Samuels Elementary School

3985 South Vincennes Court

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:13
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 January 14, 2024

I wouldn’t recommend this school, if you don’t want your children coming scratched and bruised up daily; don’t enroll. School teachers, school principal, school staff does nothing about this behavior! Had a bad experience at this school with my child coming to school everyday to defend themselves instead of learning! I would never get contacted by the school when my child would be attacked by another student!(one day my child had blood on clothing, due to an altercation with two other students, my child had to change and I wasn’t contacted by Teacher, nurse or principal) Not acceptable; school teachers/ staff isn’t watching children thoroughly, along with not contacting parents when it comes to physical altercations/ children being harmed! Staff could have done better addressing situations like this in the school! Please pay close attention to your child and always ask them questions about their teachers and peers when sending them off to learn.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2023

My son is not learning anything at this school I believe the staff here does not care about the students they only care about a pay check . I kinda wish I could relocate my children to a cherry creek school! Atleast they care and are very observant about how the children learn.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2022

A wonderful neighborhood school. Passionate, caring teachers. Lively, happy, connected and diverse student community. Special focus and targeted curriculum for social emotional learning is a major plus!
Submitted by other on August 09, 2018

Very good with a concerned staff and use of many resources
Submitted by principal on November 10, 2015

We've attempted to contact the Great Schools team in order to resolve the issue of our ranking being lower than a neighboring elementary school. Both our latest reported TCAP status (% of students proficient) and growth (ability for students to perform better each year compared to the last year) rank among the top third of schools in DPS. We've also won a Colorado State Award as a Center of Excellence from our Governor for the last several years. Our Eagle Time Block and teacher planning practices help us make sure every student gets what he or she needs every day. Your student will be challenged here if he/she is gifted or if he/she needs more support. Please stop by for a visit as we'd love to show you the many amazing things happening in our school!
Submitted by other on September 22, 2015

The STEM Lab is amazing! Students learn to code, build robots and make films, all while feeling like they are playing! Students also get an hour of time on Chromebook computers each week and are learning to type. All this and regular specials like gym, art and music too! The academic track record of the school speaks for itself, and the new building is beautiful!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2015

My children thrive at Samuels. I have nothing but positivity for their school. All the staff make a huge impact.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2015

I am not sure what the parent who claims her child was being bullied is talking about. Our son has had positive experiences at Samuels. When there was an incident between he and another child, the school staff talked to he and the other child separately and then as a pair to help them work out their issues together. My son now has better tools for advocating for himself. We feel that he has learned a great deal at Samuels, which is one of the reasons the school wins awards each year from the state for achievement. Looking forward to him returning to 3rd grade this year!
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2015

his school is full of bullies that never get handled. In the small community area I lived in, there were 4 families who had children who went to school at Samuels and each family experienced EXTREME bullying of their children and a school who did nothing about it. My child was hit, spit on, called names and cursed at and the school's response was there were "steps that needed to be followed" before the offending child could be removed, regardless of the fact that the kid was assaultive and placing others at risk. The other families I have spoken to have reflected the same concerns--bullying that never gets addressed by the school. It was so bad in my case that I pulled my children until the school agreed to follow the plan I created for safety. My kid went from being thrilled to being in school to hating to go---even faked stomachaches to get out of class because of the bullying. I would NEVER recommend this school to anyone. The staff is mostly rude and I'm pretty sure my kids learned nothing here.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2014

Samuels is changing with the times and the student/parent involvement at the school shows it. The community garden, the massive turnout for international night and other events all are recent additions that have coincided with increased test scores and an overall increased feeling of positivity around the school.
Submitted by teacher on May 30, 2014

Samuels has seen some change over the last few years and through it all the school, its teachers, and especially its students, have grown stronger. Samuels is a top-performing school whose students show strong academic growth each year. With a culture of diversity, respect, and the commitment to students first, Samuels has attracted some of the most qualified, dedicated and talented administrators; including principals and assistant principals. Administrators have come and gone over the last three years because they were offered promotions within the district. There is a zero tolerance for bullying at Samuels. Misbehavior is dealt with using restorative approaches and appropriate consequences are given according to DPS protocol and students are suspended when necessary. Our current principal approaches disciplinary issues very directly. As a teacher I feel supported and my students have not lost learning time because of another child s behavior. When it cannot be dealt with in the classroom, it IS dealt with in the office. Samuels is a safe, enriching, and loving environment for any child to learn and grow in.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2014

Samuels has wonderful teachers and paraprofessional teachers. But in the past five years that my children have gone there, the school has had three principals and now both the assistant principals are leaving!! If we can't have consistent leadership at Samuels, what are we telling the kids? That we can't be there for them? That the principals are using the school as a stepping step for another career move? Samuels must be a rough school if the there is a high turn over of leadership. It is already known throughout the neighborhood that the school has a bullying problem that never ceases. Now, I'm hearing that there are no suspensions. How will this never ending bullying problem end if the leaders can't be strong enough to handle disciplinary problems. I'm very disappointed in the adminstration at Samuels.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2014

We all enjoyed a delightful event last month called the Celebration of Cultures. Families and students decked out in their beautiful, traditional clothing came bearing delicious foods from around the world. Based on a showing of more than 600 people, we know that our diverse community cares about Samuels and their children's education. We are all looking forward to next year's celebration!
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2014

Samuels is one of the best schools with good teaching staff and great activities for kids. The school has great parent community with kind involvement in all the activities at school.Teachers are very friendly with students in understanding and solving their problems and Creating positive energy in kids for their future.I heartfully suggest parents to make Samuels as one of the choices while picking a school for your child.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2014

I absolutely LOVE where this school is headed. As a concerned parent, I looked to choice into schools and ranked all DPS by test scores. Then I looked at what else the school offered in regards to socialization. Cultural awareness, diet, activities, and resourcefulness to name a few. After speaking with the new principal and seeing the scores in growth I decided to give the kindergarten a try. The students are not just learning about cultural awareness, they experience it! The cafeteria uses some of the produce from the garden and my son could not be happier. Still, as a concerned parent, I joined the CSC to help change from within and am astounded by the teacher and parental involvement in the school. I see things changing every day and know what constraints and restrictions are in place. With the current leadership in place, I have no doubt that Samuels will become one of the number one picks for future parents looking to choice into a fantastic school.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2014

We've had a terrific experience at Samuels! Our child is challenged academically, the teachers and admin are warm and inviting, and the other parents are really friendly. Even teachers who don't have my child in class have made a point of introducing themselves to us and knowing our names. If you're looking for a strong, vibrant school with a personal feel, this is a great place to be!
Submitted by other on January 10, 2014

I am a community member and I will be sending my children to school at Samuels as soon as they are school-aged. When I visited the school, I was impressed by the warm environment, the community meetings where students, teachers and school leaders talk about character and the outstanding gains made at Samuels. I learned recently that Samuels has been named a Center of Excellence by the Governor of Colorado and that their ratings on the Colorado School Report Card outranked many other area schools such as Southmoor.
Submitted by parent on January 10, 2014

I originally had reservations about Samuels when we were touring Kindergartens last year, but after a visit we realized the school has done amazing things in recent years! My son loves the "specials" such as p.e., music, computers and art and has wonderful instructors. His primary teacher is very open and involved with parents and the overall environment is very warm. He loves going to school each morning and comes home just as enthusiastic. I've no doubt the nurturing staff is a huge part of this. One of our favorite parts of Samuels is the large urban garden. Students and the community are involved with planting and cultivating and there is a weekly garden club after school. Our whole family has gotten to partake in "work" days where we get to play in the dirt and the sunshine, then enjoy potlucks or bbq in the garden with other families and staff. There's also tai chi instruction on weekend mornings in the garden, weather permitting. The best part, in my opinion, is the massive amounts of fresh, organic produce that gets taken directly to the school cafeteria for use in student meals. I can't say enough positive things about Samuels -- we love it here!
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2014

Samuels is a fantastic school. My daughter has been at Samuels for 3 yrs. All of the teachers and staff are dedicated to the students and their education both academically and socially. As a parent and future elementary teacher, I can't imagine a better environment for any student to start their education. Samuels is building strong foundations through academics and exposure to a diverse student body. I feel extremely confident that Samuels is preparing my daughter for her future. I would like to help clear up any misconceptions about what a Title 1 school means. Title 1 ISN'T related to CSAP or TCAP scores. Title 1 is a designation that is related to free/reduced lunch. The misinformation and misconceptions about what Title 1 means has caused many issues throughout DPS. Samuels has a very welcoming atmosphere and an engaged community. Part of the community involvement is through the school garden. The garden provides fresh produce to the cafeteria and a multitude of learning opportunities. I highly recommend Samuels. Instead of taking my word for it take a tour, talk to parents, teachers and students. I know you will like what you see and hear.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2013

We have been very pleased with our two children attending Samuels. The teachers and staff at this school are excellent. The school culture embraces students owning their actions and being good citizens to each other and the school community. Most importantly, our children continue to love school and continue to grow and learn. I encourage families to consider Samuels - visit, talk to teachers, and talk to parents of current students. There have been tremendous, positive changes implemented in the past 3 years - and more still in the works.