The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Science. The lowest is 27% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Monterey Elementary School
Monterey Elementary School is a regular public school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in the Harrison School District 2, located in the southeastern part of Colorado Springs. With a small enrollment for a PK-5 school, it sits in a city shaped by military installations, aerospace employers, and a sprawling suburban landscape. The school itself operates in a neighborhood setting, and families considering it will find a student body that reflects the broader community’s diversity, with Hispanic students making up a majority, followed by white students and smaller shares who are Black, two or more races, Asian, or American Indian. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, which places the school in a high-poverty context.
Academically, Monterey Elementary’s state assessment results show a mixed picture. In math and English language arts, roughly one in four students met state proficiency standards in grades three through five. Science, tested only in fifth grade, posted a stronger result, with about two in five students reaching proficiency. When compared with other elementary schools across El Paso County, Monterey’s overall proficiency across subjects sits above the midpoint among the county’s districts, meaning that while the absolute proficiency rates are modest, they are competitive relative to many nearby schools. Families should note that the school serves only elementary grades, so there is no graduation rate to consider, and no chronic absenteeism data was available in the reported information.
The district context adds a noteworthy opportunity. In a 2024 referendum, voters approved a mill levy to fund the D2 Promise Program, which covers tuition and fees at Pikes Peak State College for any qualifying graduate of the district’s high schools. This commitment runs for a set term and signals a district-wide emphasis on postsecondary access. For families at Monterey, that pathway starts with the elementary experience, though the school itself does not have published program offerings—such as gifted, arts, or special academic tracks—so a parent may wish to ask the school directly about enrichment opportunities available within the building or through the district.
Colorado Springs as a whole is a large, car-dependent city with a strong military and defense economy, tourism, and a growing population. Housing in the broader area is moderately priced relative to the state, with home values and rents near the national median; the school’s immediate zip code reflects similar affordability. The city’s growth has brought investment in infrastructure and cultural amenities, but the built environment remains largely auto-oriented, and the school’s location is accessible via major roads.
For families evaluating Monterey Elementary, the school offers a small, diverse learning environment with above-average relative performance for the county, particularly in science. The high rate of economic need means that federal Title I resources may be in play, and the district’s D2 Promise program provides a longer-term academic incentive. The main soft spots are the below-30 percent proficiency rates in math and reading—a parent may want to explore what interventions or supports the school provides to address those areas, especially given that many students come from low-income households where additional academic resources outside school may be limited.
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