The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in Math. The lowest is 35% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Elwell Elementary School
Elwell Elementary School is a regular public elementary school serving students in preschool through fifth grade in Johnstown, Colorado, part of Weld County School District No. Re‑5J. The school sits within a town that has seen rapid growth over the past two decades, transforming from a small agricultural community into a Northern Colorado hub of residential development, big‑box retail, and distribution centers. Johnstown remains car‑dependent, with most residents commuting alone, and its downtown core is complemented by large‑format commercial corridors. The town’s population has climbed substantially in recent years, and the district is responding with new construction: voters approved a bond and mill levy override in 2024 that funds a new elementary school in the Thunder Valley area, set to open in 2027‑2028, along with a Career and Technical Education wing at Roosevelt High School and district‑wide security upgrades.
Elwell itself enrolls a student body that is predominantly white, with a sizable Hispanic population. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch. The school’s academic performance places it in the top quartile among districts across Weld County when looking at overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades. That relative strength is notable in a county with many districts, so Elwell sits above the midpoint of its local peers. At the same time, the absolute proficiency rates on Colorado’s state assessments are moderate. In math, about two of every five students scored at or above the proficient level. In English language arts, roughly one in three students met that benchmark. And in science, tested only in fifth grade, the rate is similar. These numbers suggest that while the school compares well within its county, a majority of students are not yet reaching grade‑level proficiency in core subjects. A parent may want to ask the school about the strategies it uses to lift performance, particularly in literacy and math, and how it supports students who are not yet proficient.
The district recently adopted a new elementary literacy curriculum aligned with the science of reading, driven by Colorado’s READ Act, and began implementing it in the 2024‑2025 school year. That represents a significant shift in how reading is taught across all elementary grades. The bond also funds expanded mental health support and teacher compensation increases, which could affect the school’s capacity to serve students with varying needs. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available, so it is not possible to assess how those populations are served here.
Johnstown’s housing market reflects the region’s growth. Home values are moderately above the national median, and rents have been rising. The area remains affordable relative to the Front Range, but the combination of new construction and increased property taxes from the district’s bond may shift the cost of living further. The school is integrated into the town rather than isolated on a remote campus; other district schools, including Pioneer Ridge Elementary and Roosevelt High School, are also located within Johnstown.
Elwell Elementary is a school that performs well relative to Weld County districts but faces the same challenge as many elementary schools in fast‑growing suburbs: translating a strong local position into higher absolute proficiency. Families who value a regular public elementary in a growing community with recent investment in facilities and curriculum may find it a solid match. Those concerned about the share of students not yet proficient in reading or math will want to explore the school’s intervention programs and how the new literacy curriculum is taking hold.
See more original research from School Decision →