Press Release Issued: September 11, 2024

Estes Park School District Achieves Performance District Status Significant Growth Across All Schools

 

The Estes Park School District is excited to announce its achievement of a Performance District rating, based on newly-released preliminary ratings, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and the entire community. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE), which annually evaluates all public schools and districts, has recognized the progress made across all three schools in our district.

Every school in Estes Park showed improvement this year, resulting in the district’s new status as a Performance District. The Elementary School improved by 5.1 points, moving from a priority improvement rating to an improvement rating. The Middle School saw an impressive 8.1 point increase, maintaining its performance rating, and the High School made a 4.6 point gain, moving from an improvement rating to a performance rating. This collective effort has elevated the district to a performance rating, with an overall increase of 5.8 points.

The CDE evaluates school performance using achievement data from state assessments in math and English language arts for grades 3-11, and science for grades 5, 8, and 11. Growth data in math and English language arts is measured for students in grades 4-10, comparing their progress over two consecutive years with peers across Colorado. Similarly, growth data from the English language acquisition assessment for multilingual learners in grades 1-12 is also factored into the calculations. Additionally, the evaluation includes postsecondary and workforce readiness indicators, such as SAT scores, graduation rates, and matriculation rates.

Superintendent Ruby Bode expressed her pride in the district’s success, saying, "These results come after just the first year of implementing our district strategic plan. The improvements we are seeing are a direct result of the focused, collective efforts of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the support of our families and community. We are on the right path, and I am confident we will continue to build on this momentum. I am proud of what our public schools contribute to the future of this community."

The Estes Park School District is committed to continuing this upward trajectory and ensuring that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. With the support of families, community members, and staff, the future looks bright for the district.