The top reported proficiency rate is 61% in Science. The lowest is 45% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Isabella Bird Community School
Isabella Bird Community School is a regular public elementary school in Denver, serving preschool through fifth grade. It sits within the Denver Public Schools system, a large urban district that covers the entire city and county. The school is not a charter or magnet school, and its Title I status was not reported.
The student body is of moderate size for an elementary school of this grade span. The largest racial group is white, followed by a notable Hispanic population and smaller shares of Black, Asian, and multiracial students. About a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, meaning the school serves a mix of middle-income and lower-income families. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so parents may want to ask the school directly about the level of special education and language support services.
On Colorado’s state assessments, Isabella Bird posted a mixed but generally solid record. In math, roughly in the middle range for a Denver-area school, with proficiency below the halfway mark. In English language arts, the share of students meeting or exceeding standards was stronger, landing above the halfway point. In fifth-grade science, the school also performed well, with a clear majority of test takers reaching proficiency. Because the state’s testing program covers only grades three through five at this school, the results reflect a portion of the student body. Overall, the school’s combined proficiency across tested subjects placed it among the top tier when compared with the district-level averages of other Denver County districts. That comparison is a favorable one for families weighing elementary options in the area.
The school’s location in Denver means it sits within a large, economically diverse city with a broad range of employers, cultural institutions, and recreational amenities. Housing in the immediate zip code is expensive relative to national norms, with home values and rents that have edged down slightly in the most recent year. The broader Denver housing market has been under some pressure, but the area remains a competitive place for families looking to buy or rent near a strong-performing elementary school.
At the district level, Denver Public Schools has recently made several changes that affect all its schools. A district-wide literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading was rolled out starting in the 2023-2024 school year, which means Isabella Bird’s youngest students are now learning to read with more explicit, evidence-based instruction. A new unified enrollment system launched for the 2024-2025 school year, streamlining how families apply to schools across the district—something to be aware of if you are navigating choice for next year. Voters also approved a large bond measure in November 2024, the largest in district history, along with a mill levy override in 2022 to boost teacher pay and mental health services. These investments signal a district actively working on facilities, teacher retention, and student support.
No program-specific offerings were reported for Isabella Bird, so it is not clear whether the school offers specialized academies, language programs, or extracurriculars beyond the standard elementary curriculum. Parents interested in those details should check the school’s website or contact the office directly.
For a family seeking an elementary school in Denver with above-average academic results compared to the district as a whole, a moderate-sized student body, and a location in a major city with a dynamic local economy, Isabella Bird Community School is worth a close look. The missing information on special populations and program offerings means a direct conversation with the school will fill in important details about whether it matches your child’s specific needs.
See more original research from School Decision →