Cory Elementary School in Denver | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	10/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) data from Colorado Department of Education.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student Growth - CO CMAS - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 Student Growth - CO PSAT/SAT - Cohort-referenced data from Colorado Department of Education.

Posted: September 17, 2025

The educators at the school are fantastic however, the administrative staff has a lot to learn. There have been several incidents with male children attacking other male children or male children attacking female children. The administration will allow you to come into their office and are very good at placating the situation, but nothing ever comes of it. There is no discipline for these kids and no consequences for their actions. The principal demonstrates zero authority and from my understanding, from other parents, the school is going down from what at once was a couple years ago. This is my childs last year there and we cannot wait to move to the middle school where I hear the Dean there is no nonsense and expects a certain type of behavior from the children. Children need authority, structure, and discipline at this age and unfortunately, Cory Elementary is unable to offer that at this time.

Posted: September 17, 2025

Posted: January 15, 2024

WARNING: DISCRIMINATION, SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND BULLY are the norms of this school, along with the indifferent and unprofessional leadership and teachers.
My child has been going through all the three. There was even one discrimination teaching from a teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. The principle and vice principle didn't do anything to solve the three issues. They only pretended they cared. I've heard of similar problems from my kid's classmates.
The indifferent and irresponsible leadership, teachers and staff are the main factor causing these horrible issues.

Posted: January 15, 2024

Posted: September 13, 2023

Our kid had a wonderful Gr.1 and chose to stay at Cory for Gr.2 instead of going to a private school. This is a very well-funded school by generous parents and local businesses. The school had some struggles with last minute heat day cancellations but I think that will be better planned next year. Our kids attended after school Enrichment Class follow by Discovery Link regularly and loves going to school each day. Teachers are kind yet effective in teaching, communication, and embracing differences in learning styles. Kids are well equipped with latest tools and supplies. Lots fun events, field trips and community collaborations. Generally respectful families and kids that are active with extracurricular activities to keep busy and stay connected.

Posted: September 13, 2023

Posted: October 20, 2022

Teachers use shaming as a tactic for discipline, and wonder why they dont positive responses or results from the students. Sadly, this comes most often with the teachers with 20+ years of experience. It may have been acceptable 20 years ago, but not when we know so much more about child development and psychology. Wish the teachers would learn with the times as well.

Posted: October 20, 2022

Posted: February 17, 2022

We cannot say enough wonderful things about this school and totally disagree with any negative comments. We have been at the school for almost 10 years with 3 children and have never heard of or seen bullying or inappropriate behavior. The parent community is extraordinarily involved and the teachers have been at the school for eons so they are engrained into the community and committed to the school. Due to parental involvement and a committed PTA, we are fortunate enough to have paras, full time music, art, and PE teachers, a beautiful school, amazing computer lab, instruments, and art supplies - which is not a guarantee with DPS. I feel so fortunate to give my kids the opportunities that they have at Cory. The school caters to all children of all educational levels - no one falls through the cracks. All three of my children have had all the support and been as challenged, as needed. The Principal is committed and responsive and clearly takes pride in the school and the community. We cannot recommend this school enough.

Posted: February 17, 2022

Posted: April 30, 2021

This school is an absolute mess. The teachers belittle students, every day my kids come home having learned new inappropriate words, theres unchecked sexual harassment happening from the 5th grade boys that gets brushed under the rug, and the leadership at this school is an absolute and total disgrace. No one even responds to emails! There is zero respect shown or cultivated between students with different views, lifestyles, or backgrounds. The bullying is out of control... Dont send your kids to this school if you want to preserve one ounce of their confidence, integrity, or innocence.

Posted: April 30, 2021

Posted: August 27, 2020

We love Cory! The academics are top notch and the teachers have been wonderful and warm. They have a terrific gardening program complete with chickens! The parent community / PTA is active and welcoming.

Posted: August 27, 2020

Posted: November 11, 2019

Bullying since day one that no one has given even one ounce of effort in to stopping. Constant harassment and absolutely nothing has been done.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Terrible terrible leadership and a HORRIBLE principal.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Again, the leadership here is honestly embarrassing. They say they handle bullying SERIOUSLY, until it actually happens and they dont do anything. Instead, they advise the student to try having a better attitude toward the bully and then maybe theyll stop? Or learn how to deal with social differences.

Posted: November 11, 2019

Horrible experience at Cory! Every day its something new. Between my 3 older kids and 2 younger kids, this is our 6th elementary school weve attended and is hands down the most unprofessional staff, negative school culture, and money hungry place we have ever attended. The staff are rude to children with zero regard for their wellbeing and its an absolute popularity contest with the parents. The administration here favors those with money every time over the actual child. Test scores are king and nothing else seems to matter. Absolute joke of a school.

Posted: September 24, 2019

The school asked the parent body if they felt strongly about homework, and the parent body agreed with the research that shows that homework does not provide much benefit for children younger than 4th grade. As a result, children do not get homework until 4th grade, and it's been amazing for our children.

Posted: September 24, 2019

The teachers at this school are unparalleled. No teacher is hired without vetting by the parents, as well as the administrators.

Posted: September 24, 2019

The parent body spoke and ousted Jennifer Harris and the culture in the school did a complete 180. Joan is excellent and we could not be more thrilled.

Posted: September 24, 2019

We absolutely adore Cory. The level of parental involvement coupled with the teachers who care deeply about our children and their education make it an unparalleled public school option. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Cory.

Posted: February 15, 2019

We'd rate Cory very well. We have options to have our child in either DPS or Cherry Creek and we will continue with Cory until the 5th grade. We are optimistic that the new principal will fix the things we have issues with, and we are in contact with her about them. Like any other school YOU the parents need to advocate for your kids. Participate, be active in the school so you know whats going on and don't leave your kids to be raised entirely by the school. If your kid is on either side of the curve (above or below) you need to be even more active and be sure they are getting what they need. To just drop your kid off and pick them up and give them lunch isn't enough to be successful. Be involved or don't complain when your kid fails.

Posted: February 15, 2019

I am conflicted with the "give kids no homework" method that a lot of schools are switching to. As a kid that's how we learned but I also get that it can cause stress. But that's life, I'm still researching both sides of that.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Hope they will be more effective now the strike happened. We fully support them!

Posted: February 15, 2019

They had an interm principal and a new one took over this year. I haven't dealt much with her to see how well she is doing, I am very optimistic. The old principal was bad.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Our child had an IEP and we fought to get it. We looked at other schools and nearly all of them had less resources then Cory does. IF your child is below or far above the norm you have to do your own due diligence and advocate for them.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Old principal dealt with it horribly. We had issues with a single student and luckily that child transferred out this past year. We hope the new administration takes this more seriously.

Posted: May 31, 2018

We were at this school for two plus years (from first to third) and couldn't get out of there fast enough. While the teachers my daughter had were wonderful, the culture was extremely negative. The prior principal was astoundingly unfriendly and was extremely unprofessional in handling bullying. (My child literally came home bloody but I was told that nothing happened and it was suggested that my child change their behavior while the bully was exonerated.) The parents were not friendly in the slightest. The environment was ENTIRELY geared towards test scores and the population was extremely homogeneous. We ran as quickly as we could to a Cherry Creek school with much more diversity, similar academics and a culture that fosters kindness, thoughtfulness and taking care of each other and your school. It was the worst possible introduction we could have had to Denver and I am ecstatic to have been able to move away from it quickly.

Posted: March 17, 2018

We love Cory, great school, great teachers, great community. One of the best in Denver.

Posted: March 17, 2018

Posted: September 20, 2017

Hands down the best school in Denver Public Schools! Exceptional teachers, incredible community and awesome kids! Also to the comment below, Jennifer Harris is no longer the principal.

Posted: April 27, 2017

The Principal, Jennifer Harris ruins this school. The school has so much potential, yet she brings it down to below average due to her insincerity and lack of professionalism.

Posted: January 4, 2017

I too was nervous about a few of the negative reviews below, but have been thrilled with our experience at Cory! We have a first and second grader attending and both of their teachers are awesome. Not sure why there is some negativity about the new Principal--she is great. Our oldest child is in Highly Gifted and Talented and Cory is a great fit. Our youngest is not HGT and Cory is a great fit.

Posted: August 12, 2016

About to start year 5 at Cory. Great school, good principal, and we have been impressed with each and every teacher. The homework and testing is very challenging. I am highly skeptical that all of these HGT kids had to leave because they are bored and not challenged by the curriculum. Guess I would have to see it to believe it. Like many others parents, I am not always a fan of some of the Core curriculum approaches to math, but that is hardly the school's fault.

Posted: August 12, 2016

Posted: April 19, 2016

Weve had a great experience at Cory. Initially, we were hesitant to send our child to a Denver public school based on a negative experience that we had with DPS. The support for different learning levels at Cory, as well as the teacher involvement and enthusiasm, has surpassed our expectations. We will send our next child here as well, and then both to a Charter or Private school for sixth grade and beyond.

Posted: January 13, 2016

We moved to the area based on the school's rating. Though we were happy in the first two years, we are finding out it was because of the teachers and not the school or the Principal. I echo the sentiments of previous reviewers regarding bullying, lack of HGT focus (though it is a HGT magnet program) and the Principal's incompetency. Though we live a couple blocks from this school, we'll take our child to another school ASAP!

Posted: October 23, 2015

Buyer beware! While at one time this school was a legitimate HGT/GT magnate school, the new principal has totally changed everything. There is no advanced content- even in "challenge" math (not even available to 4th and 5th grade). Many of the best teachers are leaving and so are many very involved families. The new Principal is a poor leader, ask almost any parent whose kids still go there. She also speaks to the parents and students as if they are all in kindergarten. If you are in need of GT or HGT services for your child, go to Polaris or get out of DPS!

Posted: October 23, 2015

I think there are some excellent teachers at this school, although in the past three years I've seen a number of the best leave to go to different schools (a couple as close as C3) to get away. It is very hard for an excellent teacher to teach students who are well below grade level and others who are a couple grades higher in ability in the same classroom. There is no accelerated content and the smart kids get bored. Not the teachers fault.

Posted: August 25, 2014

My child has attended this school for the last 3 years. She has had an amazing experience. The teaching techniques incorporate several different learning styles and they keep the students engaged while learning. We have several neighbors who also have had amazing experiences here. We highly recommend this school.

Posted: June 12, 2014

My child was bullied mercilessly and the child who bullied him was given a very public award for basically adhering to the golden rule. What a joke and slap in the face at the same time. The principal is incompetent and throws out a lot of jargon to cover up her biases. We went to the school because of its rating and even though my child is gifted, we couldn't run away fast enough.

Posted: January 26, 2014

Cory has gone downhill over the past two years. Part of it is due to the lack of funding for para professionals in the classroom by DPS and partly because the focus has become bridging the gap rather than helping all grow. A lot of the GT kids leave by 4th grade because they need to be challenged. The teachers are generally wonderful educators but it's difficult with about 30 kids in a classroom. The principal is inexperienced and it shows.

Posted: January 23, 2014

Cory is an awesome school. I'm in 5th grade and have had an amazing time there since I arrived in the 1st grade. The staff members are great and I love my teacher and class, they are the best! I wake up every morning not being able to wait to go to school. I have such a fun time there while knowing that i'm learning a lot too. I could never recommend a better elementary school.

Posted: January 21, 2014

We had a horrible experience at Cory. We moved there for the HGT program, and found it to be non-existent. The HGT coordinator never returned a single call or email, and I never saw her in person, despite countless attempts. And I also never saw my child's Advanced Learning Plan, and I'm certain it was not delivered in the classroom. On top of the imaginary HGT program they tout, the principal is not someone who should be allowed to work with children, and her group think tendencies start at the top and bleed down throughout the staff in the school. I genuinely could not wait to get my kid out of this school. If you want your child to thrive in a learning environment that nurtures them and helps them thrive in every area, run as far away as possible from this school.

Posted: September 7, 2013

I have two fairly difficult children (for different reasons.) We have been pleased with the various interventions and the efforts to insure that parents and teachers are on the same team. They definately have not fallen through the cracks. We are still in the middle of it, but on balance have been very happy to send our children here. Our biggest disappointment has been a total lack of foreign language offerings (outside a couple of "cottage industry" before and after school clubs). Elementary school is precisely when ALL children should be developing second language skills in our opinion, but we seem to be among a very few parents that feel this way, so we are on our own! Outside that, a few more men teachers would be preferable (our son, who is extremely active and can't sit still, has had all women teachers. We keep hearing suggestions that he must be ADD or something, which is ridiculous in his case). Also, a little more diversity would be preferred (the place is "lilly white") .

Posted: May 29, 2013

I've had children at Cory for four years now and our experience has been outstanding. It is a wonderful community and the staff there (teachers and paras) are great. They certainly emphasize/focus on academics, while also considering the whole child. Could not be happier.

Posted: March 17, 2013

Large class sizes, but that's par fot he course with DPS. Some teachers are good, others not so much. It's a crap shoot. Would reccomend keeping a close eye on every step of your kids education at this school.

Posted: January 15, 2013

There's a lot of good parent involvement. But it's still DPS, so you can expect large class sizes and spotty teacher performance. One of my boys excelled here, but the other slipped through the cracks with reading and I'm pretty sure the teacher was more concerned about her upcoming retirement to care.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO	2.2 mi
2	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO	9.8 mi
3	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	43.4 mi
4	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	47.1 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO		46.2 mi
2	Loveland	Loveland	CO		48.9 mi

Base	Distance
Buckley AFB	10 mi.
US Air Force Academy	47.5 mi.

Cory Elementary School

Denver, CO 80210

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Cory Elementary School

Denver, CO 80210

School Ratings

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