The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 27% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Elizabeth Middle School
Elizabeth Middle School serves sixth through eighth grade students in the Elizabeth School District, a regular public school in the small town of Elizabeth on Colorado’s eastern plains. The school’s roughly 400 students make it a moderate-sized middle school, drawing from a community that has shifted from its agricultural roots into a bedroom suburb for commuters heading to Denver and Colorado Springs. The area has experienced rapid population growth, bringing new residential development and the pressures that come with it, though the town itself retains a low-density, rural character with a compact historic downtown.
Academically, results on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success show a mixed picture. In math, about a quarter of students scored at the proficient level or above. Performance was stronger in English language arts, where more than two-fifths of students reached that benchmark. Science results, which are only assessed in eighth grade, showed a similar share near two-fifths proficient or above. Across all three subjects, the school’s overall proficiency index places it among the highest in Elbert County, a relative strength within the local comparison group. Parents should note that participation rates in testing were around three-quarters for math and ELA, and lower for science, which may influence how representative the results are. No multi-year trend data is available, so it is not possible to tell whether these results reflect an upward or downward trajectory.
The student body is predominantly White, with a smaller Hispanic representation and very small numbers of students from other racial and ethnic groups. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a measure of economic need that is modest compared to many districts. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported in the available data, so a family looking into special education supports or language services would need to follow up directly with the school. Similarly, discipline data, staffing ratios, and attendance rates are absent from the public record, leaving gaps that a parent may want to explore through school communications or a visit.
Elizabeth itself sits at the edge of the Denver metro area, and the district has not undergone any recent major bond measures, curriculum shifts, or property tax changes that would be lasting for parents. The town has no public transit, and street life is limited to the Old Town corridor. Most employed residents commute out of town for work. Housing values in the area are high relative to national benchmarks, and the local market has seen a slight recent dip, though affordability remains a consideration for families moving into the district.
Elizabeth Middle School offers a straightforward academic program for early adolescents in a community that is growing but still feels rural. Its proficiency results are uneven across subjects, with ELA a relative bright spot, and the school stands out within its small county for overall performance. The lack of reported data on several key support and environment measures means that families should inquire directly about special education, English learner services, and school climate. For those already living in the district or considering a move to this commuter-friendly corner of Elbert County, the school serves as the central option for these middle grades.
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