The top reported proficiency rate is 15% in English language arts. The lowest is 11% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Wilson Elementary School
Wilson Elementary School is a regular public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Colorado Springs, part of the Colorado Springs School District 11. It sits in an established residential area of the city, a sprawling, car-dependent environment shaped by a large military presence, aerospace and defense employers, and a growing tourism sector. The school draws from its immediate neighborhood, and the surrounding housing market reflects a typical mix for the region: home values and rents sit at a level that is broadly in line with the metro area.
The student body is diverse. A majority of students are Hispanic, and the school serves a population in which a large share of families qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The school enrolls a few hundred students across the elementary grades, with enrollment spread fairly evenly from kindergarten through fifth grade and a smaller pre-kindergarten program. This is a high-poverty context, and that shapes the academic picture.
State testing results for math, English language arts, and science show that a modest share of students scored at the proficient or advanced level. Performance is low relative to the broader set of schools in El Paso County. Wilson falls in the bottom quarter among districts in the county when measured by overall proficiency across tested subjects. The participation rate on state assessments was high, meaning the results reliably represent the student population. A parent considering this school will want to understand what academic supports are in place, how the school addresses foundational skills in reading and math, and what interventions or enrichment programs exist for students who are below grade level.
Because Wilson serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to consider. Similarly, data on chronic absenteeism and discipline were not available in the source information; a parent may wish to ask the school directly about attendance patterns and school climate.
The district, Colorado Springs D11, has taken several steps that affect Wilson and its families. Teacher starting salaries were raised across the district in an effort to improve recruitment and retention, which can influence classroom stability. The district also cut the number of schools on state-designated turnaround or priority improvement status by roughly two-thirds, a shift that suggests broader attention to low-performing schools. Wilson itself is a neighborhood school in a district that has been working to address academic challenges.
A partnership between D11 and Pikes Peak State College allows high school students in the district to take college courses at no cost through the D11 Promise Scholarship. While that program does not directly affect elementary families, it signals a district-level investment in postsecondary pathways that may become relevant for Wilson students in future years.
The community context in which Wilson operates is one of steady growth. Colorado Springs has added population over the past couple of decades, driven by military bases, the aerospace sector, and the city's reputation as a desirable place to live. The local economy is anchored by Fort Carson, Peterson and Schriever space force bases, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, along with defense contractors and the tourism industry. The city is geographically large and auto-oriented, with walkable nodes concentrated downtown and in historic districts. Housing costs have risen over time, though the area remains more affordable than the Denver metro area to the north.
For a family weighing Wilson Elementary, the core considerations are straightforward. This is a high-poverty school in a large urban district, with state test scores that are low compared to county averages. The school's strength lies in its role as a neighborhood anchor, serving a diverse community. A parent moving into the attendance area may want to schedule a visit, talk with the principal about academic intervention programs, and understand how the school's staff leverages district resources and supports. The district's recent moves on teacher pay and school improvement are relevant signals, but the day-to-day experience at Wilson will depend on the specific programs and leadership at the school itself.
See more original research from School Decision →