Challenger Middle School

Summary:

Challenger Middle School is a high-performing public middle school in Colorado Springs, Colorado, serving 612 students in grades 6-8. The school is part of the Academy School District No. 20, which is ranked 8th out of 116 districts in Colorado and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Challenger Middle School consistently ranks among the top middle schools in Colorado, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's academic performance on CMAS tests is significantly higher than the district and state averages across all grades and subjects, with 73.8% of Challenger students proficient or better in English Language Arts compared to 61.1% in the district and 44.1% statewide. Challenger's performance is particularly strong in certain subgroups, such as Hispanic students (ranked 8th out of 199 Colorado middle schools) and Gifted and Talented students (ranked 4th out of 126 Colorado middle schools). The school also has a diverse student population, with 68.3% White, 13.4% Hispanic, 5.39% Asian, and 2.12% African American students, which is higher than some nearby schools like The Classical Academy Middle School, which has an 80.95% White student population.

While Challenger Middle School outperforms many of the nearby schools in academic metrics, it is interesting to note the differences in student demographics and socioeconomic status. The nearby schools with lower academic performance, such as Timberview Middle School and Russell Middle School, have higher percentages of students from low-income backgrounds, suggesting that socioeconomic factors may play a significant role in academic achievement. Overall, Challenger Middle School is a highly successful and well-regarded school that consistently delivers excellent academic results, particularly in comparison to its surrounding schools.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 10215 Lexington Drive
       Colorado Springs, CO  80920-2417


(719) 234-3000

District: Academy School District No. 20

SchoolDigger Rank:
29th of 485 Colorado Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,662 Help


Students who attend Challenger Middle School usually attend:

High:    Pine Creek High School

Feeder schools for Challenger Middle School:

Elementary:    Chinook Trail Elementary School
    Edith Wolford Elementary School
    Mountain View Elementary School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.8 Help
Number of students:  612

Racial breakdown:

White:
68.3%
Hispanic:
13.4%
Two or more races:
9.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  6.9% Help


 See top rated Colorado middle schools

 Compare Challenger Middle School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Challenger Middle School ranks better than 94% of middle schools in Colorado. It also ranks first among 7 ranked middle schools in the Academy School District No. 20! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 92.66. (See more...)
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Challenger Middle School has the largest middle school student body size in the Academy School District No. 20.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Challenger Middle School is $12,662, which is the 2nd highest among 7 middle schools in the Academy School District No. 20.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Challenger Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Challenger Middle School 29th of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Challenger Middle School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Academy School District No. 20:

SchoolDigger ranks Academy School District No. 20 8th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Challenger Middle School?

Rank History for Challenger Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 84.48 43rd 336 87.2%
2005 85.27 35th 340 89.7%
2006 84.09 46th 346 86.7%
2007 87.27 34th 360 90.6%
2008 82.13 54th 362 85.1%
2009 81.96 54th 377 85.7%
2010 82.49 56th 409 86.3%
2011 80.93 70th 422 83.4%
2012 81.33 64th 425 84.9%
2013 86.11 49th 454 89.2%
2014 89.35 33rd 461 92.8%
2015 94.03 21st 436 95.2%
2016 91.79 22nd 400 94.5%
2017 89.71 34th 424 92.0%
2018 89.84 27th 418 93.5%
2019 87.77 40th 458 91.3%
2021 82.76 47th 369 87.3%
2022 82.40 57th 448 87.3%
2023 84.76 56th 480 88.3%
2024 92.66 29th 485 94.0%
See the entire list of Colorado Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 63.08 8th 17 52.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.64 12th 222 94.6%
2024 89.55 12th 244 95.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.26 25th 315 92.1%
2019 87.64 31st 352 91.2%
2021 80.00 34th 254 86.6%
2022 72.07 69th 326 78.8%
2023 74.79 77th 363 78.8%
2024 88.39 32nd 350 90.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 70.29 23rd 121 81.0%
2019 70.06 30th 134 77.6%
2022 84.10 3rd 93 96.8%
2023 75.43 19th 125 84.8%
2024 80.49 4th 126 96.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 86.93 28th 317 91.2%
2019 83.06 47th 343 86.3%
2021 71.87 53rd 249 78.7%
2022 81.36 43rd 328 86.9%
2023 84.13 40th 356 88.8%
2024 91.00 25th 357 93.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.51 6th 165 96.4%
2019 95.79 8th 220 96.4%
2021 94.96 4th 83 95.2%
2022 88.87 9th 169 94.7%
2023 83.50 20th 198 89.9%
2024 95.09 8th 199 96.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Challenger Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.78 37th 199 81.4%
2019 71.69 63rd 283 77.7%
2021 65.48 59th 203 70.9%
2022 63.64 76th 265 71.3%
2023 70.44 65th 286 77.3%
2024 82.38 34th 273 87.5%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Challenger Middle School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.2)
80%

0%

0%

0%

20%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, October 15, 2018

Open Quote Great school, challenging all kids to work hard and to perform. Engaged administration, teachers and parents! Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, August 14, 2017

Open Quote This school is great. We transferred from the lauded Cherry Creek school district in Denver and were amazed at how much more attentive and structured D20 and Challenger MS were comparatively Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, June 16, 2016

Open Quote Worst school ever! Unless your child is gifted... Yes, my student with an IEP in Reading, Language Arts and Math. Received an F & D even though they had an IEP in these areas and has a Para. School refuses to listen to what was successful in previous schools. Child had all B's & some A & C's in previous school. There Special Education program stinks!!! Group size services and there is definitely no "individualized" services. Assistant Principal refuses to listen to suggestions and is very condescending. So disappointed with placing my child in this school. Worst decision ever! Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, January 30, 2015

Open Quote excellent school. Caring administration and teachers. Lots of extra help offered if students need it. Terrific counseling department. Sports, Gifted program, band, choir, all fantastic and available to students. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Challenger Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1117 21 16 33 4 n/a n/a 0 1191
1989 771 26 13 23 8 n/a n/a 0 841
1990 724 31 14 22 6 n/a n/a 0 797
1991 737 33 18 27 8 n/a n/a 0 823
1992 762 35 15 31 6 n/a n/a 0 849
1993 799 32 20 44 6 n/a n/a 0 901
1994 913 35 24 46 9 n/a n/a 0 1027
1995 1018 39 29 41 16 n/a n/a 0 1143
1996 1018 39 29 41 16 n/a n/a 0 1143
1997 1033 34 32 50 19 n/a n/a 0 1168
1998 538 10 14 9 11 n/a n/a 0 582
1999 599 11 21 25 6 n/a n/a 0 662
2000 590 10 16 29 8 n/a n/a 0 653
2001 641 13 19 25 9 n/a n/a 0 707
2002 690 13 29 35 13 n/a n/a 0 780
2003 690 13 29 35 13 n/a n/a 0 780
2004 710 20 42 34 7 n/a n/a 0 813
2005 706 21 39 46 10 n/a n/a 0 822
2006 649 20 39 48 9 n/a n/a 0 765
2007 585 17 30 53 6 n/a n/a 0 691
2008 498 17 25 41 2 n/a n/a 0 583
2009 530 19 34 50 1 n/a n/a 0 634
2010 543 14 30 48 0 n/a n/a 0 635
2011 548 8 23 83 0 1 28 0 691
2012 586 8 19 75 2 2 28 0 720
2013 549 12 28 87 3 3 36 0 718
2014 584 19 31 82 4 4 42 0 766
2015 600 19 39 87 6 4 55 0 810
2016 636 24 49 83 6 5 53 0 856
2017 654 20 53 85 6 3 58 0 879
2018 655 27 62 103 5 2 59 0 913
2019 647 23 69 98 3 0 69 0 909
2020 501 18 55 84 3 2 57 0 720
2021 444 15 48 84 3 4 62 0 660
2022 407 13 41 80 3 3 60 0 607
2023 418 13 33 82 2 4 60 0 612

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Challenger Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1191 63.6 18.7 n/a
1989 841 50.5 16.6 2.6
1990 797 51.5 15.4 4.4
1991 823 50.0 16.4 2.7
1992 849 53.0 16.0 3.8
1993 901 53.2 16.9 3.3
1994 1027 52.6 19.5 3.7
1995 1143 65.1 17.6 4.1
1996 1143 65.1 17.6 4.1
1997 1168 68.4 17.1 2.7
1998 582 39.5 14.7 1.9
1999 662 41.4 16.0 1.2
2000 653 38.1 17.1 1.8
2001 707 40.1 17.6 2
2002 780 49.1 15.9 3.3
2003 780 49.1 15.9 3.3
2004 813 46.4 17.5 3
2005 822 46.3 17.8 2.6
2006 765 44.5 17.2 2.9
2007 691 42.5 16.3 2
2008 583 36.0 16.2 3.3
2009 634 37.0 17.1 3.9
2010 635 39.1 16.2 5.8
2011 691 41.0 16.8 8.2
2012 720 43.0 16.7 8.6
2013 718 45.3 15.8 8.5
2014 766 44.9 17.0 8.2
2015 810 46.0 17.6 7.8
2016 856 48.0 17.8 8.2
2017 879 51.0 17.2 7.3
2018 913 52.0 17.5 8.3
2019 909 52.4 17.3 7.2
2020 720 45.0 16.0 8.2
2021 660 40.0 16.5 11.7
2022 607 37.0 16.3 8.6
2023 612 36.3 16.8 6.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Challenger Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1191 63.6 18.7 n/a
1989 841 50.5 16.6 2.6
1990 797 51.5 15.4 4.4
1991 823 50.0 16.4 2.7
1992 849 53.0 16.0 3.8
1993 901 53.2 16.9 3.3
1994 1027 52.6 19.5 3.7
1995 1143 65.1 17.6 4.1
1996 1143 65.1 17.6 4.1
1997 1168 68.4 17.1 2.7
1998 582 39.5 14.7 1.9
1999 662 41.4 16.0 1.2
2000 653 38.1 17.1 1.8
2001 707 40.1 17.6 2
2002 780 49.1 15.9 3.3
2003 780 49.1 15.9 3.3
2004 813 46.4 17.5 3
2005 822 46.3 17.8 2.6
2006 765 44.5 17.2 2.9
2007 691 42.5 16.3 2
2008 583 36.0 16.2 3.3
2009 634 37.0 17.1 3.9
2010 635 39.1 16.2 5.8
2011 691 41.0 16.8 8.2
2012 720 43.0 16.7 8.6
2013 718 45.3 15.8 8.5
2014 766 44.9 17.0 8.2
2015 810 46.0 17.6 7.8
2016 856 48.0 17.8 8.2
2017 879 51.0 17.2 7.3
2018 913 52.0 17.5 8.3
2019 909 52.4 17.3 7.2
2020 720 45.0 16.0 8.2
2021 660 40.0 16.5 11.7
2022 607 37.0 16.3 8.6
2023 612 36.3 16.8 6.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Challenger Middle School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $10,058
2020 $10,752
2021 $10,709
2022 $11,647
2023 $12,662

Data source: Colorado Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Challenger Middle School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 40th of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 56th of 480 Middle schools
 2.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Challenger Middle School)62.867.6
 4.8%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Academy School District No. 20)55.258.9
 3.7%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Challenger Middle School)55.156.9
 1.8%
   6th Grade Math (Academy School District No. 20)40.843.9
 3.1%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Challenger Middle School)66.366.9
 0.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Academy School District No. 20)6667.1
 1.1%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (Challenger Middle School)50.240.7
 9.5%
   7th Grade Math (Academy School District No. 20)46.242.4
 3.8%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (Challenger Middle School)60.949.4
 11.5%
   8th Grade Science (Academy School District No. 20)5247.4
 4.6%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Challenger Middle School)70.767
 3.7%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Academy School District No. 20)64.762.9
 1.8%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Challenger Middle School)66.251.4
 14.8%
   8th Grade Math (Academy School District No. 20)55.348.9
 6.4%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Challenger Middle School)66.267.2
 1%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Academy School District No. 20)6260.4
 1.6%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Challenger Middle School)56.449.9
 6.5%
   All Grades Math (Academy School District No. 20)49.848.6
 1.2%
   All Grades Math (Colorado)34.732.9
 1.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students909612
 32.7%
African American2313
 43.5%
American Indian32
 33.3%
Asian6933
 52.2%
Hispanic9882
 16.3%
Pacific Islander04
White647418
 35.4%
Two or More Races6960
 13%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients7.2%6.9%
 0.3%


Schools Near Challenger Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Challenger Middle School

Students at Challenger Middle School are 68% White, 13% Hispanic, 10% Two or more races, 5% Asian, 2% African American.

Yes. Challenger Middle School ranks in the top 6.0% of Colorado middle schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 612 students attended Challenger Middle School.

Students who attend Challenger Middle School usually go on to attend Pine Creek High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Colorado Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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