The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in English language arts. The lowest is 40% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Johnson Elementary School
Johnson Elementary School is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in south Fort Collins. It operates under Poudre School District R-1 and is neither a charter nor a magnet school. The school occupies a standard campus in a residential area of this mid-sized college city.
State test results present a clear picture of academic performance. In English language arts, a solid majority of students meet or exceed expectations. Math proficiency is somewhat lower but still reaches a majority of test-takers. Science, assessed only at fifth grade, shows a noticeably smaller share of students attaining proficiency. Across all tested subjects and grades, Johnson’s combined proficiency rate places it well above the average among comparable schools in Larimer County. This is a genuine strength; parents looking for a school with consistently higher-than-typical test scores in the county will find that here. The data includes only one test year, and state assessment changes were not flagged, so trend information is not available.
The student body draws from the surrounding neighborhood. The enrollment is moderate for an elementary school serving these grades. The student population is predominantly white, with Hispanic students making up the next largest group. Black, Asian, and multiracial students each represent a small share. About two-fifths of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a mix of household incomes. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available; a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of these programs and the share of students they serve.
The school does not offer any specialized programs that appeared in public records, nor did the district report recent bond measures, curriculum changes, or other major shifts. Johnson is a neighborhood elementary school without a distinctive magnet or theme focus.
Fort Collins blends the character of a college town with a growing economy in manufacturing, technology, and services. Colorado State University anchors the city, and major employers include the university, a regional hospital, the school district itself, and private firms such as Woodward and Broadcom. The city’s historic Old Town district is the walkable social core, but most residential areas, including the area around Johnson, are car-oriented suburban development. The city maintains an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, and a bus rapid transit system serves key corridors.
Housing in the school’s ZIP code is moderately priced for the region: home values are slightly above the state average and well above the national average. Rents have been rising modestly, and monthly rent is somewhat lower than a mortgage payment on a typical home, making renting a more accessible option for many families. The school sits within a city that has grown steadily, with growth management policies in place since the 1980s. The county unemployment rate has been relatively low, and real median household income nationally has held steady near the mid-eighties in recent years.
Because Johnson serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and state testing does not extend below third grade. Data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, and course access were not available, which leaves some gaps for a family exploring the school’s environment and student support. A parent might wish to follow up with the school office on class size, how the school supports students who are struggling in math or science, and what enrichment or intervention programs are in place.
Johnson Elementary provides an academic experience that stands out positively in its county, with test results that exceed typical performance. It functions as a standard neighborhood public school within a dynamic and growing city. Families who value a solid track record of elementary academic achievement in a straightforward, well-regarded district will find a good match here. Those looking for specialty programs, or who need detailed information on special education or English learner services, should expect to research further.
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