The top reported proficiency rate is 69% in Science. The lowest is 47% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Merit Academy
Merit Academy is a public charter school in Woodland Park, Colorado, serving kindergarten through tenth grade as part of the Woodland Park School District Re-2. The school's grade band means it does not include the final two high school years, so families should plan for where students will complete eleventh and twelfth grades; the district operates a combined secondary campus for seventh through twelfth graders as an alternative pathway. As a charter school, Merit Academy operates with some autonomy from the district while remaining a tuition-free public option.
On state assessments given in grades three through eight, the school's overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it at the top of the comparison set among districts in Teller County. In English language arts, a solid majority of students met or exceeded grade-level expectations, while in mathematics, roughly half did. Science results vary by grade, with notably stronger performance in eighth grade than in fifth. Participation rates on these tests were high, which adds confidence to the results. Because the school does not serve eleventh or twelfth grade, no graduation rate is reported, and there are no high school state assessment results to review.
The student body is predominantly white, with a smaller share identifying as two or more races and a modest percentage as Hispanic. About a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a measure of economic need that is relatively low compared to many schools. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those support services. Information on discipline, chronic absenteeism, course offerings, and staffing was also absent from the available data, leaving a gap that prospective families may wish to explore with the school.
The community of Woodland Park sits at a high elevation within Pike National Forest and functions primarily as a bedroom community for Colorado Springs, where most residents commute. It is a car-dependent town with limited public transit; its historic downtown and highway-oriented layout mean schools are on separate campuses rather than integrated into the core. The local economy is anchored by healthcare, professional services, construction, and education, with Pikes Peak Regional Hospital as a major employer. Housing values in the area are roughly in line with the state median, having seen a modest dip recently, while rents have increased slightly. The town has grown at a moderate pace, consistent with its role as a mountain-adjacent suburb.
The district has recently reconfigured its secondary schools, combining middle and high school into a single campus serving grades seven through twelve. Meanwhile, Merit Academy expanded to cover kindergarten through tenth grade, offering families a distinct educational model within the same district. Parents choosing between the charter school and the traditional secondary campus should consider the difference in structure, the school's academic strengths as reflected in the state assessments through eighth grade, and the need to transition students after tenth grade. The school's overall performance on tested subjects is strong relative to other districts in the county, which may appeal to families prioritizing academic outcomes in a smaller charter setting.
See more original research from School Decision →