The top reported proficiency rate is 50% in Science. The lowest is 41% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Harris Bilingual Elementary School
Harris Bilingual Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Fort Collins, Colorado, serving students from preschool through fifth grade. It is part of the Poudre School District R-1. As its name signals, the school operates a bilingual program, an important feature for families considering its academic environment. The school is neither a charter nor a magnet school. Because it serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report. Data on students with individualized education plans and English learners were not available in the most recent records.
On state testing from the 2024-25 school year, Harris Bilingual Elementary posted results that sit above the midpoint among districts in Larimer County, based on an overall proficiency index across math, English language arts, and science. In math, a little over two-fifths of tested students scored proficient or above. In English language arts, the share was somewhat higher, approaching half of students. On the fifth-grade science assessment, half of the students met proficiency. Participation rates on all tests were nearly universal, which strengthens the reliability of these figures. By these measures, the school’s academic performance compares favorably to other elementary schools in the region, though there is room for growth in math and ELA.
The student body is moderately sized for an elementary school. A substantial majority of students identify as Hispanic, with white students making up most of the remainder. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is considerable, exceeding half of the enrollment. This economic profile is typical for a school serving a diverse urban population in northern Colorado. The school’s demographic makeup reflects the broader Fort Collins community, which includes a significant Hispanic population and a wide range of income levels.
Harris Bilingual Elementary is located in the city of Fort Collins, a mid-sized city that blends college-town energy with a growing knowledge economy. Colorado State University anchors the local culture and workforce. The city’s historic Old Town district is the walkable core, while much of the rest of the city, including the school’s neighborhood, is more car-oriented. Fort Collins has invested heavily in bike infrastructure and trails, and its transit system includes bus rapid transit. Major employers include the university, the school district, major health systems, and technology firms such as Woodward and Broadcom. The city has grown rapidly over recent decades, and growth management has been a political priority since the 1980s, resulting in a relatively controlled development pattern.
Housing costs in the Fort Collins area are above the Colorado average. Typical home values are higher than the statewide figure, and rents have been rising. For a family considering Harris Bilingual Elementary, the housing market is something to weigh carefully, particularly if renting. The school’s zip code area shows that buying a home costs more than the state typical, while rents consume a notable share of median income. The national mortgage rate context adds further pressure for would-be homebuyers. These economic conditions are part of the broader picture for any family deciding whether this school and this city fit their budget.
The school’s bilingual mission makes it a specific draw for families who want a dual-language elementary experience. The academic results are solid relative to county peers, particularly given the share of students from economically diverse backgrounds. A parent might want to check with the school about how the bilingual program is structured—whether it’s a full immersion or a dual-language model—and how that aligns with their child’s needs. The data available does not detail course offerings or support services, so families should ask about English learner supports, special education resources, and enrichment programs directly.
Overall, Harris Bilingual Elementary offers a proven academic pathway in a college-town setting with strong community assets. It fits families who value bilingual education and who are comfortable with a diverse, economically mixed student body. The city’s growth and housing costs are real factors, but for those who can manage them, this school represents a reliable public school option in one of Colorado’s most vibrant mid-sized cities.
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