The top reported proficiency rate is 53% in English language arts. The lowest is 42% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Kendrick Lakes Elementary School
Kendrick Lakes Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Lakewood, Colorado, serving students from preschool through fifth grade as part of the Jefferson County School District R-1. The school sits in a central Lakewood neighborhood near Kendrick Lake, one of several small lakes that dot the city’s suburban landscape.
Lakewood is a large, predominantly suburban city immediately west of Denver. Its built environment is a mix of mid-century subdivisions, commercial corridors along major highways, and newer mixed-use nodes such as Belmar, a master-planned district built on the site of a former shopping mall that now offers walkable retail, apartments, and civic spaces. The city is home to the Denver Federal Center, three higher education institutions, and corporate headquarters including FirstBank and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Major employers also include St. Anthony Hospital and the school district itself. Transit access comes from the RTD W Line light rail with seven stations in Lakewood. The area is largely car-dependent, though Belmar and some transit-oriented nodes provide pockets of walkability.
Housing in the school’s attendance area is priced well above the national median, reflecting the pressure of the Denver metro market. Rents are also high, and the combination of home prices and mortgage rates means homeownership is a significant financial commitment for many households.
The school is moderately sized for an elementary school. Its student body is predominantly white, with a notable Hispanic population and smaller shares of Asian, multiracial, and Black students. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a degree of economic diversity within the enrollment. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the information we reviewed, so families with children in those categories should contact the school directly for details on supports.
On state assessments from the 2024-25 school year, a slim majority of students met proficiency standards in English language arts. In math, the share was just below half. Science proficiency, tested only at fifth grade, was lower. Participation rates were high, so the results are representative of the tested grades. No historical trend data was available to show whether performance is improving or declining, and a direct comparison to other Jefferson County elementary schools was not possible due to a limited comparison set.
Program offerings at the school were not detailed in the available data. District-wide, Jefferson County implemented a new elementary literacy curriculum, “Into Reading,” starting in the 2023-24 school year, which Kendrick Lakes uses. This curriculum aligns with Colorado’s Read Act and a science-of-reading approach.
The district itself has experienced notable recent changes. In 2024, voters approved a large bond measure for capital improvements, safety upgrades, and technology across the district, the first such bond passed since an earlier measure. In the same election, voters recalled three school board members over concerns about transparency and the handling of school consolidation plans, replacing them with new members. The district had previously proposed closing 16 schools due to declining enrollment and budget deficits, but reversed that decision after community backlash and formed a study committee. This ongoing process means families should be aware that future boundary or program changes are possible, though Kendrick Lakes was not specifically identified in those discussions.
For families considering this school, Kendrick Lakes offers a stable suburban elementary environment in a community with strong employment anchors, ample parks and lakes, and light rail access to Denver. The academic profile is moderate, with room for growth particularly in math and science. The district’s recent governance shifts and the open question of future consolidation add a layer of uncertainty that families planning a long-term K-12 path may want to explore further with school and district officials.
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