to learn. She has rapidly progressed in learning to read. This school has a lot of opportunities for parents to be involved if so desired and provides many ways for you to observe the methods used to help your child learn through classroom observations, special projects, and watch me work nights. There is a before and after school paid care option for working parents as well as after school enrichment classes on campus. I have been happy with their method for aiding children with resolving conflicts respectfully with each other. The communication is great and they take safety very seriously. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2023

My daughter has only been going to this school for less than 2 months and she is already being bullied by the mixed ages in the classroom. A girl in 3rd grader is picking on her doing mean things to her (my daughter is in 1st grade). I told the principal and she said I needed to make an appointment to discuss my child being bullied. Went in, the 3rd grader apologized; within two weeks this girl had already done something else to my daughter. Made an appointment with her teacher and all that was going to be done is yet another apology from the 3rd grader. They don't care that my child is being bullied. They just make it seem like it matters to them but to them there's more important things to do at the school than to handle the bullying. Thought it would be better for my daughter to go to a Montessori school but I don't think they mixed grades is helping much.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2021

We have had an amazing 5 years at Denison, my daughter is now going into 3rd grade and has thrived. She has been on an IEP since 3 and has been nurtured, never feeling different or not included. What she has learning is so much greater than just academics, with words like kindness and respect being part of the culture. The academics are unique with Montessori, the kids learn so much that’s being lost at a traditional school such as cursive writing, sowing, bread making. She could from a preschool level identify continents and countries which many adults can’t do.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2021

I think any parent would be crazy to send their kid to school here when Great Work is up the street. Yes, it is harder to get into than Denison but believe me there is a reason! If you want your kid to learn something, go elsewhere. The cafeteria is the best part of this school and it is just a school cafeteria. Check the ratios and you will notice your preschooler is stuck in a huge class. They would be a million times better going to their local school or the Y for free. The Montessori philosophy is nice, but I don’t think it’s executed that well here. Hate the mixed ages...no benefits to my kid but lots of disadvantages. Your kid will hear age inappropriate things from older kids and probably be pushed around and called a baby. My kid learned absolutely nothing in her time here. If you get it free, ok but I can’t imagine paying to go here. The materials are high quality and nice, and the playground is pretty good. The cafeteria ladies are nice. That’s about it. I hear the administration has changed and it’s now better. We heard a ton of negative feedback while other students, who were awful to begin with, were lavished with praise for not hitting others. Yeah, I guess that is a good thing, but if your kid isn’t a beast to begin with it doesn’t help much that the teachers attention is on that. Seriously, for preschool go to Sabin. If you want Montessori, go to Great Work, Lincoln, Free Horizon, MPA. If you just aren’t happy with DPS, Jeffco and EPS offer much better options. Kids are left to do whatever they want, which for a few might work out ok, but if you would like your kid to be prepared for middle school go elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2020

I think in many instances it's about what you and your child invest in the kiddo's education. But, that said, I think Denison does everything in its power to provide learning opportunities of both the academic and social nature. Kids really thrive in the staggered classroom setting, teaching and learning from one another, and the school's diversity and compassionate teaching style is reflected in the student body, which operates with a great deal of respect and love for one another. We feel very much part of the "family" at Denison and, consequently, our kid has absolutely thrived.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2017

We love Denison Montessori. It is a caring community of learners that is geared towards the whole child and prepares students to be global citizens. My Kindergarten child researches and writes reports on topics that interest him, is learning addition facts hands-on, and shares ideas about promoting world peace. The Great Schools rating does not do this school justice. We are happy.
Submitted by other on June 18, 2015

Administration and teachers are respectful and demonstrate a passion for education and development of the students.
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

I am always amazed at how well my child is growing with each passing school year. Her teacher is great and really cares about her interests and in guiding her to be the best she can be. By having the same teacher for 3 years is really an advantage to both the child and the school The teacher becomes familiar with the child's challenges and develops ways to help enhance it. Best decision I could have ever made to have my child attend this school The rating doesn't do the school justice. In my opinion they are rated "10"
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2014

This is the best school in the area for k-6. The beliefs on how the children learn is the way it should be. Kids will learn more when given the freedom to pick what they want to focus on at the right time for them, let the child lead and be amazed. I have had two boys attend here since they were 4 and 5, the teachers blow me away, I become attached to each and every one. You feel as you are a part of a family instead of a visitor. The communication is above any DPS school I've seen, or heard about which is important to me. The rating DOES NOT do it the justice it is deserved. Awesome school!
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2014

I love Denison Montessori. Both my kids attend and I can't imagine there are better teachers to be found anywhere in Denver. The Principal was new last year and has brought new life and energy to the school. It is truly the best Montessori program in Denver Public School!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2014

Everything about this school is outstanding ! The teachers, office staff, Principal, AP, etc.... are all amazing, welcoming, and supportive. I am thrilled to have both my kids at Denison!
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

The Teachers are wonderful they are knowledgeable and great with kids and parents. Principal and the main secretary are not friendly and disorganized. Love the two secretary upfront always friendly and know all students and parents
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2012

I heard this was a great school. Unfortunately, the administration is why I pulled my kids out. It's too bad because there are some awesome teachers.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2011

Excellent school!! The rating does not do the school justice when you look at the diversity, both cultural and economic, that this school serves. Teachers are the most highly trained in the district, as they must have state as well as Montesorri credentials. My daughter is thriving in the loving environment created by Denison's staff. Most importantly, these children are learning to think outside the box, not just teaching to the test. DPS could learn a lot about sucess if they payed more attention to the inner workings of schools like Denison!!