The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 35% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Gilcrest Elementary School
Gilcrest Elementary School serves students from preschool through fifth grade in the small, rural town of Gilcrest, Colorado, part of the Weld County Reorganized School District No. Re-1. The school sits along the US Highway 85 corridor in central Weld County, an area with deep agricultural roots, particularly in sugar beets and potatoes, and more recently touched by oil and gas exploration. Gilcrest itself is a very small statutory town that has seen population decline or stagnation in recent years, and its built environment remains compact, with a traditional grid of numbered streets near the highway. There is no public library or transit system in town; the nearest services are in nearby Platteville or Greeley. The school is the only elementary option within the district for this part of the county.
Academically, Gilcrest Elementary’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it in the top quartile relative to districts in Weld County. That is a clear strength, given that the county contains many districts. In English language arts, a modest share of students met state standards on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success; in math, the share was smaller, and in science at the fifth-grade level it was comparable to ELA. Roughly two out of five students scored proficient or above in reading and science, while about one in three reached that level in math. These results suggest the school is performing solidly for its county context, though there is room for growth, particularly in math. A parent may want to ask the school about strategies for math improvement and how the school supports students who are close to meeting standards.
The student body is relatively small for an elementary school. A majority of students are Hispanic, with most of the remaining students white. A substantial share of families qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic realities of the community. The school’s official records do not report the percentage of students with disabilities or English learners, so families who need information on special education or language support services should inquire directly with the school. No data is available on discipline, staffing levels, attendance rates, or course access, which is typical for an elementary school that does not offer electives or advanced coursework. The school is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet.
The district, which covers a broad area of Weld County, did not have any recent parent-relevant changes publicly confirmed in our search. This means no major boundary shifts, program launches, or policy overhauls surfaced in available sources, but it is worth checking directly with the district for any upcoming changes.
Housing in the Gilcrest area is more affordable than much of Colorado, with home values below the state median. The town has a high homeownership rate, and many residents likely commute to Greeley or other employment centers in the county for work. The school is the heart of the community for families with young children; the town’s small size means the school is easily accessible within the compact settlement.
Overall, Gilcrest Elementary is a solidly performing school in a rural, affordable, and tight-knit community. Its relative standing among Weld County districts is a positive sign, but the modest proficiency rates, especially in math, give a parent a reason to ask about instructional approaches and intervention supports. Families who value a small, traditional elementary setting in a quiet town with low housing costs and a predominantly Hispanic student population will find this school fits that profile. Those seeking a wide range of programs or strong math outcomes might need to look into how the school addresses those areas.
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