Southmoor Elementary School

3755 South Magnolia Way

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
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 February 13, 2025

We love Southmoor! The teachers are dedicated, school leadership is communicative, and the families and kids make every even truly special and fun. We feel so lucky to be here!
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2025

I'm newer to the school and the neighborhood and the culture is amazing. My older child went to a different school and my youngest is going to Southmoor. The community involvement and inclusiveness has been remarkably different here. There is a noticeable lack of clicks, hierarchy, snobbery compared to my older child's school. I've yet to see a dirty look, taking behind anyone's back or even a snide comment. This should be the case everywhere adults gather but we all know it isn't always the case. Everyone in my experience has been very genuine and interested in everyone in the community in a very healthy way.. everyone has been so friendly. The school itself has very dedicated faculty. The curriculum, communication are on point. They strive to create great experiences for the kids while teaching the topics.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2025

We love this school! The teachers are passionate, dedicated, and genuinely care about each student’s well-being and success. Anytime I’ve had concerns I am met with genuine care from my children’s teachers. There is a strong sense of community and lots of opportunities to participate in school activities. My kids come home excited about the things they have learned, the friends that they’ve made, and the yearly traditions that the school provides.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2024

Let me start off by saying a handful of teachers are absolutely amazing. The ECE team, Ms Girchuru, and Ms Christou are amazing people and educators. That said, this is NOT a good school for gifted or 2E students. Years ago, they were a gifted magnet school, but that program was pulled, and not their GT teacher/coordinator is only there once per week. At every turn with this school (kindergarten until 4th grade), I was told what we COULDN’T do instead of what our options were. When I suspected a learning disability, I was told to wait it out. “He’ll grow out of it” and “his grades are fine.” When I told them my kid was bored out of his mind, they had him take a long paper-based acceleration test (when I’d told them I had concerns about his written expression) and then said he’d failed it. He was miserable the entire next school year because “we’ll differentiate in the classroom” meant subjecting him to all the same work and then literally telling him he could grab a worksheet “with your name on it” if he wanted. Going into the next year (4th grade), he got summer tutoring and worked hard to make sure he’d pass the acceleration test. He didn’t. And still, no one would help with the learning disability. I couldn’t handle the tears and misery anymore. I told the principal (JP) that I’d need to pull him out of the school because my son was seriously unhappy, and he essentially told me that I had to do what was right for my family. Apparently, that isn’t Southmoor. The new school placement-tested and said he could totally skip 4th grade. The whole grade. He was *so* much happier with his content and new peers. He got straight A’s in 5th grade and met expectations on CMAS testing (80th percentile and up on all tests despite Southmoor having told us that he wasn’t even ready for 5th grade math). They also set him up with 504 accommodations for the 2E part. Then, he got accepted to a GT magnet middle school for 6th grade in DPS and they placement tested him again. He tested into accelerated (7th grade) math. He’s going there now and he’s so happy! He loves his teachers, peers, and classes. If my son had stayed at Southmoor, he’d be in 5th grade this year and probably still crying every night. Because they didn’t believe in him, he’s in 6th grade with 7th grade math, happy, has found his people socially, and is thriving. So I guess… thanks? If you have a child outside the bell curve, skip yourself the heartache. Don’t go here.
Submitted by other on September 24, 2023

The school thrives in making difference for all students through its vision - diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning environment. The school leader works hand in a hand with all stakeholders to support the success of every students. The teachers work hard to deliver high quality learning that engages the students in joyful learning experiences. The students receive various support for both academic and social emotional learning. The families are supportive of the school and teachers. There is a true sense of community in this school.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2023

We left Southmoor this year because my son’s kindergarten year was complete hell. My son came to Southmoor with the ability to read and write at almost a 1st grade reading level. His academics backslid dramatically as the year went on. Southmoor relies heavily on iStation learning. Students do not have homework, and do very little reading and writing (with actual books on actual paper) in school. What’s worse, is they have no discipline policies. My son came home with scratches and bruises on his face. He was choked and punched by several kids throughout the year. The teacher and the principal’s response was to have him meet with the school psychologist so he didn’t “internalize the violence”. I asked if these kids had consequences, such as a missed recess, and the answer was no, because that’s their only play time. The teacher had no classroom management or general love or concern for her class. Since Southmoor got a new principal and eliminated their magnet program, they thrive on nothing but their amazing PTA. Your child will be unsafe here and not learn anything. My son is so much happier at his new school!!
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2018

My daughter came from private school and moved into the HGT program. she has made so much growth year over year. I couldn't be happier and more excited to spread the love !
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2018

We've had a wonderful experience with this school. They are incredibly supportive, loving and go above and beyond for the students and family's. My kiddo has learning disabilities and they have done amazing things to help him. The staff, kids, parents and community are outstanding. They teach to the individual child and their hard work shows in everything they do. They offer so many extra programs and clubs it's hard to choose which to put your kids in. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2018

Issues not addressed, and my son has minor or mild disabilities and has got worse bc lack of attention needed. Had multiple issues of bullying with no/little resolution. Teachers on playground are not paying attention to children , they huddle up and socialize with other teachers instead of watching children. Teachers are nice but not teaching at grade level.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

The school looks at every child and their individual level, and has in place opportunities for them to succeed. Whether getting extra intervention if they are behind or being challenged if they are ready for it. They look at the children's individual learning styles as well. Principal is very engaging and helpful. Southmoor is a great place for you child to be!
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

Great, our child loves it and we do too.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2017

We agree with the negative comments below. Assistant principal 2016-2017 was amazing but her job was cut (due to funding we were told). Our kids have been so taken aback by the demeanor of many adults at this school who can often be heard yelling at students, scolding them, etc. Our well-adjusted daughter was in tears every day because of the some teachers and students. She switched schools this year and couldn't be happier in a more positive and better environment. In our opinion, it doesn't take a lot to keep our kids happy, just a somewhat kind and thoughtful teacher that challenges them. We didn't find this for the most part at Southmoor (there are exceptions of course, the 1/2 HGT teacher is amazing!) . The HGT program does not as a whole, offer a lot of social/emotional support for the kids (a few teachers do, of their own accord, but otherwise, they have no training in this according to the principal, nor does the principal have any desire for them to). From 3rd grade on, the students are expected to advocate for themselves and parents pushed aside. Often, we are singled out by teachers and admin as 'the only parents' with a concern--only to find out from other families later that they too shared the concern and had brought it to the principal or teachers attention. Aside from that, we are not one of the 25 families submitting formal complaints to DPS regarding teacher and principal behavior, but feel we easily could be. It often feels the administration is being dishonest. On a positive note, the art teacher does amazing projects with the kids and the front desk staff is incredibly friendly. The students in the HGT classes are also some of the nicest kids we have every met. Unfortunately, this doesn't make up for all of the negative things we've experienced here.
Submitted by other on April 21, 2017

Eight students leaving the Hgt Program, which was designed to meet their very special needs, is indicative of a very troubled school. Poor leadership, lack of action by DPS Administration have made Southmoor a joke for many parents, community members, and education professionals.
Submitted by other on April 20, 2017

Twenty-five formal complaints to DPS regarding the principal's behavior towards many parents and more than twenty-five former staff is hardly indicative of a well-functioning school.Community Member
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2017

My family has had children at this school for almost 10 years and we have seen such tremendous change and growth. The school looks at every child and their individual level, and has in place opportunities for them to succeed. Whether getting extra intervention if they are behind or being challenged if they are ready for it. They look at the children's individual learning styles as well. Project based learning, maker-space, enrichment programs, great use of technology. Negative comments come from a VERY small minority. Teachers are happy and feel empowered to shape their classroom and teaching. Principal is engaging and helpful. No school is perfect and change can be difficult, but Southmoor is a great place!
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2017

We've been nothing short of thrilled by our experience at Southmoor. Has it been perfect every single second? Well, of course not, but dang close. The entire community, the principal, the administration, the teachers, the parents, the community and the kids genuinely care about one another and about the school.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2017

amazing community of teachers, parents and kids.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2017

The HGT is nothing short of a utter embarrassment and academic mockery. The school administration and the DPS GT administrators do not care and are completely disorganized.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2017

The HGT has failed miserably this year. The Principal's actions and follow through are discouraging and repelling. Although the Assistant Principal has been helpful and genuine.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2016

Great teachers and community support. We love the HGT program as well as the traditional academics. Administration has done a phenomenal job of creating flexible classrooms so that kids leave their home room in order to join the most approprioate learning environment for their reading and math needs.