McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School in Denver

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	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	8/10	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: December 5, 2025

We have a child at this school and are bringing in another. The community is inclusive, diverse and accepting. I know my child is deeply cared for and seen. Its a small school in a big city which provides a unique opportunity for students to have relationships with staff and teachers. We are proud and thrilled for this school to be our neighborhood choice.

Posted: December 5, 2025

Weve been really happy with Mc-T. Before our child was old enough to attend, it was hard to get a real sense of what the school community was like. But the informal reviews we got from other parents at the Platt Park playground were consistently positive.

Once we finally started at the school, it became clear why. The community is incredibly supportive and collaborative, and the school itself is a well-run, steady, welcoming institution. Weve felt great about being part of it. Our kids have made a lot of friends in the neighborhood who they can independently visit, and the school teaches responsibility very well.

Posted: December 5, 2025

We have two kids in McKinley-Thatcher and they are thriving. Both kids have loved every single one of their teachers and have only ever expressed positive feedback. The community surrounding the school is what makes our experience truly exceptional. An amazing group of parents that are committed to developing their children into respectful and kind human beings.

Posted: December 5, 2025

Posted: December 2, 2025

I love McKinney because of the community it creates within our neighborhood school. Families actually know each other, teachers know our kids as individuals, and theres a real sense of belonging. It feels like a place where everyone is invested in supporting one another, which makes the school feel welcoming, connected, and genuinely child-centered.

Posted: December 2, 2025

We love this small community neighborhood school that focuses on inclusivity!

Posted: December 2, 2025

We've been at McT for 3.5 years now and we love it. We 'choiced' in from Ashbury and have really found a wonderful, supportive community. Diverse school, committed teachers and staff, good balance of structure and play. Newer school so there is Air Conditioning! No homework and prioritizes daily reading. Great Discovery Link aftercare program.

Posted: December 2, 2025

Posted: December 1, 2025

We have had a wonderful experience with our two kids who currently attend McKinley Thatcher. The teachers we have had have been very involved and communicative, offering productive and thoughtful feedback during parent/teacher meetings, and we feel like they truly care about our kids' learning - both academically and socially. There are plenty of school events, both during school and outside of school, that have helped to foster the community for parents and kids to come together. Our kids both love going to school and have enjoyed all of the friends they have made there.

Posted: December 1, 2025

Posted: May 17, 2023

One of the female Paras talks about employees to other employees and parents. I have witnessed her getting loud with one of the male paras in the hallway. I saw this picking up my little brother from school. I consider this unprofessional and very disturbing behavior to treat colleagues like this. Next year i will be suggesting to pull my brother out because of this para. This is not how you treat fellow employees!

Posted: May 17, 2023

Posted: October 20, 2019

Love this school! So grateful it is our neighborhood school. My kids are thriving and never want to leave!

Posted: October 20, 2019

Posted: February 10, 2019

The principal is strategic and wise. She guides the overall academic direction of the school, fosters connections with the broader community, and values the social and emotional development of students.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The school offers various supports and accommodations for children with learning differences and special needs.

Posted: February 10, 2019

We have not experienced bullying at this school. Because of the focus on social and emotional development, students receive guidance, redirection, and support. The school is diverse and students are given opportunities to learn from each other-- which I believe increases compassion and decreases bullying.

Posted: February 10, 2019

We choiced in to McT and are very happy with our decision. The communication between the school and families is outstanding and we love the small, welcoming community environment. There are many events and opportunities for families to get involved and to get to know each other. My children and learning and growing in new ways because of their experiences at McT.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The homework is manageable, interesting, and creative. The school requests feedback from parents about the amount of homework to ensure homework is meaningful and overly burdensome.

Posted: February 10, 2019

The teachers are energetic, engaging with families, and compassionate. The environment is warm and happy and the staff truly seem to enjoy their jobs. My children are excited to go to school and are learning to be curious, creative, and collaborative.

Posted: February 10, 2019

Each month, the schools identifies a core value to focus on-- they educate students about the values and recognize students who demonstrate the values (e.g. lead by example; challenge yourself; be kind and considerate). The schools hosts an assembly once a month and parents are invited to attend and celebrate with the kids.

Posted: January 15, 2019

We absolutely love this school! We feel so lucky to be a part of it. We love that the teachers - energetic, motivated - have high expectations for kids. It is a welcoming, warm place that values academics, kindness, cooperation, exploration, and self-confidence.

Posted: January 15, 2019

The teachers help my kids love learning!!

Posted: January 15, 2019

The school has an excellent awareness of how important it is to teach children about being good people. They have direct lessons to teach life skills like respect and kindness and it is consistently acknowledged and appreciated by the staff.

Posted: January 15, 2019

The principal responds quickly to any concerns. She is patient and understanding with parents, and knows each kid in the school. She is truly proud of each of their accomplishments.

Posted: January 15, 2019

My son needs special accommodations and the staff has tried so hard to figure out exactly what will help him and how to teach him to use those supports to be successful.

Posted: January 15, 2019

Posted: July 14, 2018

Great. The small community makes everyone feel welcome.

Posted: July 14, 2018

Appropriate amount of homework for grade level.

Posted: July 14, 2018

Smart and committed teachers. Small class sizes for early grades.

Posted: July 14, 2018

Principal has undertaken a new vision and strategic direction for the school.

Posted: July 14, 2018

Blended classes encourages inclusivity and acceptance in the classrooms.

Posted: July 14, 2018

Posted: December 12, 2017

We love Mckinley-Thatcher! We have had a wonderful experience during both years of ECE. The teachers cultivate curiosity and a love for learning through a play-based approach. They also explicitly teach social emotional skills in a caring and safe environment. We couldn't be happier!

Posted: December 12, 2017

Posted: September 8, 2017

We're thrilled with MCT as our neighborhood school. This small, diverse school has a homey feel and the principal, teachers, parents and kids are energetic and genuine. If you're in the neighborhood, I'd really encourage you to stop in and see it in action, regardless of how you think it looks 'on paper'. Our choice to send our kiddo here has been positively reinforced day after day after day - we love it! Another commenter put it perfectly when they said "This school is a small community in a big city where we feel so at home." I couldn't agree more!

Posted: September 8, 2017

Posted: December 11, 2015

This school has been an amazing find for us. Our daughter has been at McKinley-Thatcher since she started Kindergarten there 3 years ago. The small size allows every staff member to truly get to know every student in the school. Our daughter's 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Scott, has been fantastic. She is able to get every student in her class engaged and excited about learning. I don't think we could have found such a wonderful school anywhere in Denver, public or private. Our daughter attends McKinley-Thatcher and she loves it! We are very happy to have such a great neighborhood school with caring attentive teachers and staff.

Posted: December 10, 2015

This is our first year at Mckinley-Thatcher and we have been very pleased. The staff and parents are helpful and make it a great envioronment for kids and parents alike.

Posted: November 20, 2015

The school focuses on different character traits throughout the year. This is part of the school's commitment to not only the education of children, but also to the overall development of healthy, happy, productive children.

Posted: November 20, 2015

We've been a part of McKinley-Thatcher for six years now and are thankful that our daughters attend here. The small school environment means that every student is known by name, not only by their teacher but by everyone from the principal to the custodian. The staff are committed to the students and show great care for their education as well as their overall health and well-being.

Posted: November 19, 2015

I love this school! My kids look forward to school everyday. Their teachers are loving, caring, and amazing educators. Every adult in the school knows both of my kids by name. This school is a small community in a big city where we feel so at home. There are great community events like the school dance that bring parents and kids together, and everyone in the building, including the custodial staff, shows such great care for my kids. Great school, great staff, great parents, great community. I couldn't ask for more for my kids.

Posted: November 19, 2015

I love this school. It is truly a small neighborhood school hidden in a great big city. The teachers, paras, school leader, secretary, parents, and students go to great lengths to ensure a high quality educational experience for everyone. There are regular community events that bring families together. My son and daughter are both being appropriately challenged in all subjects. I do not hesitate recommending this school.

Posted: November 19, 2015

Yes they have monthly student recognition assemblies. All the teachers use positive behavior supports in their classroom management.

Posted: November 19, 2015

Posted: October 1, 2015

I feel that this school has really changed over the years with the treatment of the children. My grandson was in a class where his teachers, the were unfair in their treatment of the children. They had a group of kids, my grandson included that they separated daily from the class under the lie that it was to help them. They did not inform the parents of any of these kids until months later when one of the kids talked about the special class he had to go to. When they were questioned the harassment of the parents began. When addressed with the Principal Hastings, nothing was resolved as if she didn't have time for it, or maybe it was because she already knew she wouldn't be there this year. The teachers and some parents formed a click and whispered about the other parents every time the children were dropped off. The sadness it brought myself and daughter every time we dropped off our children was terrible. I would never recommend this school ever again to anyone in fact I would advocate against them! To me instead of trying to teach against being a bully, they were the bullies running the show. Very poor form and disgusting to me! We have since moved our children to other schools and they are thriving without the daily bullying from those "professional". Be warned keep your eyes open and ask questions all the time. Don't trust that they are doing the right thing, they probably are lying to you as they did all of us!

Posted: October 1, 2015

I feel if the child is feeling separated or different by part of the staff or "professionals", then the teachers are ineffective and teaching under the bully rules.

Posted: October 1, 2015

Anyone can print out a packet and give it to a kids, but who is really working with the child and teaching them is the parents.

Posted: October 1, 2015

How can you teach honesty if you are not honest? This staff is not honest they are bullies.

Posted: October 1, 2015

This school is horrible. The communication and education has dropped immensely. Its such a shame. Its unfortunate the teachers, front desk, and principle lack communication skills. The front desk is very cold (to say the least), and not very efficient. The front desk is constantly gossiping amongst each other and other teachers.

My son was literally being pulled out of class everyday....for 5 months....without my knowledge...or my permission. I found out through my child. My child did not even know the name of the "teacher" he was leaving class to see. When I brought it up to the principle, she explained it was a "hiccup". When I brought it up to the primary teacher, she explained it "was not her job" to tell me, it was somebody else's. Who's? I have yet to find out.

There were days that I would feel unbelievably uncomfortable leaving my child at that school because of how oblivious the staff was. Not only were they oblivious, but clearly, they had an issue with owning their faults in order to improve in the future. If they could not own this "hiccup", what else could they be hiding from me? And other parents? I was terrified! I still am.

Needless to say, we have decided to enroll our child in a different school. The differences are incredible! The communication at this new school is amazing. The education and standards are remarkable. It makes me feel amazing for making the best decision (not going back to McKinley) for my child. He is so happy now and is learning so much!

If you are considering McKinley thatcher, please, please consider your childs SAFETY.

Posted: October 1, 2015

The homework is given in a lazy way. "here's a packet, fill it out". Once a week. Vs. Here's what we worked on today, keep practicing, and bring it back tomorrow.

Posted: October 1, 2015

This school is not honest! The teachers pick favorites. The principle did not genuinely care for all students. And it showed through the teachers who treated kids differently.

Posted: April 20, 2015

The rise in scores COULD have more to do with gentrification of the neighborhood than anything else. I'm sure the teachers are doing great but it's much easier to boost your numbers when the median income in the neighborhood is a large percentage over poverty line.

Posted: November 26, 2014

We rate McKinley Thatcher as a 5 star. We are really impressed with the interaction between teachers, parents, staff , and the community all working together . We recently attended the Rock Star Rodeo and participated in their fundraiser. The PTA works hard to provide quality education for the kids at this neighborhood school. Like they always say..." HARD WORK PAYS OFF." The students are happy and they're aware that they have responsibilities too......There's lively learning going on .... you can see it on their faces.

Posted: April 28, 2014

I feel ready, now that the school year is almost over, to say that choosing McKinley-Thatcher was a great choice! This is our neighborhood school. My daughter loves her teachers/staff/classmates and she has been learning so much from them and impressing us everyday. The school staff and parenting community are making genuine efforts to enable the students to learn, achieve and grow. The results have proven positive.

Posted: February 4, 2014

Having moved into the city from Cherry Creek Schools in the suburbs I was afraid that my daughter wouldn't find the same sense of community. McKinley-Thatcher Elementary is her favorite school "EVER" and I could not be more impressed with the principal and community involvement. It takes a village and the parents and staff of McKinley-Thatcher get that.

Posted: January 3, 2014

To the parent that doesn't think a jump of 26% to 68% is much to brag about. I am sure those numbers would matter alot to you if they were falling and not rising. I am curious what your participation in this school is beyond elitist worries. Do you belong to the PTA or CSC? Do you volunteer in the classroom? Progress doesn't take place without parent's participation. That jump in numbers is the result of alot of work by alot of dedicated parents. Those grades are my kids grades and I am proud of the teachers, principle, and other students striving to improve. Why don't you continue the tradition and help grow the school instead of dogging it and leaving it to others to do the hard work.

Posted: January 2, 2014

Test scores have jumped the past year, but being 26% up to 68% is hardly anything to brag about. 5 grade does seem better than the rest of the school. The teacher/principal turnover rate has me concerned. They seem to be headed in the right direction. More kids from outside the neighborhood? With all the new apartments and rent controlled housing being put up, I'm concerned with the future growth.

Posted: October 28, 2013

McKinley-Thatcher Elementary is a great small school. We are very happy we decided to enroll our daughter into a public school close to home. The teachers are great!

Posted: October 23, 2013

We are so thrilled with this school! Everybody at McKinley-Thatcher Elementary school clearly cares deeply about every child attending there. My little kindergartner has already learned so much in the couple of months she has been attending and most importantly, she loves this school too!

Posted: October 16, 2013

We have three kids at McKinley Thatcher and we couldn't be happier. We live a few blocks away and it's fun to bring the kid's to and from school daily. They are learning so much and are actually excited to get to school for breakfast. The entire staff from the principal, teachers, front office staff, etc are very welcoming, engaging and driven to teach the kids. The facilities are well maintained and the facility manager is extremely friendly. The PTA group is also very involved and growing. We also love the small-town feel as the entire staff know all of the kids.

Posted: October 15, 2013

McKinley Thatcher Elementary School is an excellent neighborhood school that has a wonderful community presence and support! The staff is welcoming and caring. The teachers are knowledgeable and I love the extended day program. There are great enrichment opportunities and a lot of school activities throughout the year. It is easy to get involved and really get to be a part of your neighborhood school! My son loves to bike to and from school, and it is a great feeling to be able to do that with him. It is also so nice that we see friends from school walking around the neighborhood and at the park. I am proud to call McKinley Thatcher our neighborhood school!

Posted: October 15, 2013

McKinley Thatcher is a good neighborhood school on its way to being a great one due to growing parent involvement. Strong PTA leadership and increased membership are key this improvement. We love the small size of the school and commitment and visibility of the principal.

Posted: October 15, 2013

We have a kindergartener and a 1st grader at the school, and we LOVE IT! The principal is incredible. She is often in the classroom, knows all of the kids, and all of the parents. The teachers are terrific and go above and beyond. They are active, caring, and engaged, and both of my kids are excelling and thriving academically. I can't imagine anywhere else I would want my kids to spend their day. They are excited about school everyday. It is a small school with a great community. I would give it more than five stars if I could!

Posted: October 15, 2013

McKinley-Thatcher is a wonderful school with a strong commitment to community and learning. The teachers and leadership are amazing!

Posted: November 30, 2011

I love this school, the teachers are wonderful and the staff their are very nice! Couldn't ask for a better school for my 7 year old daughter!!!

Posted: November 10, 2011

My child loves being at McKinley-Thatcher. Our family adored the ECE teacher, Angela Foster. She really understood the mind of 4-year-old and challenged them without pressuring them. Every Friday my child would cry because they didn't want to wait two days to go back to school. The principal is new and I think she's still trying to find her foothold, but she does seem open to addressing parents' concerns and taking action. There is a core group of parents that are highly involved, but new faces are always welcomed. It's very easy to involved your child's education here. I'm really impressed from CSC meetings at how passionate both the parents and school staff about pursuing the best possible education for children. Not just in the scope of test scores, but also in physical education, music, environmental programs, etc. The school is also one of the cleanest I've ever seen. The only reason why I'm not giving this school five stars is because I wish there more multi-disciplined after-school programs with greater involvement and attention paid to them.

Posted: May 20, 2011

We've been at this school for 8 years and have been very pleased with the teachers/staff and the small school environment. My 5th grader says she can't tell me who her favorite teacher is because she has so many. PTA sponsors a variety of after-school activities, including chess, computers, science, Shakespeare, and art, as well as family events that make it easy for parents to get involved. The school also has a focus on environmental education through the SPREE program.

Posted: May 20, 2011

Great school, excellent teachers. This school has a very good and positive environment, caring staff and excellent education. I definitely recommend this school.

Posted: September 10, 2010

My daughter was hurt by a teacher at this school. She was grabbed by the arm and pulled. Not for safety reasons either. It was horrible. I witnessed it and she never went back to the school. The principal didn't care and wouldn't even meet with me until days later. The kids at the school all have a negative nickname for this teacher as she is known for being grouchy and mean. After the meeting that went no where with the principal (she defended the teacher and thought we were lying- we asked her point blank) we never set foot in the school again. We transferred to another school where we had a wonderful experience with caring, sweet, nurturing teachers. Thank goodness my daughter realized that not all teachers physically harm children and act angry most of the time. I do not recommend this school at all.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Cherry Creek	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Denver	CO	2.5 mi
2	Sterling Hills West	Area of Town	Aurora	CO	11.6 mi
3	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	43.9 mi
4	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	47.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO		47 mi
2	Loveland	Loveland	CO		48.1 mi

Base	Distance
Buckley AFB	11.7 mi.
US Air Force Academy	48.1 mi.

McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School

Denver, CO 80210

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McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School

Denver, CO 80210

School Ratings

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