Teller Elementary School

1150 Garfield Street

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 student on October 23, 2023

I went here a few years back and it was a very good and positive school. There were never any fights, the teachers and principles provided a bunch of support and there were also many fun activities we had done over the school years. The staff were always super kind to the students and the lunch was good.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2022

Its a wonderful school with very caring teachers, intense academic program, very nice facilities and involved parents.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2020

Terrible! Teaching against ideals of the foundation of America. Teaches incorrect history and refuses to address it. Should be defunded immediately.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2020

Very positive. We have kids who participate in the GT program and it has been instrumental in their development of "learning how to learn" - stoking curiosity, etc. The community is special here.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2019

The best part of Teller is the community.
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2019

I do not recommend this school. The children are in the hands of the staff who run the school without key knowledge for gifted and talented children, without clear criteria to treat children, abuse the rights of children, disrespect and make fun of parents. There is no equality or equity. It is a dangerous child development environment.lack appropriate structures to deal with conflicts.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2018

The after school enrichment programs and Discovery Link programs are a big hit with our household. There is a lot of variety in programs offered from chess club to band, art, science, etc. The one thing we wish we could change about the school is that there is currently no air conditioning, and the first weeks of school, when temperatures are the hottest, tend to be very uncomfortable for everyone.
Submitted by other on September 11, 2016

The principal, Jessica Rose Downs, leaves much to be desired. She may talk a good game but she doesn't practice what she preaches. The community that supports the school is wonderful. Many families give generously to the school and voluntarily serve on various committees benefiting the students and teachers. There has been a lot of staff turnover during Ms. Downs' time as principal. Many excellent educators have moved to other assignments in no small part because they couldn't work with Ms. Downs. This could be a superlative school if not for her lack of leadership and her poor management. Other Denver Public Schools with similar demographics and, perhaps, less community are outperforming Teller on the DPS School Performance Framework.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2016

Because it's a school that's about community and teachers that care. We are grateful for the kindness and support we receive.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2016

This is our 3rd year at Teller, with 2 children, and we have had wonderful experiences with the teachers. We love the "extras" that our kids get at Teller, including music, art, PE and a trip to the library every week. The PTA and community involvement is pretty amazing. If it weren't for the difficulties we have experienced with leadership, particularly the principal, this rating would be great rather than good.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

This is my 5th year at Teller and I feel very fortunate to send my two children here. Our school has the most amazing staff and we are fortunate to have a huge music program, awesome arts and PE and also the best librarian around. The kids are encouraged and rewarded for good behavior, taught valuable character traits weekly, they have monthly pep rallys, every grade performs on stage, I can go on and on. The teachers and parents are very involved, it is a wonderful community to belong to. We are so lucky to live in this great neighborhood and go to Teller Elementary!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2016

Bullying is subtle and not handled appropriately by staff, especially the principle. Lots of lip service that they are addressing bullying, but not enough training given so that teachers can quickly recognize the deeper, underlying issues and imbalances amongst students.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2016

We've had a child here for several years now, and I can't imagine a better experience. The teaching staff communicates well with the parents, and the PTA is a strong and positive force. The single instance of bullying that we're aware of was handled quickly, appropriately, and respectfully. The librarian at Teller is the most amazing man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He has created a world-class children's library and he is deeply engaged with all the children in the school. We have other children who will be attending when they're older, and it's a comfort to know that they will be going to Teller.
Submitted by other on September 29, 2015

I have two children at Teller and couldn't be happier with our experience at this school. The teachers, leadership and school staff are incredible and work extremely hard to make sure that all of our students meet their full potential. Ours arts, music, PE and library staff really help balance the academic rigor and give the children multiple ways to express themselves. The intervention team and gifted teacher work hard to make sure all students are challenged to reach their full potential. We love Teller!
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2015

I transferred my son, who has special needs, into the 4th grade at Teller last year and I couldn't be happier with the school. His classroom teacher was outstanding. She made school safe and fun for him. He reported no issues with being bullied, which is a big deal for him. He also made excellent academic progress. My son's whole demeanor changed because he felt valued by his teachers and peers and because he was being challenged and included at school. I owe a debt of gratitude to Teller Elementary. I feel that it is a hidden gem--a neighborhood school with well-rounded instruction, enrichment classes like music and art, in an urban and diverse setting.
Submitted by principal on August 13, 2015

At Teller we always … Ask questions. Share ideas. Cite evidence. Celebrate growth! Our staff is committed to living out the shared values within Denver Public Schools. These values are Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun!
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2014

I can't say enough about our amazing school. We have an excellent theater, music, art and physical education program. The teachers and staff are phenomenal, as well as the family involvement is beyond amazing. We are so lucky to be a part of this community. We have a school garden and the produce is served in the cafeteria. Other special things about our school is the back pack program, sending food home on Friday's to families in need. The Penny Harvest teaches our kids to be young philanthropists and donate pennies collected to organizations of their choice. We have a wide range of enrichment programs including Math rocks, knitting, cooking classes, fashion classes, hip hop, ballet, gymnastics, soccer, etc. Overall, I feel privileged to send my two kids to this great school!!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2014

Teller has had a lot of struggles in the past years but has a devoted and committed community of teachers, parents, and students that keep striving to make the school better and better. It is evident with rising test scores, enrollment and parent satisfaction.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2014

Teller Elementary is a wonderful community based school that provides a good education and a diverse student body. Our music department led by Jennifer Bartos is amazing and I love that my children go to a school where the arts are appreciated and celebrated. Ms. Down's, the principal, attends all PTA meetings and makes herself available for parents as well. Anytime there has been a situation at Teller, Ms. Down's has made every effort to be involved and rectify the situation. There has been teacher turnover in recent years, but in my opinion, that has been necessary to create a stronger teacher community and keep Teller moving forward. My son has since graduated from Teller and was fully prepared for the rigorous academics of his chartered middle school. I am confident that my two children who still attend Teller will be amply prepared as well.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2014

My 3 children attend(ed) this school. We have nothing but positive things to say. The three of them have different learning styles. Each of their needs have been met. Love all of the staff and teachers.