The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in English language arts. The lowest is 59% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Gudy Gaskill Elementary
Gudy Gaskill Elementary sits in the western portion of Centennial, within Littleton Public Schools, and serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It is a regular public school, not a charter. The enrollment is substantial for an elementary school. The student body is predominantly white, with a Hispanic population making up the next largest share, and smaller numbers of students who are Asian, Black, multiracial, or from other backgrounds. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a rate that puts Gaskill in a relatively lower-poverty context compared to many schools in the area.
Academically, this is a high-performing school by a clear margin. On the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, a strong majority of students scored proficient or above in both English language arts and math. In science, which is tested only in fifth grade, the proficiency rate was also solidly above average. When measured against other elementary schools across Arapahoe County, Gaskill’s overall proficiency index placed it in the top quartile. A parent considering this school can expect a student body that, on balance, is meeting state standards at a high rate. The scores are an indicator of solid academic footing, not a guarantee for any individual child, but the pattern is consistent.
The school reports its state assessment participation rates were above eight in ten students in each subject. That is a reasonable participation level, though not full, and it is worth noting that the rates are below the kind of near-universal participation some schools achieve. A parent may want to ask the school about testing participation if that is a concern. The data does not include any breakdown by student subgroup, so it is not possible from the available information to assess whether all groups at the school perform at the same level.
There are several gaps in the data that limit a full picture. Information on students with disabilities and English learners is missing, so the school’s resource allocation for these populations is not visible. Discipline data, staffing ratios, chronic absenteeism, and course access are also absent. These are common gaps for elementary schools that do not report discipline incidents publicly or have not submitted certain civil rights data, but they mean a family looking for a complete portrait of the school’s environment will need to get that information directly from the school or district.
Centennial itself is a large, car-dependent suburb with no downtown. It was incorporated from unincorporated Arapahoe County and is a mix of subdivisions, office parks, and commercial corridors. Housing values in the zip code serving Gaskill were high relative to state and national medians, with recent home prices showing a slight decline. Rents were also elevated. The area is served by major corporate employers and is home to Centennial Airport. For a family moving to this part of the metro area, the housing market is expensive, and the school fits within a well-regarded suburban district.
Gudy Gaskill Elementary offers a consistent track record of strong academic results in a low-poverty, largely white elementary school. It is a good fit for a family looking for a high-proficiency school in a stable suburban setting west of I-25 within Littleton Public Schools. The missing pieces around special populations and school climate mean a thorough visit and conversation with the principal are advisable.
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