Here is a moral compass for the present and future. I attended private school St. Mary's Academy…read morestarting in 1963 then into 1969. Awhile back I stopped by for a visit after we took Amtrak to Denver to visit cousins. A welcome respite and all CDC rules were followed during my visit. Filtered through the lens of nostalgia, I remember St. Mary's Academy enjoyably for I found it to be a caring, diverse and inclusive school with inspiring teachers in a culture of mentorship that fostered voice and helped forge pathways for all. I enjoyed and took pride in wearing the school uniform. I learned how to think and problem solve, confident in my potential, vested in responsibility to social justice and the health of humankind and the environment, and prepared for possibilities of an ever-changing world. I attended with girls of all races, religious traditions and economic backgrounds. I was taught how to think rather than what to think. Teaching strategies and curriculum challenged me to problem solve, collaborate and innovate -which provided the foundation for my fellow students and I to be powerful agents of change. "You can't help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die; but you can - and you should - try to pass the days between as a good man." That was written by Corporal Anton Myrer, US Marine Corps Veteran, WWII, wounded at Guam, who died of leukemia most likely Service-connected, in his best-selling and US Army War College required reading novel Once an Eagle, which was later adapted to a tv miniseries. The book is on the Marine Corps commandants' reading list and West Point Cadets are assigned the book in classes and seminars. He is best-selling author of The Last Convertible, an exquisite and sensitive novel of The Greatest Generation that was also adapted into a tv miniseries. I mention Anton Myrer's quote about "good" because I am confident in the future when I see that schools like St. Mary's Academy are still educating youth. I am confident because here, youth are taught to be good people. My most recent visit I learned something I was surprised I hadn't realized before. I learned that the Board of Trustees that governs St. Mary's Academy are all volunteers. It includes members of the Loretto Community, current and past SMA parents, alumnae, and business professionals from the Denver metro area. I had previously known that the Board of Trustees meets during the school year and is responsible for assuring the financial future of the school, determining the yearly tuition, setting policies that will help further the school's mission, and hiring the Academy President. That's a lot of work for volunteers. Honorable Ollie Marie-Victoire California Superior Court Justice and Jane Lubchenco the first woman to serve as Chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as 19th United States National Security Advisor and 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are St. Mary's Academy graduates. Although St. Mary's Academy, co-ed preK-7 and girl's high school, does not have a discount on the tuition for the children of Veterans, hence 4 stars instead of 5, it does have general tuition assistance funded by donors. The Academy was founded in 1864, which was during the American Civil War. William Gilpin, first Colorado territorial governor, supported the Union and quickly raised a regiment. The United States War Department credited Colorado with supplying 4,903 to the Union Army. I don't know how many of us who attended St. Mary's Academy went on to Serve in America's Armed Forces. My papa, uncles and male cousins were all The Greatest Generation WWII Veterans, a grandfather a WWI US Army Veteran, my family all Kennedy Democrats, fervently believed in the only US President to receive a Purple Heart President John F. Kennedy's Call to Service, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." St. Mary's Academy Mission is "St. Mary's Academy fosters excellence in each child through academic achievement, spiritual development, and service." (Assassinated) President Kennedy and St. Mary's Academy both challenge every American to contribute in some way to the public good. The magic of both is not what either promises us, but what both ask from us. That is the heart and soul of the thing we call Camelot. It is real and accounts for the reason that St. Mary's Academy still endures 158 years later as of this writing.

If you're an ambitious student, do not even consider this school. They offer no opportunities for…read morestudents passionate about anything but business or sports. None of the students are interested in academics, and most are more concerned about who's throwing a party on Friday. Absolutely terrible. Most teachers aren't even educated in the subject they teach (e.g. AP Biology teacher has a degree in english and no background in biology).

Through two kids and lots of moves we've had experience with 5 different preschools and Fisher ELC…read moreis head and shoulders above the rest - if you have the good fortune to get in do not hesitate. To a person everyone there is warm and kind and the curriculum is excellent and extremely well thought out. Communication is terrific and they make things easy on parents as well (flexible drop off / pick up times, lunch and snack included, they even keep and wash the kids' water bottles for them). My only regret is that we will only have one year at Fisher!

This is honestly one of the best preschools in a 1000 miles. The cariculum is outstanding. My…read moreonly complaint is there is always a charity drive and some of the teachers in Moon Bears are way too picky and demanding. I have to get a doctors note for everything. I swear they have redefined the term "red tape."

It's ok some teachers were a lil crazy and some of the rules made sense some didn't some teachers…read morethought this was a high school with the way of discipline tho.

Southmoor Elementary is our home school. The parent community is extremely supportive. We have new…read moreleadership-our principal is amazing, motivating, transparent and collaborative. My kids love school and I love that Southmoor is focused on the whole child, inside and out.

We love the owner and director and many of the teachers have worked there for decades which says a…read morelot about how things are run. Super loving, comfy feeling in the classrooms and tons of outdoor space too. Wonderful place with wonderful people!

Our toddler has been going to Iliff's daycare program for 4 months now. It's such a warm…read moreenvironment with experienced caregivers and teachers. It seems like all the staff in the school know her by name. Even on fussier days, her teachers are always so loving and attentive (and competent) and it's not long before she's engaged in an activity or playing nicely with her new friends. I feel so secure about having her there during the day- and I couldn't say that about a lot of other places.

This place is just pure magic! We have been here for 2 years now. Our oldest is in the lower grades…read moreand our youngest started ECE. The thing that means the most to me is that SO many adults in the school know my kids....and not just their name but KNOW them. When they are having a bad day multiple people are there to support/catch them with love. All of this while providing a great education we are so happy here!

I am a recent graduate from the Denver Waldorf School. I can say with confidence that I have…read morereceived an incredible education. I love this school.

I am so happy to have been able to visit this school. Seeing how they encourage their students in…read morethe arts made my heart feel good. As an artist I find the move to sports and away from the arts very disturbing. I think the children should be allowed to experience both. My Mom and I loved the home tour on Mother's Day weekend even if we did walk our legs off doing it. The houses were wonderful. A big thank you to all that attended and donated to this very worthy cause.

I have been extremely pleased with Steele Elementary School for my children. Not only are the…read moreteachers and faculty fantastic, they strive for excellence. Furthermore, there is an unusually strong, yet refreshing, parent community that stands behind and supports this school. I am proud to say that I am one of those active parents and I would not change it any other way. As Co-Chair for the Wash Park Home Tour 2012 and 2013, whereby proceeds go to Steele Elementary and Denver's Education Outreach Program, this event is a great way to bring the community together with this great school that will be celebrating its 100 Anniversary in 2013. Thank you Steele for everything!

This school is great. I love my daughters teachers. They are great with her and they have helped…read moreher speech improve tremendously. I can't wait to see how much she will learn in the next year.

I wanted to wait until the end of the year to review my experience here. Considering my previous…read morepoor DPS elementary experience, I didn't want to make a hasty decision based on the obvious. The obvious being accelerated academic program(s), stellar Principal and teachers, and attention to each child's needs via a tremendously effective magnet program within the schools regular program...amongst other things. Cory stands head and shoulders above many (most) of the DPS elementary schools in the state. Outside of the reasons stated above, the PTA at Cory goes above and beyond. They are aware of, and embrace, new families - open to participation and suggestions for events, and parent involvement. The teachers are aware of the varying levels of academic prowess for children ages 5-10 and utilize this as a teaching tool, not as a hindrance for the above and below average student. The "average" student is not a role model for the outstanding students. Nor are the esl students needs placed above any other needs in any given classroom. Each child is taught at their level consistently. A safe community where each child is respected and embraced for what they bring to the environment - what a concept~

Incredible school and community. Our kids are both thriving! Our younger son is in his second year…read moreof the toddler program and our oldest is in his last year of primary. They both love school and we couldn't be happier with the teachers, administration, families, and overall experience! Such a special place.

We love MSWP. Our son has attended the primary program for two years. He loves his teachers and…read morefeels like they genuinely care about him. We have watched him grow academically and socially. The school's leadership is communicative and consistently making improvements to school's facilities and programs.