The top reported proficiency rate is 33% in English language arts. The lowest is 15% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Kipp Northeast Denver Middle School
KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School is a charter school serving grades five through eight in the Denver Public Schools system. It operates as a regular school with a charter status, meaning it is publicly funded but independently run under the oversight of the district. The school is located in Denver, a major consolidated city-county that functions as Colorado’s capital and the primary commercial and transportation hub for the Rocky Mountain region. Denver’s economy is diverse, with major employers spanning telecommunications, aviation and aerospace, software, financial services, health care, and government. The city has experienced sustained population growth and has a dense downtown core with cultural institutions, parks, and a network of bicycle paths.
The school’s enrollment is about the size you would expect for a middle school serving grades five through eight. The student body is diverse in terms of race and ethnicity. The largest group of students is of Hispanic background, followed by Black students, with smaller shares of Asian, white, two or more races, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students. A very substantial share of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a population with significant economic need. Data on the share of students with individualized education programs or English learner status was not available from the source used here.
On state assessments, the school's results show a challenging academic picture. The proficiency rate in math, measured by the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, was below the rates seen at many other schools in the district. In English language arts, proficiency was somewhat higher but still at a level that may be a concern for families looking for strong academic performance. Science results for fifth grade and for eighth grade were also low. The school’s overall proficiency index across tested subjects and grades placed it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Denver County. When looking at these numbers, a parent may want to investigate what academic supports and interventions the school offers.
The school is part of the KIPP network, a national charter network with a stated mission of preparing students for college and career success. The network often emphasizes a structured academic environment, extended learning time, and a focus on character development. As a middle school, it feeds into KIPP’s high school options in Denver, so families considering this school would likely be looking at a KIPP pathway through to high school.
At the district level, several recent changes may affect families at this school. Denver voters approved a substantial bond measure for Denver Public Schools in 2024, funding facility improvements, safety upgrades, technology, and new school construction. The district also adopted a new literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading starting in the 2023-2024 school year. A new unified enrollment system for school choice began with the 2024-2025 school year, changing how families apply to schools across the district. In 2022, voters approved a mill levy override to increase teacher pay and support mental health services in schools. These district-wide changes may influence the resources and programs available at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School.
The housing market in the area around the school shows home values and rents that are somewhat below the state benchmark but above the national median. Home values have seen a modest decline recently, and rents have also edged downward. The estimated monthly mortgage payment in the area is substantial, and renting is more affordable than buying for many households.
This is a school that serves a high-need student population and has low state test scores relative to the Denver County area. It operates within a well-known charter network with a defined educational philosophy. Families considering this school would want to understand the specific academic programs and supports the school provides, how the school addresses the gaps shown in assessment data, and what the KIPP pathway looks like for students after eighth grade.
See more original research from School Decision →