The top reported proficiency rate is 52% in English language arts. The lowest is 43% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Colorado Stem Academy
Colorado STEM Academy is a regular public school in Westminster, Colorado, serving students from preschool through eighth grade as part of Westminster Public Schools. It is not a charter or magnet school. The school’s enrollment is on the smaller side for a PK-8 building, and the student body is roughly evenly split between students who identify as Hispanic and those who identify as White, with smaller shares of Asian students and students of two or more races. A majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic diversity of the community it serves. Data on the share of students with disabilities and English learners is not reported here; a parent may want to ask the school directly about the availability of supports for these groups.
Academically, the school performs at a level that stands out among its peers. On the Colorado Measures of Academic Success exams, the overall proficiency rate across tested subjects and grades places the school in the top quartile relative to other schools in Adams County. In English language arts, a slight majority of students scored proficient or above. In math, fewer than half of students met that bar, which is a softer spot a parent may wish to explore with the school. Science results show a split depending on grade: fifth graders posted a proficiency rate around the same level as the school’s ELA average, while eighth graders’ science proficiency was notably lower. Participation rates on all assessments were very high, making the results reliable. Because Colorado STEM Academy does not serve high school grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and no data on college readiness or career pathways is available. The school’s academic profile suggests it is a solid option for families seeking a STEM-themed elementary and middle school, though the math results in particular warrant further inquiry.
The school’s name carries a STEM focus, but the data provided does not detail what specific programs, curricula, or enrichments the school offers under that label. The district, Westminster Public Schools, has been publicly reported to have pursued recent bond and mill levy referendums and curriculum changes, but specific information about how that affects this school is not included here. Given the school’s strong overall proficiency ranking, it appears to be delivering academic outcomes above many of its county peers.
Westminster is a large suburban city north of Denver, spanning Adams and Jefferson counties. It has historically been auto-oriented, with residential subdivisions and commercial corridors, but a major new mixed-use development called Downtown Westminster is adding a walkable core with housing, retail, and office space. The city has an extensive trail network, including the Big Dry Creek Trail, and the US 36 Bikeway connects to the larger Front Range trail system. Public transit includes the RTD B Line commuter rail to downtown Denver. Major employers in the area include Ball Corporation, Maxar, and St. Anthony’s North Hospital. Housing values in the school’s zip code area are somewhat below the state average, with a modest recent decline in values; rents have been increasing slightly. Nationally, mortgage rates have been elevated, and the unemployment rate is low.
Because this is a PK-8 school, families should plan for the high school transition after eighth grade. The feeder pattern within Westminster Public Schools is not detailed here. Colorado STEM Academy’s academic record and its STEM orientation may appeal to families who value a focused approach to science and math, though the math proficiency rates indicate room for growth. The school’s small size and high assessment participation suggest a stable testing environment. Overall, this is a school that performs well relative to its county, with a diverse student body in a suburban city undergoing significant redevelopment.
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