The top reported proficiency rate is 72% in English language arts. The lowest is 62% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Foothills Elementary School
Foothills Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Colorado Springs, part of Academy School District 20. The school sits in a residential neighborhood on the city’s northwest side, an area shaped by the broader Colorado Springs economy—military bases, aerospace and defense contractors, and tourism anchor the region. The city itself is large and car-dependent, with commercial corridors along major arterials and I-25, but some walkable nodes exist downtown and in historic districts. The school’s zip code carries a typical home value above the statewide figure, and rents are similarly elevated, reflecting demand in this part of the metropolitan area. For families moving into the district, the housing market is relatively expensive compared to national norms, and the area continues to see steady growth.
Academically, Foothills Elementary performs at a level that stands out within El Paso County. On state assessments, students posted proficiency rates in math and English that placed the school among the top quarter of elementary schools in the county when compared across districts. Science results, tested only at fifth grade, were also solidly above the county midpoint. These scores come from a school where about a modest share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, and where the student population is predominantly White, with a substantial Hispanic minority and smaller shares of students identifying as two or more races, Asian, Black, or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Data on the number of students receiving special education services or English learner support was not available from the source, so families with children in those categories may want to ask the school directly about available programs and staffing.
The school is of a typical size for a K-5 campus. It is not a charter or magnet school, and it does not receive Title I funding, a designation that would indicate a high concentration of students from low-income households. The district to which it belongs, Academy District 20, recently passed a bond to rebuild schools located on the U.S. Air Force Academy, with matching funds from the Department of Defense, signaling ongoing investment in facilities across the district.
For a parent considering this school, the academic track record is the clearest draw: tested outcomes are strong relative to county peers, and the school appears to serve a population with fewer economic stressors than many other public schools in the region. The peer environment reflects the surrounding community—largely middle- and upper-middle-income households, with a mix of military and civilian families drawn to the area’s employment base and quality of life. The school does not offer any special program designation or alternative pedagogical model; it is a traditional elementary school operating within a well-regarded district. What is missing from the available data—discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, staffing ratios, and course access details—means that some dimensions of daily life at the school cannot be characterized here. Families would need to supplement this picture with a school visit or conversation with the principal to get a full sense of the climate and supports.
See more original research from School Decision →