William (Bill) Roberts K-8 School

2100 North Akron Way

School District

Denver County 1
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
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 23, 2025

I have two students at Bill Roberts, middle school and elementary who have been here since Kindergarten. I can't say enough good things about this school. From rigorous academics to community events almost every weekend! Every year keeps getting better. They got a new principal 2 years ago and it only made things more exciting. He held tight to all the wonderful traditions but brought some new energy. Teachers are all experienced and so engaged at the school. And I love that my middle schooler still sees their sibling every day. Middle schoolers are more focused on academics than their phones. Love this school.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2025

There aren't a lot of recent reviews on here so, even though I'm not really the type to leave reviews in general, I figured I probably should share my extremely positive experience with Bill Roberts. Some of the more recent negative reviews relate to Covid/School-from-home issues with IEPs, which I think was a bit of nationwide problem, as well as some specific issues from a former teacher. I'm a parent of a middle schooler at Bill Roberts, and she absolutely loves it. There have been some leadership changes in the past few years, with a new principle who is doing great work, new middle school leadership (amazing), and some new teachers who are unbelievably well-qualified and adored by the students. The school has a great community. Social-emotional support is definitely prioritized. Homework is reasonable, if on the easy side, but the academic challenge in the classroom seems to be pretty well keyed in. The school feels well staffed, and the kids know everyone from the security guard, lunchroom staff, admins, and teachers by name. Art, Drama, PE, STEM/STEAM, and middle school sports all seem to be really thriving. Grateful every day that my daughter has such a great school to attend. Thanks for reading!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2023

Bill Roberts is an amazing school! We have had the best experience thus far. The teachers are caring and so many of them have been at the school since it's beginning. The administration is dedicated and listens to the students and parents. The parent community is connected and very involved in the school. The academics are outstanding and the school has solid support for ISL, Special Education, Intervention and Gifted & Talented. The specials are amazing, library each week, good food and great facilities. Both my kids (2nd, 5th) have enjoyed every minute here!
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2021

I have two kiddos here, one in elementary and one in middle school. They have been at BR for the past 3 years. Their experiences, while quite different, have both been very positive. My oldest started here already far behind her peers and has had a harder time catching up. She was placed on a 504. All of the teachers she had has here have been so great with her. They almost always respond the same day when I have questions or concerns. I love that the middle school is much smaller than others in the area, which really gives the teachers and other kids a chance to really know each other. It just feels much more personal. I also love the inclusion of everyone (my daughter is definitely NOT a girlie-girl and a bit on the quirky side) but she has a great group of friends. Neither of my kids have ever been bullied, which was not the case at their old school. My son has thrived here. Overall, I have been incredibly happy with their experience.
Submitted by other on April 24, 2021

I’m truly disappointed to have to write such a poor review For BRE but the truth is that both admin and some of the teachers are not to be trusted. As a parent and having been previously employed there I can attest to having been lied to right to my face. Children are less important here than staff and Nepotism is rampant in this school. Not to mention the emotional damage done to my children during this pandemic by their teachers of which the school was unwilling to address. It took me getting the superintendent involved in order to resolve these issues of things like name calling, public shaming and unwillingness to adhere to 504 and IEP guidelines. What kind of school puts up with this type of behavior from its staff? The school is totally mismanaged and unorganized. I wouldn’t work there or send my kids there next year. I quit my job there on good terms only to be badmouthed by admin making it near impossible to get a job anywhere else inside of DPS. My children are going to different schools next year. My son is constantly bullied and very little has been done to stop it. I now have to work backwards to try and undo the damage done to my children.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2019

Hearbreaking to have to transfer for 8th grade but too unbearble to return and could not trust teachers and administration in being truthful, collaborating on IEP and embracing child as member of the community.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

My son was bored in 7th grade and is as well in his current 8th grade year. Many of his friends say the same thing. It’s not a teen/pre-teen thing or academic issue. He’s getting great grades. He just finds Bill Roberts unfulfilling. He talks about the school not having a lot of variety and being a little tired of going to school at the same place for so long. He still stays in touch with friends at other middle schools and they seem to be more enthusiastic about their schools.The teachers are good but the middle school just lacks an identity and spirit. I know Bill Roberts ranks well in the current school reports but I don’t think that really says much. I hope that is the case for every school in Stapleton given the privilege we have in this neighborhood! Bill Roberts is a safe and comfortable place to go to school which is perfectly fine for some people. I recommend casting a wider net and looking hard at the other options. Change is good.
Submitted by other on December 20, 2016

I have been part of this school community for many years and have seen stable leadership in the principal position. It's rare to find a school who has a principal that's been in the position for 10 years. She is a wonderful lady who puts her students first all the time. The assistant principal position, naturally has higher turnover, as people in that position are usually moving up to a principal job at some point. I read a review recently that said some rather unkind things about the current middle school assistant principal. I'm not sure what that person sees, but from my perspective, and I've worked with other assistant principals at Roberts, he is outstanding. He knows every student, he takes the time to meet with any family who needs it, he has built up staff and student culture to be a fantastic place to work and learn, he has written grants and led the charge to bring a state of the art STEM lab to Roberts, and he has led the middle school to be the highest performing middle school in a competitive boundary, and puts the needs of his students and families first. If anything, I sincerely hope he sticks around for a long time because administrators like him don't come around very often. My kids absolutely love him and often come home and share things he is teaching (yes, he also teaches). I was tempted to leave Roberts for another middle school, just to get a change of scenery, but stayed for him. Together, he and the principal are a fantastic team, they work well together, and I couldn't be happier. My kids couldn't be happier, and in a time when they hate everything and are always bored (middle school years), they are happy too. That's priceless.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2016

My family is now in our 4th year at Bill Roberts. What originally brought us here was the Advanced Kindergarten. Some may say that it isn't any different than regular kindergarten but (personally speaking) when my son was in the class, he was getting exposed to books, learnings and unique curriculum - (including architecture and building structures) that I didn't realize would be included at that level. While every child is different, my son was quoting and reading The Magic Treehouse series by the time he was finished with AK. What has kept us here is the Administration, Teachers and definitely the parent community. Going to school back in the 70s and 80's, school was a different experience. The relationships that our families made within the school community was never like it is today. And honestly, it never had to be like this. Whether it's a business relationship, personal relationship or school relationship - what keeps us in it is trust, involvement, personal and intellectual growth (and clearly academic - as it relates to school) and commitment. This school community works together in continuous mission. I live near other great schools here in Stapleton, with Bill Roberts being one of the furthest from our home. However, I can't imagine leaving this fantastic K-8. ----------------------FYI, there are always fundraisers but that is the state of education. The government doesn't fund schools with what they really need. In order for a school to run efficiently and provide enough of the REAL resources and teachers that make a school positively competitive, fundraising must happen. Many are not aware of this. So many think our tax dollars get delivered directly to our public school. It doesn't. As parents, it's important for us to continually educate ourselves on the different amendments and bills that affect the HEALTH of our public schools. Our kids are there at least 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. We need their 40 hour weeks to be great and well supported. There are always going to be those parents who have something to complain about ... But those are also the parents who don't do anything to help the school in any manner. That in itself is a character flaw which is everywhere - sadly. But for all of you parents in it for the long run (and want a solid school for their kids), check out Bill Roberts.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2016

What's sad about this comment board is that there were several negative reviews / comments posted about the school and the leadership...or lack therof. They were not offensive and provided a point of view some may not like or want to hear. However, they have been deleted. While I will check my doubts and skepticism, it seems they've been pulled and replaced with several fluff reviews. This isn't a balanced source of information. Sad day for a source that is supposedly "a safe place to share your honest opinions of a school, whether good or bad." I'm sure this will be pulled down as well in order to make sure BR looks as good as possible! Sorry folks if you cannot handle criticism. So, in an attempt to be even more politically correct, here's my Bill Robert's assessment. Teachers are mostly great. The administration is not. Grade school is good. Look really hard at other options for middle school. Your child will thank you for it.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2016

I have 2 daughters at Bill Roberts in 1st and 4th grade, and I fully plan on sending my 3rd there as well. They have been there since ECE and we have had nothing but amazing teachers. The school has great leadership, evidenced by the teachers' professional development opportunities, their latitude to adapt the curricula based on their own style and expertise, and by so many other factors. Teachers are award winning and quite simply, they care. My 4th grader loves school. She told someone yesterday when asked if she was looking forward to summer, "not so much." When asked why, she said "my teachers are awesome." Beyond the amazing educators and administrators, the family involvement is amazing. I feel very fortunate to be able to send my daughters to this school!
Submitted by other on March 20, 2016

Bill Roberts provides a safe, happy and academically rigorous education ECE-8th grade. We are pleased that our 5th grader will continue into middle school in a school that nurtures the whole child and builds an intentional culture of learning.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2016

Here's the pros/cons of Bill RobertsPros- Generally good teachers across the board with several rock stars.- If you have two or more children, BR is a convenient option to have all your kids on in one place - ECE through 8th grade.- Active parent participation whether it is volunteering or fundraising.Cons- The middle school is an afterthought. BR is and always will be a grade school first . That is where the resources go.- The middle school curriculum is "meh." BR is trying to make some changes by adding more extracurriculars and a STEAM lab but they are a "me too" proposition.- The middle school is small and there's not a lot of variety.- The middle school lacks a defined culture. - There's a lot to be desired in the assistant principal in charge of the middle school. His predecessor was fantastic. He left big shoes to fill and the current asst principal hasn't done it yet. Odd fit and kind of weak.Net/net, BR is a good school for the grade school years. However, they will always chase the other middle schools like DSST, McAuliffe, and DDS who have better defined programs and are focused on one thing only - the middle school experience. Leadership is lacking too. The school needs a person with real experience, not a person whose claim to fame is an academic credential (PhD).
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2016

From the time my oldest started ECE-3 to the time my youngest finishes 8th grade, I will be a parent at Bill Roberts for 14 years! I cannot imagine a better community for my children and my family. The teachers and staff are dedicated and the education they provide is wonderful. I cannot say enough good things about Bill Roberts.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2016

In our seven years at Bill Roberts, we have had nothing short of an exceptional experience! The staff is out of this world incredible and my children are THRIVING. From middle school to ECE, Roberts challenges these children to be the very best they can be...all in the most wonderful, safe, loving environment. The parent community mirrors this excellence and supports these children as they grow. We are grateful for this incredible community of teachers, parents and learners!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2016

Our experience at this school was not a good one. The principal is very difficult. This is something that is known throughout the community and is something families are expected to learn to live with. There are a few strong teachers peppered throughout the building. Getting one of them is a gamble for most. If you notice at the start of the year, these teachers will have 3-4 more students on their lists and the students/families who get these teachers are in some way connected to school activities or teachers within the school.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

From the minute my children attended Bill Roberts, I was amazed by the incredible sense of community and pride. Parents and teachers are very involved in all aspects of the school. The staff is wonderful and welcoming. And not to leave out the most important thing, my kids love Bill Roberts and being Bobcats!
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

We are a fifth year Bill Roberts family. I am astounded every year how each teacher is able to use his/her creativity to teach each child differently. The administration gives the teachers all the power and allows them to teach in their own individual way. The parent community is very supportive and my kids are thriving !
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

Bill Roberts is an excellent school with a caring staff and lots of activities to choose from. The school promotes healthy lifestyles with a strong wellness program and great sense of community.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

My family LOVES Bill Roberts, and each one of our children has had nothing short of a great experience at this school. The administration and staff are so committed to making the school a welcoming, safe yet academically stimulating place to be. There are countless ways for parents to be involved in their child's experience at Bill Roberts. Great school all around!