The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in English language arts. The lowest is 68% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on North Star Academy
North Star Academy is a charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in Parker, Colorado, operating under the Douglas County School District No. Re 1. It is a regular public school with a charter designation, which means it is publicly funded but operates with some autonomy from the district’s standard policies. The school serves a sizable enrollment for a K-8 building, with a student body that is predominantly white, followed by Asian and Hispanic populations. A small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Academically, North Star Academy performs at a high level on Colorado’s state assessments. In math, a majority of students test at proficient or advanced levels, and in English language arts, an even stronger majority achieve those top performance levels. Results in science, tested in fifth and eighth grades, also show strong proficiency rates. Participation on testing days was near universal, which strengthens the reliability of the reported outcomes. The school’s overall academic picture is one of consistent, above-average achievement across the core subjects it tests.
Because North Star Academy ends at eighth grade, there is no high school graduation rate to consider. The school’s charter status means it is a school of choice; families apply for admission rather than being assigned by neighborhood boundaries. The curriculum is not detailed in the available data, but the school’s strong test results suggest a program that aligns well with Colorado’s academic standards.
The school is located in Parker, a rapidly growing commuter town on the southeastern edge of the Denver metro area. Parker has a defined downtown along Mainstreet and a largely suburban, car-dependent development pattern. The town has seen explosive population growth over several decades and continues to expand, with new subdivisions and commercial development shaping much of the landscape. Housing values in the area are elevated relative to national benchmarks, and rents are also above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living in this part of Douglas County.
The Douglas County School District has made several recent investments. In the 2023-2024 school year, it implemented a new evidence-based literacy curriculum across all elementary schools, emphasizing phonics and comprehension. In the 2024 election, voters approved a substantial bond for new school construction, safety upgrades, and facility renovations, alongside a mill levy override to fund teacher and staff compensation. These measures suggest a district that is actively investing in its infrastructure and workforce, which may affect the stability and quality of the learning environment at North Star Academy.
Civil rights data, such as discipline rates or access to advanced coursework, was not available in the provided information. Likewise, information on special education and English learner populations was absent from the dataset. A parent considering North Star Academy may want to ask the school directly about its special education programs, its approach to student discipline, and how it supports students who are not yet proficient in English.
The school’s charter status and its strong academic results are its most defining features. For families in Parker and surrounding areas who are seeking a K-8 school with consistently high state test scores, North Star Academy is a strong option. Its performance in math and English language arts places it well within the top tier of schools in the district. The high housing costs in the area mean that living in Parker is a significant financial commitment, but the academic environment at this school is clearly a draw for families who prioritize strong student outcomes on state assessments. A parent should also consider that the school’s student body is less economically diverse than many public schools, which is a characteristic of the community it serves rather than a reflection of any admission policy.
See more original research from School Decision →