Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado

“I am very surprised to see that Overland received such a low rating. I received my HS education from three different high schools and Overland, in retrospect, is a great school. Yes it is more diverse and yes it isn't in the best of areas, but I truly believe that the teachers there are one of the best. They have a passion for their students and it being an older school, many of my teachers actually went to OHS for their HS education as well. Overland simply has a bad reputation because many of the students are from economically disadvantaged families, and thus acts differently than many students from more affluent communities. This in no way is a reflection of who they are as students nor of Overland as an educational institute. Overland is a great school.”
This review was posted by a other.

“Overland High School has been an excellent choice for our daughter. The school is large enough to offer all that would be expected of a school in the Cherry Creek School District. The academics, sports, activities, and clubs are varied and numerous. My husband and I have been active volunteers and have encountered many wonderful and dedicated administrators, teachers, coaches and staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overland High School is not only one of the most diverse schools in Colorado, but we are held accountable for high academic classes. People here get along great with each other maybe because this school is so diverse but we also make our peers want to get involved because of our pride. Rules and regulations are getting straightened out so students do not skip class and make sure they arrive on time. Teachers ask students to come in for help when they need it. Pride, spirit, communication, academics, and diversity. What else could you ask for?”
This review was posted by a student.

“I transferred my kids to this school and they love it. Great teachers. They love the international diversity.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“All of the teachers at overland high are very nice they teach very well.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I love this school I will be in 10th next year and im in the drama club and in choir. They have alot of activities and have wonderful techers.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Personaly I just started going here and I love it! All of my teachers are nice and they have a really good way of teaching like Mr. Fontana who just started teaching here at OHS. He teaches Spanish and has a really fun way of teaching it. And Mrs. Von-Tilius is the best math teacher she breaks everything down and explains it. I LOVE OHS! Class of 2011 rules”
This review was posted by a student.

“After leaving this school, I was very sad because the cherry creek district is my favoirte. At this school they offer so many classes to students, that even go up to A.P. (Advanced Placement). The teachers are awesome, and the school is big for its size. There are so many activites that the schoold does, no one gets left out. There are a varity of people here, and such spirit comes alive here, and there is always FUN involved in Overland, even if your just in class. Any school in the cherry creek district is great, they are the best, that I have liked after attending denver, and aurora public schools, because the cherry creek district is nothing like the rest! You will enjoy this school, trust me!”
This review was posted by a student.

“It is my belief that OHS is the step child for the Cherry Creek School district. The facilities are in poor condition.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I attend Overland High School and I believe that we rank above average. Not because I have high school spirit but because I know and witness it everyday. We have a lot of young, talented students at OHS that love this school, but there are a lot of students who don' t take advantage of the great opportunities offered at Overland.”
This review was posted by a student.

“A student has to want to do good in school to get the best out of any school, overland has alot to offer but it is not only up to the staff but the student and parent as well. No matter what grade the student is in the parent needs to be active in their education and make sure their child gets all they can out the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think that this school has great teachers this year. Most of my teachers are new and one of them even went here for her high school years. They just need to think about what people are interested in taking.”
This review was posted by a student.

“There's a lot of potential sitting there at Overland, but some of their policies are just plain absurd. I was extremely sressed last year, and I was getting very nervous at the end of the year. The teachers would try to jam in as much of their curriculum in the shortest amount of time. I strongly suggest they turn things around. Also, I had way too many complaints about the security staff. I kept saying they were unfair and unjust. I really hope they change things soon, for I will not want to attend there anymore.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Overland High is a school full of opportunities in all areas, such as music, art, robotics, sports, etc. My daughter is in three advance classes and can graduate early with advance credits if she desires. However I have found that the only thing holding the school back is the student population. About ?of the students come from dysfunctional families. Thus many come to school unwilling to take advantage of the programs offered. They don't see their future as promising. The School has tried to counter this with a daycare for single Moms and other programs but it comes down to values instilled at home. So if you have a weak minded child they can easily get lose in the peer pressure and lose any advantage this school has to offer. A parent willing to ask questions and encourage their child will find a competent education for their child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“It is a good school the teachers just need to be more caring.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Overland High School has a large variety of programs available to suit the needs of students, whether their interests are academic or sports related. The faculty is top notch! The teachers care about the success of their students.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I am a 2004 graduate currently serving in the US Navy. Overland may have the lowest test scores of any school in the Cheery Creek schools but with its diversity and strong cast of teachers Overland still is a great school. Having the opurtunity to go to Overland has been helpful since you gain perspectives of many different kinds of people. Something Cherry Creek or Grandview may never have.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Overland has been a great school for my child. She has accomplished many awards and is involved with sports, music, and science. It is a good school for a child that is involved and that will take full advantage of what this school has to offer.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overall, I think this is a good school if you are a parent that participates in your student's education. However, If not, your child can fall thru the crack. I don't believe this is necessarily a problem with the school itself. Rather a problem with the society we live in. If an effort is put into changing the perception toward our urban kids, there might be a higher success rate in rasing academic proficiency.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overland offers a wide variety of interesting extracurricular activities so students are able to get involved. The teachers are dedicated and available.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I am a sophmore at Overland i really like the school but they want me gone by January because I live across the cherry creek district. I live about 2 blocks away from Overland yet they dont want me to go. My family moved near the school so I would not transfer but i guess I will!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Three of my kids are going, or have attended this school. The ones who have graduated really felt that they were well prepared for college. The teachers were intelligent and dedicated. If I have any complaint, it is that the best teachers, like Mr Mimac and Mr Drown, get hired away by schools like Grandview.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am going to be a senior at Overland High School next year and I have thoroghly enjoyed my experience at Overland. Not only does Overland have some of the best teachers that I have ever had but I am also greatful that I got to grow up in such a diverse enviornment there. I feel so much more priveleged than the people who haven't gotten the chance to be as exposed to different cultures as I have. Also, the Preforming Arts program there is outstanding! I have been in it for three years now and Overland is considered to have some of the best choirs and the best drama department in the Cherry Creek School District. You really can't go wrong with Overland High School. I love it!”
This review was posted by a student.

“This school is a horrible school. They do not know what they are doing. My daughter went there and they put her in lower classes and did not pay attention to the fact that she needed a challenge or the fact that her CSAP scores were really high. There are some wonderful teachers there like Tom Rutt but I wouldn't let my child go back there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overland sometimes gets a bum rap. As a part of the sometimes uppity Cherry Creek School District, some look at it as substandard. The diversity at this school presents more opportunies than problems. We live equadistant to the famed Cherry Creek High School and chose Overland for our daughter because the student population better represents the real world. Her teachers and coaches were top notch. Students with 'involved' parents do just as well at Overland as they would at someplace more glamorous.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Students are not held accountable for missing classes. I am very dissapointed with the quality of education received and I will not allow my other child to attend this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.