Teller Elementary School

Posted: October 23, 2023

I went here a few years back and it was a very good and positive school. There were never any fights, the teachers and principles provided a bunch of support and there were also many fun activities we had done over the school years. The staff were always super kind to the students and the lunch was good.

Posted: October 23, 2023

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Posted: August 23, 2022

Its a wonderful school with very caring teachers, intense academic program, very nice facilities and involved parents.

Posted: August 23, 2022

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Posted: August 27, 2020

Terrible! Teaching against ideals of the foundation of America. Teaches incorrect history and refuses to address it. Should be defunded immediately.

Posted: August 27, 2020

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Posted: July 10, 2020

Very positive. We have kids who participate in the GT program and it has been instrumental in their development of "learning how to learn" - stoking curiosity, etc. The community is special here.

Posted: July 10, 2020

Posted: July 10, 2020

I can't imagine having to negotiate the sheer amount of individualized instruction teachers are required to perform these days. One of our teachers had 26 out of 30 kids with IEPs - they're a growing fad to legally require the teacher to spend more time with your child. But when nearly every child has one, how can a teacher feel empowered to make his/her own decisions about care and concern for students who truly have special needs? There are only so many hours in the day but our experience has been one of teachers hustling and being as creative as they can be to appropriately challenge every student. Parents rightly focus on their own students but we must keep in mind the whole class. We expect too much of our teachers.

Posted: July 10, 2020

Character isn't as strong a focus as I'd like in any public school these days, because of the unfortunate demand to concentrate so strongly on academic performance. That said, we have seen these character traits modeled well by the whole staff and supported by the broader community of parents, neighbors, etc.

Posted: July 10, 2020

Most of the reviews here are for previous leadership. As a parent of 2 current students and one more on the way to preschool, I know we're in good hands. Sabrina and Abe are an incredible, high-energy team who both communicate well and have developed strong trust with their staff in the last 2 years. Their leadership shows in the rebound of school performance the last couple of years.

Posted: July 10, 2020

Posted: July 10, 2020

Others have mentioned trouble with this in the past. I can speak to a history in years past of downplaying bullying - mostly in the form of kids getting things stolen and having no clear recourse, or a "punishment" not having much teeth - but again, the new leadership of Sabrina and Abe seems to have nipped this in the bud. Sometimes I feel like parents expect leaders to wave a wand to magically cure all bullying... But the only way to do that would be to remove every bullying student from the school. In elementary school, at least, I leave room for correction and patience. There is no tolerance for bullying but the first hope is to reform the bullying student, not banish or ostracize them. Character is developed primarily in the home; urban schools will always have room for progress here.

Posted: March 24, 2019

Homework is limited to small projects and school work that wasn't completed in class.

Posted: March 24, 2019

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Posted: March 24, 2019

The best part of Teller is the community.

Posted: January 15, 2019

They do not handle the needs or characteristics of gifted and talented children. The school that all children behave like robots, do not handle their differences

Posted: January 15, 2019

is handled at the discretion of the main office

Posted: January 15, 2019

I do not recommend this school. The children are in the hands of the staff who run the school without key knowledge for gifted and talented children, without clear criteria to treat children, abuse the rights of children, disrespect and make fun of parents. There is no equality or equity. It is a dangerous child development environment.lack appropriate structures to deal with conflicts.

Posted: January 15, 2019

lack appropriate structures to deal with conflicts

Posted: January 15, 2019

lack vocation of service. some have it

Posted: January 15, 2019

there are no criteria of equality or equity, it applies for some in favor for others against

Posted: June 14, 2018

Posted: June 14, 2018

We've been very impressed with the staff at Teller. Many of the educators have been with the school for several years, and demonstrate real ownership and pride in their classrooms and the school as a whole. Their ability to adapt to each child's educational and emotional needs speaks to that longtime experience. Due to frequent moves, our children had previously attended two different schools with almost entirely brand new and young teachers. In those cases, the lack of experience and intuition showed in a number of ways that felt did not benefit our children.

Posted: June 14, 2018

Posted: June 14, 2018

Principal Sabrina Bates and Assistant Principal Abe Janson are two of the most communicative administrators we've seen since our children started school. Abe Janson is always present on the playground every morning and easily accessible. He puts in effort to get to know each student and their families.

Posted: June 14, 2018

Posted: June 14, 2018

Posted: June 14, 2018

The after school enrichment programs and Discovery Link programs are a big hit with our household. There is a lot of variety in programs offered from chess club to band, art, science, etc. The one thing we wish we could change about the school is that there is currently no air conditioning, and the first weeks of school, when temperatures are the hottest, tend to be very uncomfortable for everyone.

Posted: September 11, 2016

Posted: September 11, 2016

Posted: September 11, 2016

Posted: September 11, 2016

The principal, Jessica Rose Downs, leaves much to be desired. She may talk a good game but she doesn't practice what she preaches. The community that supports the school is wonderful. Many families give generously to the school and voluntarily serve on various committees benefiting the students and teachers. There has been a lot of staff turnover during Ms. Downs' time as principal. Many excellent educators have moved to other assignments in no small part because they couldn't work with Ms. Downs. This could be a superlative school if not for her lack of leadership and her poor management. Other Denver Public Schools with similar demographics and, perhaps, less community are outperforming Teller on the DPS School Performance Framework.

Posted: May 25, 2016

Because it's a school that's about community and teachers that care. We are grateful for the kindness and support we receive.

Posted: May 24, 2016

Posted: May 24, 2016

Posted: May 24, 2016

Posted: May 24, 2016

This is our 3rd year at Teller, with 2 children, and we have had wonderful experiences with the teachers. We love the "extras" that our kids get at Teller, including music, art, PE and a trip to the library every week. The PTA and community involvement is pretty amazing. If it weren't for the difficulties we have experienced with leadership, particularly the principal, this rating would be great rather than good.

Posted: February 10, 2016

This is my 5th year at Teller and I feel very fortunate to send my two children here. Our school has the most amazing staff and we are fortunate to have a huge music program, awesome arts and PE and also the best librarian around. The kids are encouraged and rewarded for good behavior, taught valuable character traits weekly, they have monthly pep rallys, every grade performs on stage, I can go on and on. The teachers and parents are very involved, it is a wonderful community to belong to. We are so lucky to live in this great neighborhood and go to Teller Elementary!!!!

Posted: January 28, 2016

One teacher in the fourth grade is verbally abusive to students she does not like. I have witnessed her negatively label students she does not care for in front of classmates. Her affect is strange and abrasive. My child did not initially report comments she was hearing, but when she did I was appalled. I witnessed some of the comments on the playground after school as well.

Posted: January 28, 2016

In general, I think kids need a brain break and family time in the evenings, not more work.

Posted: January 28, 2016

I have witnessed biases that did not feel morally right. I think the principle needs more training on the power imbalance between special needs students and typical students. She does not practice what she preaches.

Posted: January 28, 2016

Bullying is subtle and not handled appropriately by staff, especially the principle. Lots of lip service that they are addressing bullying, but not enough training given so that teachers can quickly recognize the deeper, underlying issues and imbalances amongst students.

Posted: January 27, 2016

We've had a child here for several years now, and I can't imagine a better experience. The teaching staff communicates well with the parents, and the PTA is a strong and positive force. The single instance of bullying that we're aware of was handled quickly, appropriately, and respectfully. The librarian at Teller is the most amazing man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He has created a world-class children's library and he is deeply engaged with all the children in the school. We have other children who will be attending when they're older, and it's a comfort to know that they will be going to Teller.

Posted: January 27, 2016

Teachers have it very hard, but the amount that they give at teller is incredible.

Posted: January 27, 2016

There is a reasonable amount of homework given. Kids are taught the value of it, but Teller also respects and values their time as kids.

Posted: January 27, 2016

Honesty, integrity, and fairness are qualities that are integral to every aspect of learning at Teller.

Posted: September 29, 2015

I have two children at Teller and couldn't be happier with our experience at this school. The teachers, leadership and school staff are incredible and work extremely hard to make sure that all of our students meet their full potential. Ours arts, music, PE and library staff really help balance the academic rigor and give the children multiple ways to express themselves. The intervention team and gifted teacher work hard to make sure all students are challenged to reach their full potential. We love Teller!

Posted: August 20, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

Posted: August 20, 2015

I transferred my son, who has special needs, into the 4th grade at Teller last year and I couldn't be happier with the school. His classroom teacher was outstanding. She made school safe and fun for him. He reported no issues with being bullied, which is a big deal for him. He also made excellent academic progress. My son's whole demeanor changed because he felt valued by his teachers and peers and because he was being challenged and included at school. I owe a debt of gratitude to Teller Elementary. I feel that it is a hidden gem--a neighborhood school with well-rounded instruction, enrichment classes like music and art, in an urban and diverse setting.

Posted: August 13, 2015

Teller Scholars show integrity in their actions. Teller Scholars always: Choose to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Stand up for Scholars who may be treated unkindly by others. Bravely stand up for what is right. Tell the truth even when it is difficult. Know and follow school rules. Take care of their school as a place of excellence for all. Know when to use their best judgment or ask for help in tricky situations. Use self control.

Posted: August 13, 2015

At Teller we always … Ask questions. Share ideas. Cite evidence. Celebrate growth! Our staff is committed to living out the shared values within Denver Public Schools. These values are Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun!

Posted: August 13, 2015

At Teller Elementary School academic excellence for all Scholars is the standard. We strive to provide rigorous learning experiences throughout the school day that extend learning beyond the classroom by providing engaging and challenging homework. These experiences support learning in the classroom, while preparing Scholars with the necessary study skills they will need to be successful learners in middle school, high school and college. Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday. As a general rule, Scholars should have fifteen minutes of homework each night per the grade in which they are. For example, a 3rd grade student will have 45 minutes of homework, while a 5th grade student will have 75 minutes of homework.

Posted: November 29, 2014

I can't say enough about our amazing school. We have an excellent theater, music, art and physical education program. The teachers and staff are phenomenal, as well as the family involvement is beyond amazing. We are so lucky to be a part of this community. We have a school garden and the produce is served in the cafeteria. Other special things about our school is the back pack program, sending food home on Friday's to families in need. The Penny Harvest teaches our kids to be young philanthropists and donate pennies collected to organizations of their choice. We have a wide range of enrichment programs including Math rocks, knitting, cooking classes, fashion classes, hip hop, ballet, gymnastics, soccer, etc. Overall, I feel privileged to send my two kids to this great school!!

Posted: May 23, 2014

My 3 children attend(ed) this school. We have nothing but positive things to say. The three of them have different learning styles. Each of their needs have been met. Love all of the staff and teachers.

Posted: May 23, 2014

Teller Elementary is a wonderful community based school that provides a good education and a diverse student body. Our music department led by Jennifer Bartos is amazing and I love that my children go to a school where the arts are appreciated and celebrated. Ms. Down's, the principal, attends all PTA meetings and makes herself available for parents as well. Anytime there has been a situation at Teller, Ms. Down's has made every effort to be involved and rectify the situation. There has been teacher turnover in recent years, but in my opinion, that has been necessary to create a stronger teacher community and keep Teller moving forward. My son has since graduated from Teller and was fully prepared for the rigorous academics of his chartered middle school. I am confident that my two children who still attend Teller will be amply prepared as well.

Posted: May 23, 2014

Teller has had a lot of struggles in the past years but has a devoted and committed community of teachers, parents, and students that keep striving to make the school better and better. It is evident with rising test scores, enrollment and parent satisfaction.

Posted: May 22, 2014

I have been a Teller parent for quite sometime now so I have seen the shift with the newest principal... Before she was head of the school it was like a family home community. The kids were happy, bullying was at it's lowest and my students were excelling in their studies! My oldest even shifted into GT during her 4th grade year! Ever since her take over - there has been MULTIPLE dangerous bullying situations...one that I didn't even know about until the kid in my kids class was kicked out of the school and I had come to find out that she was keeping quiet (my student) about the situation because she was always ignored and told to deal with it because in sixth grade there would be worse. Either get involved at this school and try to change it or DON'T attend Teller unless you want your child to be yelled at, ignored, bullied and given an education that's only been going down for two years and that's state results and self opinion so you decide.

Posted: December 3, 2013

Teller is a decent school that has been working to improve test scores and modernize itself. There has recently been a lot of teacher turn-over which appears to be positive but since it seems the majority of the teachers are new this year, stability has yet to be proven. The principal seems more interested in backing district decisions then parent partnership/communication and could use additional "people skills".

Posted: November 12, 2013

Teller Elementary is a wonderful community school. I choose the word community over neighborhood because we do have families that choice in. That combined with the neighborhood families creates a wonderful environment for my children. We are in our 4th year at Teller, which began with the ECE program, and the experience gets better and better. In addition to the great leadership of Principal Downs, Teller is blessed with amazing teachers, including full time art, drama/music and PE teachers. As well as strong after school programs. If you are interested in Teller, I encourage you to take a tour to see the school and met the teachers/staff, come to a PTA meeting to chat with parents, and attend one of our events. You will not be disappointed..

Posted: November 11, 2013

Overall Teller is a good school, although it would be nice if they replaced the secretary (Dee Faust)with someone who has better communication skills.

Posted: August 19, 2013

There are teachers at this school, who don't know how to teach a child with disabilities. I walked into his special ed class, Everyone was writing sentences but my child. My child was drawing pics. The teacher was at her desk. Our child should be working in 6th grade, not kindergarten again. I may have to pull our child out of Teller, who has teachers who don't know how to teach our child. Since I can't give a zero they will only get 1star.Teachersneed to go back to school and learn how to teach special ed,and the regular ed teachers also.

Posted: April 29, 2013

My child learned more as a 4 year old in an out of state school than she learned in both 1st and 2nd grade at this school. The sad part is that the rest of the DPS school system is just as sad and trying to choice her in at a better school is near impossible. I spend my time off trying to make up for the lack of education they are providing. The only saving grace this place has is the band, drama and choir teacher, along with the office staff. I only pray my child's teacher next spring is better than this years teacher.

Posted: March 14, 2013

Great school that focuses more on the entire learning experience than just the academics with a nice variety of arts.

Posted: March 8, 2013

My son attends Teller Elementary and we couldn't be happier with the school. The ECE & Kindergarten teachers have taught my son beyond my expectations!! I am proud my son attends a school where Drama, Dancing & Music are in the curriculum. Playgrounds are filled with parents and children after school so it is easy to make new friends. Everyone I have met is non competitive making it a great learning environment. The children are all excited to learn and not heavily pressured with the "hovering" parental style. My son is constantly challenged with projects inside and out of the classroom. Everyday he comes home and tells me something new he has learned throughout the day. I am also thankful for the diversity in the school and that my son gets the chance to grow up with children that come from all different backgrounds.

Posted: March 2, 2012

this school is awesome! I am a 5th grader at this school and I believe that kids get even work. I would say this school has excellent academics and kids that love to learn. Our schools teachers and office staff are really hard workers and focus mainly on the kids.

Posted: May 16, 2011

This school used to be terrific. Now, under the leadership of Jennifer Barton, the school has tanked academically and has become the home of flakes and freaks. Follow the test scores and listen to all the excuses - it is horrible. Jennifer Barton couldn't lead a horse to water if it was dying of thirst. We used to love this school and the parents were great. If you love political-correctness, sports programs where the kids are not allowed to compete, an emphasis on sensitivity & groups hugs and passive-aggressive leadership - send your kid to this school. If you want a real environment with rigorous academic standards, focused on individual achievement and - god forbid... WINNING - go somewhere else.

Posted: April 6, 2011

There are some terrific things about Teller. Every day after school the playground is filled with kids and parents playing until dinner time. The children are great, the parents are very active in the school, it is fairly racially diverse, the general tone is one of respect and kindness, the teachers are hard-working, caring and accessible, and the principal is enthusiastic and positive with the children. Our daughter loves going to Teller. That said, we have some concerns about the school. Our daughter, who has been identified as academically "gifted" (but didn't meet the "highly gifted" criteria) gets virtually no support for this status. The "Advanced Learning Plan" is a form letter that, so far, has had no meaning. She has not received any in-school academic extensions/challenges. So, while she loves going to school at Teller, we're not sure how much she is learning. This may be a DPS-wide issue, instead of Teller-specific issue, but given that Teller is a magnet school for the "highly gifted" we had hoped there would be some energy put into challenging "gifted" children as well. Besides this issue, though, we have been quite happy with Teller.

Posted: November 28, 2010

I have two children at Teller and have been very happy with the program, the leadership, the parents and the friends our kids have made there. This review gives a more complete picture of what the school has to offer: http://scooptoo.com/school-scoop/denver-public-schools/school-scoop-teller/93.html