The top reported proficiency rate is 9% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Kearney Middle School
Kearney Middle School serves grades six through eight in Commerce City, part of Adams County School District 14. The school’s enrollment places it in a moderate size range for a middle school, and the student body is overwhelmingly Hispanic. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a marker of the economic challenges many families in the area face. The school is a regular public school, not a charter.
On state assessments, Kearney Middle School’s proficiency rates are very low. In math, only a small fraction of students scored proficient or above; in English language arts, the figure is a bit higher but still quite low. Science results for eighth graders show a similar pattern. Participation rates on these tests were around three-quarters of students. Compared with other schools in Adams County, Kearney’s overall proficiency index lands in the bottom quartile relative to districts in the county. This is a clear signal that academic achievement is a pressing concern for families considering this school. No data were available on chronic absenteeism or on the school’s four-year graduation rate, the latter because the school does not serve high school grades. Information on students with disabilities, English learners, disciplinary patterns, and staffing was also absent from the record; a parent may want to look into these areas further with the school directly.
Kearney sits within Commerce City, a fast-growing suburb north of Denver that blends residential neighborhoods with heavy industry, including the region’s largest oil refinery. The city has a young population and a sizable share of residents under eighteen. Growth has been steady over the past two decades, with new development pushing north toward Brighton and east toward Denver International Airport. Housing values in the area sit somewhat below the state average, and rents reflect a moderately priced market relative to the broader metro. The built environment is mostly auto-oriented, with subdivisions, commercial corridors, and industrial zones spread across a large geographic footprint. Civic anchors include the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and a network of parks and trails.
The district brief for School District N. 14 turned up no recent parent-relevant changes such as boundary adjustments, new programs, or referenda. That may reflect limited public reporting rather than an uneventful period; families should check directly with the district for updates.
Kearney Middle School is a place where the community it serves is deeply rooted, with many students facing economic hardship. The academic results are among the lowest in the county, and families weighing this school should examine what supports are in place for students who need extra help, particularly in literacy and math. The surrounding city offers a mix of industry and open space, with rapid growth reshaping the area. For parents who live in Commerce City and value a neighborhood school, Kearney is the local option, though the test scores suggest that a close look at classroom instruction and intervention resources is warranted.
See more original research from School Decision →