The top reported proficiency rate is 7% in Math. The lowest is 6% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School is a regular public school in Commerce City, Colorado, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of School District N. 14 in Adams County. The school occupies a modest campus in a community that blends older residential neighborhoods with industrial zones and newer master-planned subdivisions. Commerce City is described as one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, with a young population. The city is home to a large oil refinery, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, a major soccer venue. Housing values in the area are below the state median but above the national median, and rents take up a sizable share of typical household income. The city has an urban renewal authority and continues to attract business growth, though the immediate neighborhood around the school reflects a mix of established homes and ongoing development.
Enrollment at Central is moderate for an elementary school, with a student body that is overwhelmingly Hispanic, along with smaller shares of white, Black, and Asian students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need. Data on the share of students with individualized education programs or English learner status was not available, which means a parent may want to ask the school directly about the level of special education and language support services.
The school’s academic performance, as measured by the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, is very low. In math, a small fraction of tested students scored at the proficient or above level, and similarly small fractions reached that bar in English language arts and in science. Participation rates were high, so the results are representative of the tested students. Compared with other districts in Adams County, Central Elementary’s overall proficiency index sits in the bottom quartile. Because the school only serves grades up to fifth, there are no graduation rate or chronic absenteeism data to report. The multi-year trend data was also missing, so it is not possible to say whether these results are improving or declining. A parent considering this school will want to look into the school’s approach to instruction, interventions, and any recent efforts to raise achievement.
No information was available on class sizes, teacher qualifications, discipline rates, or course access. The district brief did not contain any parent-relevant changes such as new curriculum adoptions or facility updates, so those areas remain unknowns. The school is not a charter or magnet, and its Title I status was not provided, though the high rate of economic need suggests it likely receives supplemental federal funding.
For a resident or parent, Central Elementary is a neighborhood school in a growing, diverse city with a strong industrial and recreational identity. The peer environment is shaped by a student body where a large majority of families share similar economic circumstances and Hispanic heritage. The housing market is more affordable than many parts of the Denver metro area, though still a stretch for many households. The school’s very low test scores are a central fact, and families who value strong academic outcomes will want to investigate what support programs, enrichment options, and improvement strategies are in place. Those who prioritize a community-focused school with a small grade band and a location near parks, trails, and a wildlife refuge may find it a fit, but the academic picture requires careful attention. The absence of staffing, discipline, and program data leaves significant gaps, so visiting the school and speaking with staff is essential to get a fuller sense of daily life there.
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