The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in English language arts. The lowest is 3% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Roncalli Stem Academy
Roncalli Stem Academy is a regular public middle school in Pueblo School District 60, serving grades six through eight. The school is relatively small for its grade band, a setting that can allow for closer student-teacher relationships and a more contained academic environment. Its name reflects a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, a stated academic orientation that is the core of its identity.
The student body is majority Hispanic, with a substantial White population and smaller shares of students who are two or more races, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native. A very large share of students comes from households with low income, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. The data on the share of students who have a disability or who are classified as English learners was not available from the source; a parent may want to ask the school directly about the supports available for these groups.
On state assessments given in the 2023-24 school year, scores in math and reading were low. The school’s overall proficiency rate across tested subjects placed it in the lowest tier when compared with other school districts in Pueblo County. In math, the share of students who met the state’s proficiency standard was minimal. In English language arts, the share was somewhat higher but still well below a majority. The school’s participation rate in testing was also lower than what is typically expected. A parent should note that these scores reflect the performance of a single year, and that the school’s STEM mission may mean its curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning that is not fully captured by a standardized test. The school’s science data was suppressed for privacy reasons, so a full picture of that subject cannot be drawn. Because Roncalli serves only middle grades, there is no graduation rate to report.
Housing in the immediate area around the school is somewhat more affordable than the state as a whole. Home values in the surrounding zip code have dipped slightly over the past year, while rents have edged up moderately. Renters in this area pay a lower share of income toward housing than renters nationally, which may make the community more accessible for families on a tighter budget.
Pueblo itself is a mid-sized city with an industrial and agricultural heritage that still shapes its identity. The local economy has diversified beyond its historical reliance on steel, with healthcare, education, and government now the largest employers. The two largest are a major medical center and the Colorado Mental Health Hospital. The district itself is a top employer, as is a nearby state university and a community college. The city has invested in civic amenities like a riverwalk and the Colorado State Fairgrounds, and a recent school bond, the largest in district history, was approved by voters to fund facility improvements and safety upgrades across District 60.
For a family considering Roncalli Stem Academy, the primary consideration is whether a school with very low standardized test scores, a stated STEM focus, and a high proportion of students from low-income households provides the academic foundation they are looking for. The school’s small size works well for a student who thrives in a contained environment, and its address on Highway 78 places it in a southern stretch of the city. The district’s recent bond investment signals that capital improvements are underway, which could affect the school’s physical plant over time. A parent should inquire about the day-to-day implementation of the STEM program, the availability of advanced coursework or enrichment for middle schoolers, and what interventions are in place to address the academic challenges visible in the state data.
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