Kent Denver School

4000 East Quincy Avenue

Englewood, CO 80113

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 15, 2023

This School is by far the most amazing school. The small environment means lots of engagement. I see statement that "Kent" is not racially diverse. Colorado is generally not a very diverse state. That being said. People who think it's not diverse. Have not been around the school in 2022/23. It's extremely diverse. The stats online are incorrect. I'm a mother of two African American High Schoolers at Kent. I actually took a picture of a large group of students during a game. I was so proud to see so much diversity. The snooty perception exists all over the place but never felt that at Kent. The campus is beyond amazing and the attention from educators.... let's just say, they're invested. CA is great as well.
Submitted by other on December 17, 2022

I have mixed feelings about my time at Kent Denver. I attended throughout high school, and often look back and regret the decision to attend. To start on a positive note, the teachers are absolutely amazing. They are overwhelmingly supportive, knowledgeable, and, for lack of a better phrase, they just give a damn. That's hard to find these days- people who really care and are passionate about what they do. Teachers often double-up as coaches for sports or extracurriculars, and they bring that same passion to those activities. It's truly amazing what Kent's hiring process can do.On the other hand, the admission process is absolutely lackluster. The school would be great if not for the culture and the administration. A lot of this lies in admissions. If you were to ask a student about the academics, they would likely respond with the classic "I like school, I just hate the classes." It's a normal response, but the unappreciative, entitled nature of the student body is simply astounding. Teachers are given very little respect, and guest speakers are met with absolutely no respect at all. The school does little to promote any sense of good character in its students. I understand that's not the primary function of the school- you really get out of it what you put in- but for such a formative period for many students, Kent Denver treats this responsibility with such little care.These problems really do stem from the administration. Kent Denver utilizes a dean system, where deans are assigned to every class (freshmen, sophomores, etc.). For the most part, the deans are either absolutely abhorrent or just acceptable. The sense of entitlement does not end at the student body. The deans rule out punishments on a somewhat arbitrary and confusing metric not in line with the school's handbook. When students attempt to make a case for themselves it is honestly pointless. Compared to Kent Denver's administration, the federal court system looks like a god-sent embodiment of justice. I've seen fairer rulings handed out on Better Call Saul or in the Dark Knight Rises. Discipline is necessary for development, but the sheer absurdity of Kent's disciplinary system is actively detrimental to student's well-being and stifles healthy growth. If your child would not enjoy authoritarian North Korea, they probably would not be too fond of Kent Denver either.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2021

A warm and welcoming community, with both a dean and advisor to maintain communication and check in with students. My son finds the students respectful and engaging. During our two years, the teachers have all been superb. Quality food in the dining hall. A very active Parent Association with an abundance of opportunities to be involved in campus activities. Many talks for parents, in education and wellness, to better support our children at home. Stunning grounds and facilities on 200-acre campus! School spirit at sports events with some excellent teams. Academically challenging, interesting material and my son supported with continued positive messages.KDS handled Covid impeccably with safe practices and keeping students engaged.We’ve had a superb experience on all fronts.
Submitted by other on June 11, 2021

Kent Denver is an incredibly welcoming, inclusive community that allows the students to be their best selves! In the classroom, students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through a hands-on approach, and the teachers empower their students to be collaborative, creative, innovative both inside and outside the classroom. Kent Denver seeks to provide students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes the importance of health and wellness. This is a community where every child is valued, where their voices are heard, and where they can feel safe and included.
Submitted by other on March 04, 2019

My son started through the admissions process, but ultimately chose to not continue, as he decided he would never consider attending. The students, parents and staff are snooty and entitled. In conversations with one parent who had 3 children attend Kent, she told me the administrators actually change grades to improve a child's chance of getting into competitive colleges. What a sham. Another parent showed me her child's rejection letter, full of grammatical mistakes and typos. The school's reputation is not warranted. Check out Colorado Academy - solid academics and sports, but most importantly an authentic and caring community, focused on turning out well-rounded kids with solid character values.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2017

The school has an amazing faculty with good education background. They are passionate about the subjects they are teaching. They want every student to succeed. There are plenty of sports and extra-curricular activities a student can participate and grow. My son has participated in robotic club, policy debate, student government, and he took 3 science AP classes, 1 honors class...etc. It's a great school to learn and grow from.
Submitted by other on July 07, 2016

I am reviewing this school as a prospective parent who attended the school's various open houses, informational meetings, and theatrical productions. I came away feeling that the school was very average in most ways. I was not impressed at all with the academic programming, and in particular, was dismayed as I observed 6th graders try to type notes on their Ipads while at the same time understand the teachers' lessons. It wasn't pretty with the tech in the classroom, a lot of missing the point. The teaching faculty seemed committed and proud of their school, which was great to see, but I came away thinking that the school had a "discovery" educational platform rather than having a formal educational program that transferred knowledge from experienced teachers to students. It seemed very loose, a place where children just needed to feel good about themselves rather than obtain the skills needed to succeed in college. I was not impressed at the lack of talent in the vocal performance area; while the students were very much giving it their all, the quality was not there. It's incredible to have a full theater on campus with a fine arts department, but it is wasted without the musical and acting chops to back it up. As for facilities, they are outdated. Outdoor lockers in Colorado from the 70's? I know looks cannot be the basis for judgment but it does beg the question where all the tuition and donations go. Not at all impressed with their matriculation listing either...11 students attending the University of Pacific from one graduation class? This screams of inexperience in the college placement department. After calculating the potential cost of sending our three children to Kent (21 years of tuition =~$600k of after tax income), we determined that the actual return of a Kent education did not justify the expense. I am sure the name brand and bragging rights associated with Kent feel very good to parents who send their children there, but at the end of the day, hopefully those parents are content with that feeling because they may not get much more than that out of it.
Submitted by other on June 26, 2015

I graduated a couple of years ago from Kent. I am now attending an Ivy League University, and I am certain that I would never have ended up where I am without the help of the teachers, deans, and advisors that supported me at Kent. It's the best high school in the state--it has challenging academics, great extracurriculars, supportive staff that loves their job, an impressive endowment, etc.
Submitted by student on February 03, 2015

What I love about Kent is that it is filled with determined and eager people who don t want to accept good enough or average. This has made me a more complete student, player and person because when I succeed or fail, I know that I can do better the next time. What makes Kent Denver a unique place is that teachers are invested in the outcome of their students and genuinely care about kids learning new material that they can use later on in life. The availability of teachers every day during office hours and the openness that teachers display when asked via email if they can meet before or after school is something that sets Kent Denver apart from the rest. When determined and compassionate students work with caring and educated teachers, the outcome is extraordinary. What I have learned from Kent Denver is that even when you are feeling depressed about a weak Math test or a girl who was asked by someone else to a dance, it is the response you have that truly reveals your character. Through successes, failures and hardships, I have learned that my friends, teachers and family all will be there for me. And the thing that brings them all together is Kent Denver.
Submitted by other on December 05, 2014

It is like a smaller, less successful, and more pretentious version of Creek. I don't quite understand why people send their kids there - I spent a few months in that place and grew to hate it. Anyways I got my parents to switch me and have never been happier at CCHS. Why pay for a private education when some of the best public high schools are across I-25 for free?
Submitted by other on June 13, 2014

Kent Denver School is one of the best schools in the Denver area. The class size is small, the teachers are focused and attentive, and they do a great job preparing for college. Post my time there, I would estimate I was a full year ahead of the majority of my classmates at the University level. Extracurricular activities are top notch - the school has a primary focus on athletics. One note I would caution is that socially, it can be difficult if sports are not a main focus. In addition, starting in middle school and continuing through high school is much easier socially that starting in high school - especially for out of state newcomers.
Submitted by student on May 16, 2014

I am a current student at Kent Denver and I found a school that is second-to-none. In Academics, Sports, Social Life and in Community Standards Kent is high above any other school and represents a unique and diverse community of free thinkers and lovers of learning. Everything from the teachers and their willingness to tutor, encourage and support students in every aspect of their lives, both in and out of the classroom, to the small class sizes and championship winning sports teams Kent is head and shoulders above the rest. Coming to Kent Denver was one of the best decisions of my entire life and the experiences I have had here are some of the best I've ever had!
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2012

KDS not only provides excellent academic preparation but they also provide excellent life preparation w/ their core values. I have a graduate & a current student. Each have their own unique talents, & abilities & KDS provides wonderful opportunities & support . They have unsurpassed college counseling that really allows for the individuality of the child. My grad is attending the U of Chicago which is known to be a highly selective and academic school and feels she was well prepared by KDS to work at that level. My children have explored many outstanding opportunities like the fabulous art and drama departments, athletics, speech and debate and clubs. As a parent I feel equally lucky to be a part of this community. The parent education programs provided by the parent assoc are of the highest quality. I have grown as person as well as a parent through these opportunities. I have made life long friends with other parents here and feel the atmosphere is more of a family If you are looking for a school that provides rigorous academics, phenomenal extracurricular activities while ensuring the growth of the whole child through the core values, then this is the school for you!