Heart of Denver Properties

Polo

The Polo Club is one of Denver’s few gated communities. It is best characterized as Cherry Creek without town homes or condos. Almost exclusively single family homes, the polo club has the most expensive homes in the City of Denver. The location is as good as any. Just to the north is Cherry Creek, to the West is Washington Park and the Country Club, and to the south is Belcaro. Home construction includes some of the largest and most grandiose new and newer structures seen anywhere in the state, including the City of Aspen.

Useful Stats

One-Year Appreciation Rate¹: 10.00%

Crime Rating²: 197

Please Note: The information on this page is believed to be accurate, however consult directly with your Heart of Denver Properties Realtor or other professional to ensure that you have access to current and accurate data.

1. Source: Zillow. Neighborhoods represented by more than one zip code reflect the average of all zip codes.

2. The crime index suggests the risk of certain types of crime occuring in this community as compared to the national average. The national average for each type of crime equals a score of 100, so a score of 200 would represent twice the risk as the national average, and a score of 50 would represent half the risk of the naitonal average. Neighborhoods represented by more than one zip code reflect the average of all zip codes.

Neighborhood Schools

Asbury Elementary School
Grades: PK-5
Cory Elementary School
Grades: PK-5
Grant Middle School
Grades: 6-8
McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School
Grades: PK-5
Merrill Middle School
Grades: 6-8
Slavens Elementary School
Grades: PK-8
South High School
Grades: 9-12
University Park Elementary School
Grades: PK-5

Asbury Elementary School

Grades: PK-5

Enrollment: 206

Special Features: All-day kindergarten offered; All-day early childhood education offered

About Asbury Elementary School: Asbury Elementary School is a historic landmark in southeast Denver with a long history of academic excellence. Our neighborhood school is home to innovative, hands-on, creative learning opportunities for about 300 children in Early Childhood Education (ECE) through grade five (5). Community and parental involvement as well as a safe environment are keys to the success of Asbury’s overall program of excellence. Our maxim is: “I am a life-long learner. I will take advantage of every chance to learn with the help of family, school, and community.” This drives our goals for instruction as we strive to meet the individual needs of each student, as well as improve student achievement. Toward that end, we have paraprofessionals for every classroom, Challenge program, physical education, library media center, art, music, English Language Acquisition (ELA), Kaleidoscope Corner, Special Education Pull Out, and two self-contained special education classes, student teachers and enrichment programs developed with the University of Denver. We are proud that our students are making gains as measured on the CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) tests. In the 2004 school year Asbury was rated “high” according to state ratings which are based on CSAP test scores. We have implemented the literacy and Everyday Math program in classrooms to further support the advancement of student achievement. At Asbury, academic focus is balanced with a sense of the arts, compassion for community, school and family. An “open-door” policy encourages families and community to visit at any time.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): High

77% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 81% in math, and 70% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Stable

77% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 81% in math, and 70% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 78.6% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 67.7% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 7.0 years of experience, compared to 9.3 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 95.0%, compared to 94.8% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Special Programs: Special Programs 2003-2004
· Before or after school program (Kaleidoscope Corner-303/764-3761)
· English as a Second Language Resource program.
· Special Education Center Program (2003-04).

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 9 year(s) of experience overall and 4 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Student Council
Destination Imagination
Balarat
AmeriTowne
Jump Rope Club
Before- and after-school programs and activities sponsored through Art Reach grants

Source of Data: Information on this page comes from Denver Public Schools. Data is current as of the 2004-05 school year, unless otherwise noted. District averages on this page are for elementary schools. For more information about this school, contact your school principal or contact the Public Information Office of Denver Public Schools. This profile was produced by GreatSchools.net, a non-profit organization at www.greatschools.net.

Cory Elementary School

Grades: PK-5

Enrollment: 369

Special Features: All-day kindergarten offered; All-day early childhood education offered

About Cory Elementary School: Cory students, parents, teachers, and staff are dedicated to excellence. Curriculum is delivered through multiple approaches emphasizing hands-on techniques that permit students to engage directly in learning activities. Cory bases its instruction on a balanced literacy program, providing students with skill development, phonics, and a strong literature-based reading program. Reading and writing are woven into all areas of study. Hands-on math and science programs, complemented with full time library, p.e., art, and music programs, result in a dynamic and challenging school experience. Cory aims to instill in each student a life-long love of learning.

The Cory PTA is a vital component of learning at our school. The Enrichment Program, offered before and after school, is organized and manned by PTA volunteers. Chess Club, Destination Imagination, Club Amigos, Science Matters, and Great Books are just a few examples of the many opportunities that enhance our students' education.

Our student body consists of neighborhood students, district-identified highly gifted and talented students, students who are here through "choice," an intermediate classroom for students with emotional disabilities, and a classroom for students that are identified as "twice exceptional" (gifted with learning disabilities).

Cory's "pay for performance" goals focus on staff development and its direct impact on our instruction and our students' success. We are currently involved in learning about the instruction of reading and writing as well as hands on math and science programs. Our staff development also includes continuous training in meeting the needs of children with exceptional ability as well as individualized and differentiated instruction to meet the academic needs of all our students.

Accountability is an important component of our program. A variety of tools are used on a daily basis to monitor students' academic growth. Additionally, assessments such as ITBS and CSAP give an overall view of a student's performance. The Cory CDM reviews academic needs and student performance to insure a continuous dynamic program.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Excellent

85% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 86% in math, and 72% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Significant Improvement

85% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 86% in math, and 72% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 73.9% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 67.7% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 11.0 years of experience, compared to 9.3 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 95.2%, compared to 94.8% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 3 year(s) of experience overall and 3 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Family nights (art, astronomy, math); GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) & PRISM; School-wide thematic units; Second Step/Peer Mediation; Grade level and school-wide performances; Standards-based report cards; Varied competitions (Anne Frank, Geography Bee, Science Fair, Young Authors); Music (vocal and instrumental). Awards: Member of faculty selected as Teacher of the Year.

Grant Middle School

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment: 426

Special Features:

About Grant Middle School: Grant Middle School is a southcentral Denver urban school, built in 1953, and designated as a historical landmark noted for its architectural design. The 2002-2003 student body is composed of 450 students. These students come from several different areas of the city and represent all ethnic backgrounds. The new legislation, "Leave No Child Behind" has increased our enrollment as parents have exercised their rights under the ESEA ACT of 2002. Our primary elementary schools are Asbury, McKinley Thatcher, Rosedale, Schmidt and Godsman. Grant Middle School submitted to the Board of Education an application in 2001 to restructure its instructional program to better align with its community. Our redesign proposal was successful and we emerged as The School of Communications.

Our mission statement supports our goals of providing students with the written, oral and interpersonal skills necessary to excel in any academic endeavor. In addition, students are exposed to a diverse array of career opportunities in the communication industries. This communications focus is achieved through electives such as Arts/Media and Technology, enrichment programs, community and educational partnerships, and integrated course work.

Historically Grant's Language Arts department has excelled in writing competitions such as the Anne Frank Writing Awards, British Isles TIAA/CREF Writing Contest, VFW Patriotism Essay and Stop the Violence Essay contests. In addition to Grant's communications program, the school offers after school activities and athletics.

The results from the 2002 CSAP reflected positive growth in eighth grade reading. Sixth and seventh grade reading and writing remained flat and our 8th grade math scores dropped. Historically our scores have increased annually. In 2001 the Board of Education recognized Grant for their increase in scores in both reading and writing for sixth and seventh graders.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Low

37% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 23% in math, and 33% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Decline

37% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 23% in math, and 33% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 78.3% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 66.8% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 13.0 years of experience, compared to 9.7 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 89.0%, compared to 92.7% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Special Programs: Special Programs 2003-2004
· Transitional Native Language Instruction program.
· Special Education Center Program (2003-04).

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 8 year(s) of experience overall.

Programs and Awards: We have a G/T pull out program that involves students in History Day, Destination Imagination, Semantics and the Geography Bee. In addition, Denver University sponsors two programs, that Grant students are participants of, they are the World Affairs Challenge competition and Liberty Day Colorado. Our sustained silent reading program, our focused writing program and our extensive staff development on the reading writing connection have helped us gain recognition by the Board of Education. The Studio Literacy program in 6th and 7th grade offers 90 minutes of focused student centered instruction to improve reading and writing skills. The English Language Acquisition (ELA) program serves students who are learning English. The instructional program is based on the Student Language Assessment Scale (inventory score). The program is transitional in that its goal is to use efficient and effective techniques to provide ELA students with the English language skills they need to meaningfully participate in the district's mainstream English language instructional program.

Source of Data: Information on this page comes from Denver Public Schools. Data is current as of the 2004-05 school year, unless otherwise noted. District averages on this page are for middle schools. For more information about this school, contact your school principal or contact the Public Information Office of Denver Public Schools. This profile was produced by GreatSchools.net, a non-profit organization at www.greatschools.net.

McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School

Grades: PK-5

Enrollment: 172

Special Features: All-day kindergarten offered; All-day early childhood education offered

About McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School: The mission of McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School is to prepare our students to be self-directed, literate, critical thinkers who actively participate as citizens in their communities and the world.

McKinley-Thatcher Elementary is an ECE-Grade 5 neighborhood school located in the West Washington Park area of Denver. The school's small size, experienced staff, rigorous curriculum, active parent involvement, and supportive business community contribute to creating a challenging, nurturing and personalized educational experience for all students.

McKinley-Thatcher offers an Early Childhood Education (ECE) morning program open to four-year-olds who are residents of Denver. The ECE program is supported by parent tuition and scholarships based on income. The school also offers a half-day afternoon kindergarten program, an extended-day kindergarten program funded by parent tuition and limited scholarships, and classes for students in grades 1-5. McKinley-Thatcher's Mild/Moderate Special Education program assists students who have learning differences by providing them with individual and small group support and consultation with their classroom teachers. Identified Gifted and Talented students are provided project-based and service-learning opportunities to develop their talents and leadership skills. The Kaleidoscope Corner childcare program offers fee-based, quality onsite before and after school childcare for students.

McKinley-Thatcher utilizes the Denver Public Schools curriculum to focus students' efforts on acquiring the knowledge and skills that lead to academic success. In addition, the school strives to develop the multiple intelligences, unique talents and varied interests of its students by incorporating hands-on science, a strong library/media program, technology, music, art, affective education, and daily physical education.

McKinley-Thatcher uses a variety of nature-based educational programs to develop a bond between children and nature, teach science concepts in a hands-on way, and integrate literacy and other content areas studies with science and outdoor education. Partnering with us in this effort are the National Wildlife Federation, the Denver Zoo, the Audubon Society, the Thorne Institute, and the South Platte River Environmental Education (SPREE) Program. McKinley-Thatcher was the pilot school for the SPREE program and has for the past seven years worked with SPREE to promote the use of the South Platte River as an outdoor classroom to teach students about the local flora and fauna and promote an appreciation for the critical role of the South Platte River in Denver’s past and future.

The goal of McKinley-Thatcher’s literacy program is to help all students gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful readers and writers. Balanced literacy instruction in the classrooms is enhanced by the use of computer-based programs including Inspiration, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office, KidPix and the Internet to teach students multiple ways to access and represent knowledge using the tools of the age. Perfect Copy, a computer based editing program, provides students with editing practice to improve their writing. Scholastic Reading Counts, our school wide computer-based motivational reading program, combines books with technology to motivate students to higher levels of independent reading. McKinley-Thatcher’s comprehensive focus on literacy has resulted in the school ranking in the top 10 of all DPS schools in reading for the past four years, as measured by the CSAT Reading Assessment.

Member’s of McKinley-Thatcher's PTA, parent volunteers, and community volunteers provide valued support to McKinley-Thatcher students and staff in a variety of ways. The PTA funds and organizes many school-wide programs including: RIF (Reading is Fundamental) book giveaways and assemblies, a Bike Safety Program, hands-on science programs, Community Resource program speakers, and field trips. The PTA also helps fund and organize after-school and lunch time enrichment activities such as knitting, Legos, science club, beading, art, Spanish, dance, and chess club. For the past three years McKinley-Thatcher has had the highest number of participating elementary school teams in the Destination Imagination and Rising Stars annual spring competition.

Our school vision: McKinley-Thatcher, in partnership with parents and the community, can make a significant difference in the lives of our students, the communities in which they live, and the world.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): High

91% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 78% in math, and 72% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Significant Improvement

91% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 78% in math, and 72% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 90.0% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 67.7% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 16.0 years of experience, compared to 9.3 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 95.0%, compared to 94.8% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Special Programs: Special Programs 2003-2004
· Before or after school program (Kaleidoscope Corner-303/764-3761)

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 2 year(s) of experience overall and 2 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Awards include: Dr. Judith Girard, 2005-2006 Who’s Who of American Teachers; Laura Scott, 2004-2005 Who's Who of American Teachers; 2001-02 South Platte Environmental Education (SPREE) School of the Year; 1998-1999 Governor's Fitness Award; and “Shape Up Across Colorado.”

Programs include: Reading is Fundamental, Scholastic Reading Counts, Kaleidoscope Corner; Jump Rope for Heart; Spelling Bee; and Destination Imagination and Rising Stars.

Merrill Middle School

Grades: 6-8

Enrollment: 677

Special Features:

About Merrill Middle School: Merrill Middle School is a school comprised of neighborhood, choice and international students. Merrill has three major strands that outline the structure of our school. The first strand is for the traditional middle school student called Merrill Mainstream. In this strand we have rigorous classes that move students through the Denver Public Schools -approved curriculum at a pace that is intended to complete one grade level or better of achievement during the year. The second strand is the Honors Program. The students in the Honors Program must complete the Honors Application, provide documentation and be accepted into the program by the third week of the fall semester. The Honors Program examines students’ grades, CSAP (Colorado Student Assessment Program) scores or other standardized test evidence, and recommendations made by teachers. If accepted, students have choices for their curriculum over and above the DPS approved curriculum and have the opportunity to advance beyond grade level. The third strand is for students from many countries of the world who come to Merrill for intensive classes in the English Language Acquisition Magnet Program (ELA). These students enjoy all the core classes (language arts, math, science and social studies) together with no mainstream or honors students included. They are integrated with the rest of the school during the enrichment classes, lunch and all social activities. The ELA (English Language Acquisition) students add a level of richness and diversity that is unparalleled in Denver Public Schools. Students with special needs are integrated into any one of the three strands as appropriate. We also have classes and support activities for those students identified by the district as gifted and talented. Because the ELA students are assigned to busses that come from every corner of the city, Merrill enjoys providing transportation for almost any student who requests it (students living within 2 ½ miles of the school are not allocated transportation, however). Academic based clubs and the complete Prep League sports program support achievement for the entire school population. At Merrill we strive to create a balance between academic rigor, social interaction and sports activities. Merrill has a dedicated staff that serves our students and community with subject-area expertise and experience in adolescent learning. Our staff chooses to work with students at this age and to meet the challenges of adolescent development with vivid, engaging lessons and a wholesome learning environment. We are proud to offer the entire city a high quality standards based middle school education for the parents and students of this community.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Low

41% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 24% in math, and 33% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Stable

41% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 24% in math, and 33% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 75.7% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 66.8% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 14.0 years of experience, compared to 9.7 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 91.9%, compared to 92.7% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Special Programs: Special Programs 2003-2004
· Foreign language program
· Transitional Native Language Instruction program.
· English as a Second Language Resource program.
· Special Education Center Program (2003-04).

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 2 year(s) of experience overall and 2 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: PROGRAMS: Merrill has many programs and activities for students of all grade levels. We are proud of our Educating for Character activities for the whole school. We have a full range Honors Program, separate Gifted and Talented Program and National Junior Honor Society. We host SOAR, a free after-school program run by Parks and Recreation of Denver, Restorative Justice, ReLay, an at-risk youth tutoring program, grade level tutoring three days a week, Merrill Mediators, leadership class, student council, peer mediators, vocal music and instrumental music.

SPORTS: Fall sports: Boys’ soccer, girls’ softball, flag-football, girls’ volleyball and co-ed cross country. Winter sports: boys’ and girls’ basketball and wrestling. Spring sports: baseball, girls’ soccer and track.

ENRICHMENT/CLUBS: National Junior Honor Society, Honors Program, Gifted and Talented Program, Merrill Players Theater, Shakespeare Festival, Math Counts, Student Council, Yearbook, Earth-keepers, Technology Club, Destination Imagination, History Day, MESA (Math/Engineering Science Association), Service Learning and Cherry Creek Festival Mobile Arts Exhibit.

AWARDS: Championship Sports Program, M/S Sportsmanship Award, Sushi Redi-Van Art Award, Shakespeare Festival, Anne Frank Competition, Energy/Science Competition, SCFD Alliance Arts Middle School grant, Lights on After School grant, Semantics Competition Award, Young Poets, Scholastic Arts, All City Choir and All City Band.

Source of Data: Information on this page comes from Denver Public Schools. Data is current as of the 2004-05 school year, unless otherwise noted. District averages on this page are for middle schools. For more information about this school, contact your school principal or contact the Public Information Office of Denver Public Schools. This profile was produced by GreatSchools.net, a non-profit organization at www.greatschools.net.

Slavens Elementary School

Grades: PK-8

Enrollment: 456

Special Features: All-day kindergarten offered; All-day early childhood education offered

About Slavens Elementary School: Slavens School radiates with a spirit of warmth, discipline, humor and excellence. We have a challenging academic program that supports every child as a learner of worth and dignity. We strive to personalize teaching to ensure that all students learn to read critically, write effectively, speak articulately, and think logically and creatively in all disciplines including mathematics, the sciences and social studies and demonstrate these abilities on our standardized exams (CSAP). We offer vigorous physical education, community service opportunities and the lively pursuit of the arts. All of this provides a profound and well-balanced education for each and every student.

The school atmosphere is such that all students are called upon to be trustworthy, kind, honest and fair. We work with students to be respectful of oneself, of property and of all members of the school community. As students assume ever-greater responsibility for their studies and their lives, they develop the natural pride and self-confidence that comes with accomplishment.

Parents are involved in all aspects of the school from helping in the classroom to guiding the future of Slavens as members of the collaborative decision-making team. The P.T.A. presents parent educational programs, raises funds, coordinates volunteer activities and sponsors social events that serve to strengthen school and community ties. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the partnership between school and home.

We invite you to visit Slavens and to see for yourself if our school is a good fit for you and your child.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Excellent

85% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 83% in math, and 74% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Elem: Significant Improvement, Mid: Decline

85% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 83% in math, and 74% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 79.2% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 66.8% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 11.0 years of experience, compared to 9.7 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 95.7%, compared to 92.7% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Special Programs: Special Programs 2003-2004
· Before or after school program (Kaleidoscope Corner-303/764-3761)

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 3 year(s) of experience overall and 1 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Honored as one of eight 2001 National Schools of Character. Recognized by Colorado Governor for high academic achievement growth rates. Powerfully effective partnerships among students, teachers and parents. Master teachers with expertise in content areas and the deep structures of learning. A middle school with high levels of student behavior, motivation and performance. Numerous after-school programs. Parent education program. Challenge program employing architects and architecture to create interdisciplinary learning. Exemplary middle school sports program. Dynamic arts program.

Source of Data: Information on this page comes from Denver Public Schools. Data is current as of the 2004-05 school year, unless otherwise noted. District averages on this page are for middle schools. For more information about this school, contact your school principal or contact the Public Information Office of Denver Public Schools. This profile was produced by GreatSchools.net, a non-profit organization at www.greatschools.net.

South High School

Grades: 9-12

Enrollment: 1334

Special Features:

About South High School: Opening its doors in 1926, South High School has provided a positive learning experience to students in the Denver area for many years. Current enrollment is 1377 students. Positive attributes include: a safe academic atmosphere, a comprehensive high school program including a wide range of Advanced Placement Courses, a multitude of clubs and activities. South High is an ESL (English Speakers of other Languages) magnet school bringing together students from over 60 different countries who speak 45 languages. Approximately 42% of the population qualify for free/reduced-price lunch, and our stability rate is 80%.

South High students are making strides in academic achievement. South High School had some of the highest ACT scores among Hispanic students in the metro area in 2002. Additionally, significant gains were made on statewide CSAP tests in reading and writing.

Scheduling at South allows students to select up to eight different classes taught in the alternating block format. Special programs include the Academies of Travel and Tourism, Finance, and the newly created Electronics Academy which guarantees student placement in a high paying job following the completion of a the three year program. Other offerings include a social problems class which explores current issues, drafting courses that are taught in conjunction with Arapahoe Community College, and an interactive math program that meets high standards as determined by leading mathematics educators. A full slate of courses are offered in the fines arts,consumer and family studies, and business education. Additionally, South High School is to home to an award winning JROTC program.

South High School offers a setting where parent and community involvement and participation are encouraged and supported. The staff and administration of South High School contribute to a climate where student success is the ultimate goal.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Low

38% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 9% in math, and 26% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Decline

38% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 9% in math, and 26% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 76.4% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 69.3% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 11.0 years of experience, compared to 9.8 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 85.0%, compared to 87.4% districtwide
· The graduation rate for this school (2003-04) is 78.9%, compared to 81.0% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 2 year(s) of experience overall and 2 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Award-winning art department; 1999 Distinguished Teacher Award: Diane Anderson; 1999 Finalist, Presidential Award in Secondary Mathematics: Cathy Martin; 1998 Colorado Outstanding Mathematics Teacher: Anna Holm; 2002 Outstanding Dance Educator: Marcia Small; 1999 National JROTC Rifle Coach of the Year: SFC (Ret) Al Welch; Newcomer Center for ESOL students; JROTC (Honor Unit with Distinction, Governor's Trophy, State and City Rifle Champions, City Drill Champions, Regional Color Guard Champions); School of the Year Award (Goodwill Industries for School to Career): 2002 Excellence in Mathematics Award by the Colorado Math League.

Source of Data: Information on this page comes from Denver Public Schools. Data is current as of the 2004-05 school year, unless otherwise noted. District averages on this page are for high schools. For more information about this school, contact your school principal or contact the Public Information Office of Denver Public Schools. This profile was produced by GreatSchools.net, a non-profit organization at www.greatschools.net.

University Park Elementary School

Grades: PK-5

Enrollment: 349

Special Features: All-day kindergarten offered; All-day early childhood education offered

About University Park Elementary School: University Park Elementary School is located near the University of Denver in southeast Denver. We are a neighborhood school and attract about one third of our students from outside our attendance area. We value cultural and linguistic diversity and are proud to have students from around the world.

University Park has a highly trained and veteran teaching staff. They are continual learners who regularly attend staff development classes to enhance their teaching. Our teachers are trained in Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) philosophy and use these strategies in the implementation of district curriculum and the Colorado content standards. Lower class sizes at the early grade levels is another strategy used for increased academic achievement by our students.

University Park has a sold reputation for its balanced literacy and "whole-child" focused academic style, and its emphasis on development of critical thinking skills. We use the following instructional practices: inquiry-based science; visual arts; general music classes including band and choir; English Language Acquisition program; and a gifted and talented program in the form of high-quality differentiated instruction. We are implementing the district literacy plan that includes large literacy blocks (120-180 minutes, depending on grade level) and the district math program that is hands-on and requires critical thinking skills. In addition, we have a state funded Read-to-Achieve, during-school tutoring program for students reading below grade level. An aggressive technology plan is being implemented to incorporate technology in all content areas. As a whole, our students are achieving at levels above the District and state averages on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests in reading, writing and math and are achieving above grade equivalent at all grade levels on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills.

University Park's parents are very involved in their children's education. Parents and other volunteers spend many hours volunteering at the classroom level. The Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) team and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) work closely together to maximize support for our student population and staff. The PTA is actively engaged in promoting opportunities to enrich our curricular programs. Please visit our website: www.upark.dpsk12.org for further information regarding our school.

2004-2005 CSAP Performance (SAR): Average

68% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 72% in math, and 60% in writing.

2004-2005 Test Score Improvement: Stable

68% of students scored at the proficient or advanced levels in reading, 72% in math, and 60% in writing.

Teachers: Teachers 2004-05
· 94.7% of teachers at this school have tenure, compared to 67.7% districtwide
· Teachers at this school have an average of 14.0 years of experience, compared to 9.3 districtwide
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Students: Students 2004-05
· The attendance rate for this school is 93.8%, compared to 94.8% districtwide
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Parent Satisfaction:

Principal Experience: Principal Experience 2003-2004
· The principal at our school has 2 year(s) of experience overall and 2 year(s) at this school.

Programs and Awards: Programs include: Half-day Early Childhood Education (for four-year olds); Extended-day, tuition-based kindergarten; Kaleidoscope Corner - a licensed, before and after-school childcare for school-age children (fee-based); a resident scientist for hands-on science, art education program through the University of Denver's University for Youth program; Destination Imagination; Geography and Spelling Bees; after-school Chess Club; before-school, fee-based Spanish enrichment classes, twice weekly after-school tutoring provided by Pioneer Partners from the University of Denver, and classroom enrichment through Community Resources.

Please Note: The information on this page is beleived to be accurate, however consult directly with your Heart of Denver Properties Realtor or other professional to ensure that you have access to current and accurate data.