The top reported proficiency rate is 18% in English language arts. The lowest is 10% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Parkview Elementary School
Parkview Elementary School serves grades three through five in Lamar, a small city in southeastern Colorado that functions as the commercial hub for a large farming and ranching region. The school is part of the Lamar School District Re-2. Parkview is a regular public school and is not a charter or magnet school.
The school’s enrollment is relatively small for an elementary school covering three grade levels. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, which signals that the school serves a community with concentrated economic need. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial white minority and smaller shares of students who are Black or identify with two or more races. Data on the share of students with disabilities or those who are English learners was not available in the source materials.
On state assessments, Parkview’s results are low. Proficiency rates in math, English language arts, and science all sit well below common benchmarks. When compared to other elementary schools in Prowers County, Parkview’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades placed in the bottom quartile. A parent considering this school should understand that its academic performance is a soft spot and may want to ask the school directly about how it supports students who are behind grade level.
Because Parkview only serves grades three through five, it does not have a graduation rate, and data on chronic absenteeism and discipline were not provided in the materials reviewed. These gaps are typical for a mid-elementary school; graduation and discipline data usually apply to secondary schools.
The school’s setting is Lamar itself. Lamar is a small, historically agricultural city that has seen economic shifts. A major bus manufacturing plant that once employed many residents closed some years ago, and the city has since emphasized tourism and small businesses. The population is slightly declining. Housing in the area is notably affordable relative to state and national benchmarks. The region offers outdoor recreation including John Martin Reservoir State Park and a segment of the Santa Fe Trail, and the city has Amtrak and bus connections. Lamar Community College is located in the city, providing a local postsecondary option.
The school district did not have any reported recent changes or strategic initiatives in the sources used for this profile. The absence of such information means a reader will have to look to the district directly for any current priorities or program updates.
For families, Parkview Elementary is a neighborhood school in a small, affordable community where economic challenges are evident in both the student population and the broader town. The academic proficiency numbers are low, and the school serves only upper elementary grades, meaning students will transition to a middle school after fifth grade. A family moving to Lamar with a child in these grades should plan to engage closely with the school to understand the academic support and enrichment available. The school may be a good fit for families who value a small-town setting and are prepared to be active partners in their child’s education, particularly if the child needs additional academic support.
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