The top reported proficiency rate is 16% in Science. The lowest is 6% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Harris Park Elementary School
Harris Park Elementary School is a regular public school in Westminster, serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Westminster Public Schools district. The school is small for its grade band, with an enrollment that is fairly evenly distributed across grades. A very large share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a high-poverty student population. The student body is mainly Hispanic, with a smaller but notable white enrollment and a handful of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.
On state assessments, the school’s results show significant challenges. In mathematics, the portion of students scoring proficient or above was very low. In science, tested only in fifth grade, the proficient share was also low. English language arts results were suppressed by the state, so the share of students meeting proficiency is not publicly reported; an average scale score was released, but without a proficiency count it offers limited standalone insight. Participation on all tests was complete, so the results represent nearly every eligible student. Compared with other elementary schools in Adams County, the school's overall proficiency across tested grades and subjects sits in the bottom quartile. No multi-year trend data was available, so it is not possible to tell whether performance is improving or declining.
Information on student support services, discipline, attendance, and staffing was not included in the available data. Parents interested in academic interventions, class sizes, or the school’s approach to student behavior would need to ask the school directly. The district’s recent developments, such as bond measures or curriculum changes, were not found in the provided materials, so this narrative does not address them.
Westminster is a large suburban city north of Denver, spread across Adams and Jefferson counties. The city has historically been car-dependent, though a new mixed-use Downtown Westminster development is introducing a more walkable core with housing, retail, and office space. Westminster’s economy is anchored by employers in technology, medical, and energy sectors, including Ball Corporation and Maxar. A commuter rail line connects the city to downtown Denver, and an extensive trail network, notably the Big Dry Creek Trail, provides recreational routes. The housing market in the school’s immediate area reflects mid-range costs relative to the broader Denver metro; home values have softened recently, while rents have ticked up modestly.
For a family considering this school, the profile is clear. Harris Park serves a high-need community and, on the state’s academic measures, students are not reaching proficiency at rates that match most other schools in the county. The school is small, which may appeal to families who prefer a more intimate setting where staff can know students individually. A parent exploring this school should ask what academic support programs are in place, how the school addresses the learning gaps shown in the data, and what enrichment opportunities exist beyond the core subjects. The surrounding neighborhood is typical of suburban Westminster—a mix of older homes and newer development, with easy access to major employment centers and regional transit.
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