The top reported proficiency rate is 24% in Science. The lowest is 15% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Slater Elementary School
Slater Elementary School is a regular public school in Lakewood, Colorado, serving prekindergarten through fifth grade under the Jefferson County School District R-1. It occupies a modest enrollment roughly consistent with a neighborhood elementary school. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial share of White students and smaller numbers from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a high level of economic need among the families the school serves.
State assessment results for the most recent testing year show proficiency rates in math and English language arts that are lower than what many parents would hope to see and below the levels typical of schools with comparable demographics across the state. In science, tested only in fifth grade, the rate was similar. The participation rates on these tests were high, so the results reflect the performance of nearly all enrolled students. These scores suggest that many students are still working toward grade-level expectations, and a family considering Slater would want to understand what academic supports and interventions the school provides to address this.
The school is located in the west suburban area of Lakewood, a large city immediately west of Denver. Lakewood is predominantly autocentric, with most daily life oriented around major highways and arterial roads. The Belmar district offers a walkable mixed-use core with retail, dining, and the Lakewood Cultural Center. The city has a strong public institutional presence, including the Denver Federal Center and multiple colleges. Housing in the area commands prices that are high relative to national benchmarks, and rents are similarly elevated, reflecting the broader Denver metro affordability pressures.
Jefferson County School District R-1, one of Colorado’s largest, has been undergoing significant change that directly affects families at Slater. Voters approved a major bond measure in 2024 that will fund capital improvements, safety upgrades, and technology across the district, the first such bond in many years. The district also adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum in the 2023-24 school year aligned with Colorado’s READ Act and the science of reading, a change families should be aware of, as it represents a shift in how reading is taught from kindergarten through fifth grade. At the same time, the district has faced enrollment declines and budget pressures. A 2023 plan to close many schools was reversed after community opposition, and a committee continues to study potential consolidation and boundary changes. Additionally, a 2024 recall election replaced three school board members following concerns about transparency and the handling of consolidation. This means the governance and strategic direction of the district, and therefore of Slater Elementary, are in a period of active reassessment. Families should anticipate continued discussion of school capacity, program distribution, and possible future boundary or attendance zone changes.
Overall, Slater Elementary presents as a school serving a high-need population with academic performance that lags state averages, yet it sits within a large district that is investing in facilities and curriculum while simultaneously grappling with enrollment and governance challenges. Parents evaluating this school will want to speak with staff about the specific academic interventions and supports available, as well as keep a close eye on district-level decisions that could affect the school’s future trajectory.
See more original research from School Decision →