The top reported proficiency rate is 76% in Science. The lowest is 62% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Academy Charter School
Academy Charter School is a public charter school in Castle Rock, Colorado, serving preschool through eighth grade as part of the Douglas County School District. It operates as a regular school under a charter, giving it some autonomy in curriculum and operations while remaining a tuition-free public option for families in the area.
The school’s academic performance on state assessments is strong. In math and English language arts across grades three through eight, the share of students reaching the proficient or advanced levels is well above what is typical statewide. Science results are also solid, with the eighth-grade cohort showing particularly high proficiency. These results indicate that the school’s instructional approach is producing consistent, above-average outcomes in core subjects.
Enrollment is moderate for a school spanning this grade band. The student body is predominantly white, with a notable Hispanic population, smaller shares of Asian and multiracial students, and very few Black or Native American students. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is low, which aligns with the broader economic context of Castle Rock, a fast-growing suburb south of Denver. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the reporting, so a family with a child in either category may want to ask the school directly about supports and services.
As a K-8 school, Academy does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. That is not a weakness of the school but simply a reflection of its grade configuration. Families choosing this school will need to plan for a high school transition after eighth grade, likely within the Douglas County district, which operates several high schools in Castle Rock and surrounding areas.
The school is located in Castle Rock, a town that has experienced rapid population growth over the past two decades. It functions as the county seat and a commercial hub, with a historic downtown, a large outlet mall, and extensive park and trail systems. The town is largely car-dependent, and while there is a walkable core, most residential areas and schools are spread across suburban subdivisions. Housing costs in the area are high relative to national averages, reflecting the community’s desirability and the limited supply of affordable options.
The Douglas County School District has made significant financial investments in recent years that affect all its schools, including this charter. Voters approved a mill levy override in 2022 to fund teacher compensation and mental health support, followed by a larger bond and another override in 2024 to build new schools, upgrade safety and technology, and recruit staff. These measures were designed to keep the tax rate stable while directing substantial capital and operating funds into the district. The district also adopted a new evidence-based literacy curriculum for elementary schools starting in the 2023-2024 school year, which Academy Charter School implements as part of its charter agreement.
Information about specific programs, electives, class sizes, or discipline policies was not included in the available data, so families interested in those details should visit the school’s website or contact the front office. Similarly, no civil rights data on suspensions or other disciplinary actions was provided.
Academy Charter School fits a family seeking a K-8 option with strong academic results in a well-funded, fast-growing suburban district. The student body is less economically diverse than many public schools, and the school’s charter status means it operates with some independence from the district while still benefiting from district-level investments. For families new to Castle Rock, the school offers a proven academic track record and a stable feeder pattern into the district’s high schools.
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