The top reported proficiency rate is 20% in English language arts. The lowest is 13% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Westgate Elementary School
Westgate Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Lakewood, Colorado, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It draws its students from a mid-sized suburban area within Jefferson County School District R-1. The student body is diverse: about half of the students are Hispanic, roughly a third are White, and the remainder come from Asian, Black, multiracial, and other backgrounds. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a community where many families face economic constraints.
On the state’s annual academic assessments, the share of students scoring at the proficient or advanced level was low in each tested subject. In math, a small share met the state benchmark; in English language arts, about a fifth of students did; and in science, the result was similarly low. For families evaluating the school, these outcomes may raise questions about academic support and instructional strategies. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what interventions and programs are in place. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available in the source, so a complete picture of the school’s support for students with disabilities or those learning English is not provided here.
Westgate operates under the Jefferson County R-1 district, which has undergone significant changes recently. In 2024, voters approved a bond measure for capital improvements, safety upgrades, and technology enhancements—the first bond passed by Jeffco voters in many years. The district also adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with Colorado’s READ Act and the science of reading framework, a shift that affects all elementary schools including Westgate. At the same time, the district has faced enrollment declines and budget pressures. A plan to close a number of schools was announced in 2023 and then reversed after community backlash; a committee was formed to study consolidation options, and in late 2024 voters recalled three school board members, replacing them with new ones. For families, this means the district’s long-term direction on school closures and boundaries remains uncertain, and the political landscape may influence future decisions.
Lakewood itself is a large, predominantly suburban city immediately west of Denver. It lacks a traditional downtown but has a notable mixed-use redevelopment at Belmar, which functions as a civic and commercial hub. The city is home to the Denver Federal Center, a major federal employment center, along with hospitals, corporate headquarters, and higher education campuses. Housing values in the area have softened slightly in the recent period, and rents have held roughly steady. The city’s growth has slowed from its earlier rapid expansion, and development now leans toward infill and redevelopment projects rather than new subdivisions. The RTD W Line light rail connects parts of Lakewood to Denver, but the overall built environment remains autocentric, with walkable street life concentrated around Belmar.
Westgate is an elementary school only, so there are no graduation rates, advanced course offerings, or postsecondary pathways to evaluate. Discipline and attendance data were not available in the source. A family considering this school will want to weigh the low state assessment results against the district’s recent curricular changes and capital investments, and to consider the broader context of a district in flux. The school’s economic and demographic profile suggests a student body with a high level of need, which may affect the resources and attention available in the classroom.
See more original research from School Decision →