Press Release: EPSD Earns Higher State Performance Rating

Press Release

Issued: September 3, 2025

Estes Park School District Earns Higher State Performance Rating for Second Consecutive Year

Estes Park School District is proud to announce that the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has once again increased the district’s accreditation rating according to preliminary ratings released publicly on September 3, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of improvement since the district launched its strategic plan, underscoring the dedication of staff, students, families, and the broader community to educational excellence.

The accreditation rating is part of the CDE’s accountability system and reflects overall district performance in academic achievement, student growth, and postsecondary readiness. This year’s rating highlights the measurable progress Estes Park Schools are making in delivering on their mission to provide authentic learning experiences that prepare students for global application.

Over the past three years, Estes Park School District has made measurable progress in its state accreditation ratings. In 2022–2023, the district earned a score of 53.1, which placed it in the category of “Accredited with Improvement Plan” under the Colorado Department of Education’s accountability framework.  By 2023–2024, that rating rose to 58.9, elevating the district to full “Accredited” status. This year, the upward trend continued with a rating of 62.4, further solidifying the district’s progress. These gains mark an important shift. 

In 2019, the elementary school was identified as a “Priority Improvement” school and was put on watch status with the CDE. This year, the elementary school made the largest gains in the district, increasing their rating by 6.9 points. With the improved rating, the elementary school is no longer designated as “on watch” by the state, reflecting strong academic growth. 

Superintendent Ruby Bode said she is “incredibly proud of the students, staff, parents, and leadership at the elementary school.” She explained, “being removed from “watch” status shows the school has met improvement expectations and that the state now recognizes it as demonstrating sustainable academic progress.”

Elementary Principal Erin Miller emphasized the strong results in math, noting that “our growth in math was higher than we have seen before, and I am very proud of the hard work happening in our classrooms every day.” She highlighted the dedication of the school community by stating, “our teachers, staff, students, and families are deeply committed to creating a culture of learning and achievement, and this increase in our district rating affirms that effort.”

Secondary Schools Principal Sonja Greenway praised the progress of multilingual learners, saying, “Our multilingual learners exceeded expectations in English language acquisition this year, with some of the highest growth rates across the state.” She added, “I am extremely proud of our staff and students for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment has been evident in every step of this journey. While we recognize there is still progress to be made, I am confident that by maintaining our focus on academic achievement, growth, real-world learning, and student wellness, we will continue moving forward on a strong, upward trajectory. We are dedicated to making every minute matter!”

The district’s performance improvements are aligned with its Global Outcomes framework, which emphasizes communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, compassion, global awareness, and physical, social, and emotional well-being. These values guide instruction and student experiences, helping prepare graduates for success in college, career, and life.

Estes Park School District extends its gratitude to the community for ongoing support and partnership. Together, the district looks forward to sustaining this positive trajectory.