James Irwin Charter Middle School

Posted: July 23, 2026

After attending schools within D11 and D20 my son's grades were mediocre. He wasn't failing, nor was he excelling. Someone told me about James Irwin and after 2 years in middle school we saw a tremendous turn around. From teacher involvement to he social well being, my son excelled. We continued through HS and he will be starting at UCCS really soon. So happy we made the change.

Posted: July 23, 2026

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Posted: July 20, 2026

My child has been in James Irwin schools for most of their education. The teachers and administration here care about the students, and work to grow programs and services to help all the students. The school focuses on leadership for students, and every child has the chance to take on roles and help the school in different ways. Students are involved in art, music, and PE throughout the year. The dress code makes getting ready for school in the morning an easy task! We had zero issues with dress code over the decade we have been here. My child was challenged academically and was able to grow in so many ways during Middle School. Teachers took the time to help find strengths and encourage to take risks like trying out for a sport (something not every charter school offers), auditioning for a solo in music class (even if they aren't gifted in singing!) and becoming a part of the NJHS program. The academics have been challenging for my gifted child, and the structure has helped with organization and developing work skills. My child was prepared to take on AP classes in High School, to grow as an artist, to take STEM, and try out different activities. The school is small enough that children are known individually but also big enough to have different opportunities.

Posted: July 20, 2026

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Posted: July 15, 2026

I am so grateful for the staff in this school and their investment in my child. They truly want the students to be successful and they will go above and beyond to do what is best for them. They expect the students to work hard and learn how to be independent, which can certainly be a challenge for them, but it is so needed. I appreciate the partnership in helping my daughter be challenged to be the best she can be! Thank you JICMS staff!!

Posted: July 15, 2026

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Posted: April 29, 2026

Prospective parents should be aware of the significant gap between this school’s marketing and its actual operation. While the school advertises a "challenging" environment for students, the reality is a lack of academic rigor for high achievers. They have removed the advanced track for gifted students, and the current Talented and Gifted (TAG) program is ineffective and lacks substance.

This lack of forward-thinking leadership extends to their cultural policies. In a meeting with the administration, they acknowledged that their policies regarding "character" and dress codes are inconsistent and unfairly target female students. Shockingly, the justification given for policing girls' bodies was the "hormones" of their male peers, shifting the burden of respect entirely onto the girls.

The hypocrisy is further highlighted by the fact that school-sanctioned athletic uniforms (track/volleyball) do not meet the "modesty" standards strictly enforced for school trips. When confronted with these inconsistencies, leadership admitted the problem but claimed they "couldn't" or wouldn’t change it. Between the academic "race to the middle" and the antiquated gender double standards, this school is failing to prepare students for a modern, equitable world.

Posted: December 30, 2024

This school is absolutely horrific. Every day my daughter comes home with bruises and scratches all over her limbs. The bullying needs to STOP. There are kids that are getting bullied in front of the teachers and they arent doing ANYTHING about it. This is one of the WORST schools my kid has been to. The lack of accountability the teachers have for the kids is beyond horrible. My kid is not safe here. Other parents, be wary about the school your kid(s) is/are in. The teachers would put their hands on my little girl and scream at her. DO NOT enroll here.

Posted: December 30, 2024

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Posted: November 9, 2023

Genuinely the most awful experience of my life. This middle school had left me with so many mental issues and the teachers didn’t help. I can come up with countless awful stories about this school. Ex: Teachers would constantly shame me and make me miss class to change because my uniform pants were “too tight” or I wasn’t wearing the correct color shirt.

Posted: November 9, 2023

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Posted: September 25, 2022

James Irwin Charter Muddle School is a school who cares. Their teachers, administration, and staff work very hard to ensure students are reaching their academic potential. This is a school who cares!

Posted: September 25, 2022

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Posted: September 23, 2022

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Posted: September 23, 2022

Absolutely scholarly! Their curriculum is advanced and they expect a lot from their students. Plenty of homework! That being said they do provide tons of support, tutoring and opportunities for guidance so your child isn't left navigating a college prep course load on their own. The school is clean, well kept and runs smooth. Great communication with parents. Nice staff. We are grateful for this school option in our neighborhood as the city ran schools near by are not nearly as good. I feel safe sending my kids here!

Posted: September 23, 2022

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Posted: March 22, 2022

"Inclement Weather" school closure days are out of control at this school. If you are a single parent trying to keep your job, attending this school is a very real challenge when your boss is wondering why none of your co-workers schools are closed. So frustrating to be driving on streets with no snow accumulation on a closure day. This is Colorado we know how to drive in snow! It is as if the decision maker has only ever driven in California.

Posted: March 22, 2022

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Posted: December 15, 2020

Most of the teachers at this school are great, however the administration (principal in particular) is not a good leader for this school. She does not have the character the school preaches, or make the right decisions for the well being of the students and staff. She is not very understanding of most situations that are brought to her, and seems more concerned about her personal agenda. The way this school has handled coronavirus is also very concerning. I did not feel like the best interest of students and staff were a priority as decisions were made, and also felt like they were not transparent with positive cases that occurred that could have affected families. If the administration was reevaluated, and it was just the teachers to deal with, I would recommend this school to others. Also, the curriculum my middle school daughter comes home with seems very outdated, even compared to when I was in school.

Posted: December 15, 2020

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Posted: June 16, 2020

if will be nice if they demonstrate the character they talk about

Posted: June 16, 2020

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students bullied are blamed for being in that position

Posted: June 16, 2020

Coronavirus is a sensitive thing. The WDC field trip was canceled but we are told will be rescheduled in the fall -- obviously parents are not comfortable having kids go on a field trip but the principal refuses to refund over 1000 dollars

Posted: June 16, 2020

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teachers and principals pick their favorites for everything

Posted: September 15, 2019

Teachers build one-on-one rapport with students to help them feel comfortable with asking questions.

Posted: September 15, 2019

It's a middle school and 6th - 8th graders come with a unique set of challenges. That said, character is emphasized inside and outside of the classroom. Students also have opportunities to lead.

Posted: September 15, 2019

The administration cares about the character and academic success of each student.

Posted: September 15, 2019

Teachers use all modalities of learning in their classrooms so all students can be successful.

Posted: September 15, 2019

It would be great to say that there is no bullying; however, the dean and administration address it immediately.

Posted: September 15, 2019

I love JICMS and would do it all again.

Posted: September 15, 2019

Students have the opportunity to start working in class when a teacher is present to be sure the student understands what has been taught and what is being reinforced through the homework assignment.

Posted: October 21, 2018

Unaware of this so I can't rate it

Posted: October 21, 2018

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Posted: October 21, 2018

Homework is given to help promote further understanding and responsibility but not at overwhelming amounts.

Posted: October 21, 2018

Great communication. My kids love going there.

Posted: October 21, 2018

Excellent. I have been very happy with this school.

Posted: February 3, 2016

The teachers here at JICMS care for their students and their education. They truely want the best for them and their future. Teachers are always willing to help during and after school. Sometimes it comes down to the students willingness to achieve excellence from themselves.

Posted: February 3, 2016

I appreciate having homework for my student. It helps me to connect with what they do at school. The amount varies from day to day but is always understood by my kids without much help from me.

Posted: February 3, 2016

My children and I love James Irwin. I am very pleased with the level of education they are receiving. They are challenged in all their subjects and homework is of high importance but not overwhelming. Never have they came home with something they did not understand. Their dress code they follow is modest and respectful for all students and teachers. Communication between the students, teachers, and parents is always welcome. I am made aware of tests and assignments my student has before hand which is a helpful tool I can use to remind them that their studies are important to me as their parent. JICMS is a school of choice and if you want the best for your child this is a excellent choice.

Posted: October 25, 2014

We love the school!! Yes, it's a great challenging school and has homework. What Charter School doesn't? Parents are told was is expected of their child at the beginning of the school year. James Irwin is a Charter School. Parents who have their children here have placed them here voluntarily and can remove them if they are not happy! The teachers and administration are always available if we have any concerns. The receptionist always has a smile on her face when you enter the office and is eager to help. We plan to keep our child here till she graduates High School.

Posted: August 27, 2014

This school is SO negative. The "character emphasis" is NOT done in a positive way. There is NO personal encouragement done in this school and the turnover rate of the staff is ALARMING. The only good thing they had at this school was the band teacher - and even he left. Oh, and if bullying occurs - they will deny it and try to blame the victim. The car line is a DISASTER and three of the last four secretaries have been SO RUDE to the kids and they talk to them in a way that our kids would get in trouble for if they used that body language. My child also told me that the gym teacher was angry at a student last year and that the teacher started yelling and slamming his fist on the wall? Great way to role model! JICMS has way more negatives than they will ever have positives but unfortunately - it's our only choice so we will have to brave through it but now I understand why there are so many kids that don't return in the 7th grade.

Posted: August 13, 2014

I have been sending my 3 children to James Irwin for years now. Am I happy? Not really because of tooo much homework they have to turn in even in summer. The carline is ALWAYS a challenge for a busy working mom like me. As for character that the school is focused on, I am satisfied. My children are respectful as they have been, and they are more disciplined now more than ever. I give it a 3 because of the facility and staff... huge turn around of students and some good teachers have left . They need to repair the restrooms- they are old and disgusting. School needs to fund school buses. Over all this is not a bad school at all. Good but not great.

Posted: August 9, 2014

Honestly, all three levels of the JICS system are struggling and they are compromising their standards of excellence. I see the students pushing the limits of wannabe thugs, gangstas and basically girls gone wild but no serious consequences. I heard the excuses of "But we're in District 2...we deal with poor families" and "A lot of our parents can't even speak English", which has translated into " we can't expect much from these kids" in recent years. I believe the schools are afraid to take hard lines on behavior, cliques, and bullying. The only reason we're staying at JICS is the middle school administration. I have faith in Mrs. Varnum - I DO NOT know her personally but I feel she knows what is exactly going on and what needs to happen. Now, will she be allowed to lead and make changes? We'll see.

Posted: June 19, 2014

I agree with the last parent review. Teachers hand out weekend homework (even homework over the SUMMER!!) and the bathrooms near the Jags Cafe are awfully disgusting. I would say this school is okay and it's not the best or worst. It definately does have its pros though, like the Leadership program for 7th and 8th graders and the Character classes for the 6th graders. The dress code is pretty strict, but I do understand that it is to ensure that students are wearing James Irwin appropriate uniform or attire. Other than that, i give this school a 3-star rating.

Posted: May 6, 2014

Our family has been very happy with JIMS. Our daughter was not being challenged in public school. Our primary reason to move her to Irwin was the rigorous curriculum. We also like the emphasis on character. We are very happy with her caring, committed teachers, who make themselves available to discuss any questions or issues we may have. The expectations for behavior, academics, uniforms, etc are clearly communicated. In my experience, everyone is held to the same standard and treated with respect. This school does have a strict code of behavior and high expectations for every student. It also gives them the tools to excel. Do your research to determine if this school is a good match for your family. Read the student manual, visit the school, and ask questions. I have found the administration to be very approachable, helpful, and working for continuous improvement.

Posted: April 22, 2014

James Irwin is an excellent school that has high standards both academically and behaviorally. The teachers are caring and have made my son a better student in a short amount of time. I like that the school really focuses on teaching leadership and making the students responsible. If you are looking for a school that allows your child to be creative in their own way, this is not the place for you. They have a certain way of doing things, but it seems successful to me. Electives are limited for middle school, but I can't say enough about their academics.

Posted: April 10, 2014

This school is awful! The teachers treat students horribly, all of the students misbehave, and the teachers don't know how to teach the classes well. Students are honestly treated like tools to obtain high test scores. It's like the teachers only care about the test scores and not each individual child! Whatever you do, don't let your child attend James Irwin Middle School!

Posted: February 12, 2014

I am a James Irwin parent. I am thankful for the education my girls have received from James Irwin. I feel sad that it appears parents have had some trouble (as I am sure the school can not please all of us) yet we do not get to hear the other side of the story. People are sharing some negative comments but I do not see it said that they went to the school and gave them a chance to explain or solve some of the issues being shared. I have had two middle school students and know that sometimes what is said by our student may not be all of what happened. I hope, in the future, instead of using this as a venting tool, we can first remember to seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Posted: February 12, 2014

My daughter was a student in the middle and high schools. She was always very happy with both schools, as were my husband and I. She went on to college and was more than prepared. All 3 schools have a student handbook available before fall classes begin. I believe if you and your student review it before committing you'll be ready to follow dress code and know what's expected academically and behaviorally. No surprises. If you don't want your student to learn to be a responsible adult and behave with integrity, find a traditional public school.

Posted: February 11, 2014

My daughter is in sixth grade and this is her first year at James Irwin. She loves all of her teachers and has learned so much. They believe strongly in developing strong character in their students. She hasn't heard one cuss word or seen or experienced any bullying. She knows exactly what she needs to do on her homework which has taken away a lot of the frustration. I have read a lot of complaints regarding the uniform policy. It seems silly to send your child to a uniform school and then complain about it. This is an amazing school. It is an academically rigorous school that prepares their students for college.

Posted: December 15, 2013

This school seriously needs to do a better job when tracking down each student's attendance. I was checking infinite campus one day while my child was at school and she was marked an excused absence for that whole day because of some sort of illness?! Last time I checked, she was at school the whole day and I complained to the school about this by sending one of the staffs an email and they did NOTHING. I am still informing the school to delete that absence off since that wasnt fair for my daughter to have been marked absent that day when she was present at school the whole day. Also, this school has a sugar policy where each student is required to eat/drink any food beverages below 15 grams of sugar. I sent some cupcakes to the office since it was my daughter's birthday and she was going to pass it out for her leadership class when a lady in the front office informed me that the cupcakes I brought in weren't allowed since they were full of sugar. unfortunately, my daughter couldn't even celebrate her birthday with cupcakes to her leadership class.

Posted: November 21, 2013

We were so happy when our daughter was selected to attend JICMS. Coming from one of the worst school districts and one of the lowest test scoring schools we were so grateful that our child would now have the opportunity to thrive in a better educational environment. The staff so far has been just wonderful to my child, we have seen so many changes in her growth as a person since starting there this school year. Not that she wasn't a good child before but JICMS seems to have helped her flourish those attributes that we as her parents had already established. JICMS is fast paced, strong in their teachings and have the test scores to prove it. We love knowing that our child's educational future is looking so much brighter now.

Posted: October 15, 2013

I am a Hispanic parent too and I see first hand how our students are treated in JICMS. I have a different point of view on this matter because I don't see how people can say they are treated better or worse than others. It does not matter what race you are , if you don't follow the rules the consequences are going to be the same for everyone. We are trying to teach kids character and responsibility so their future can be much better. Please , if you have any questions don't listen to others just visit the school and see first hand how it really is. Everyone is welcome!

Posted: October 11, 2013

I am a Hispanic parent and I have to agree with the last post I just read. I have to say that the rules are not dispersed equally amongst the children at this school and it's bothered me for quite a while, however, I have no choice but to deal with it as it is the closest school with a decent curriculum and choices are really limited in this particular district. I'd also like to see a more diverse group of teachers at this school. My children do not like the school or the teachers that much but I bolster their self-esteem and I let them know how valuable and valued they are, but sometimes this gets complicated when the messages they receive about themselves are not as positive as their peers. I am hoping to move in the next year and find a school where differences and diversity is valued and where children are still very respectful and structured yet not treated like common criminals when they make mistakes. To those who love this school....more power to ya!!!

Posted: May 16, 2013

For those reviews who mention James Irwin turning children into robots and such, that is completely untrue. What the school tries to do is develop children into people who can turn in their schoolwork, obey the rules, control themselves, and treat others with respect. It is the children who cannot do those things that don't make it at James Irwin.

Posted: May 15, 2013

James Irwin teaches the kids to be great people!! They maybe expected to do their work and to be good role models. But it is better then what other schools in the district and some other ones around here teach. Defiantly worth enrolling your child here. Minimal fights and great educated children! ;)

Posted: April 3, 2013

If this school is not able to turn your child into the James Irwin "ROBOT" by mid year they will politely ask you to withdraw them. I felt horrible when this happened as my child shoulders some of the blame, however, it was the best thing that could have happened. It made me research other schools (district 20) and realize that there are amazing curriculums out there where my children will still be heavily prepared for college but at schools where teachers/administration have more compassion for ADD or other problems that kids have difficulty with. My child is thriving in an environment (for now district 49 soon district 20) where he can change classes and get rid of excess energy and his teachers have been firm but absolutely amazing to him. So much so that I've decided to remove my remaining children from this school and put them in outstanding schools with LOTS of structure but where they can be more at ease and in a "regular" environment where kids are not persecuted for the slightest infractions. Thank you James Irwin for forcing me to see that you are not the BEST school in the Springs after all WE ARE A MUCH HAPPIER FAMILY since we were asked to withdraw our child

Posted: February 2, 2012

I love this school! The principals are wonderful. The kids are still kids but more respectful than not! My daughter is in the high school and she LOVES it! My mistake is not having my other children over there yet! The teachers are very firm but "kind". The children are valued so they are not made to wait outside in rain or snow. I can't say enough about this truly GREAT school!

Posted: March 17, 2011

My good friend moved schools because of the bulling done to her brother. Her mum and dad came to the schools and talked with the office about it and they ignored it. This is supposed to be a school of character but it's not. My mum and dad are both in the military so I move A LOT... When I first came to the school, people were so rude to me. I was clearly unwelcome. I do not like that school. Even one of the teachers said that were are the rudest children that he has ever had.

Posted: January 27, 2010

Posted: September 4, 2009