Palmer Elementary School

Summary:

Palmer Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Denver, Colorado, serving grades PK-5 with a student population of 237. The school is part of the School District No. 1, which is ranked 78 out of 116 districts in Colorado and is rated 2 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger.

Palmer Elementary stands out for its diverse student population, with a relatively even distribution of White (56.12%), African American (17.3%), and Hispanic (16.03%) students, in contrast to nearby schools like Bromwell Elementary (63.58% White) and Hallett Academy (66.39% African American). Academically, Palmer Elementary has shown consistent improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from the bottom quartile in 2014-2015 to the top half of Colorado elementary schools in 2022-2023. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school outperformed the School District No. 1 and the state of Colorado in several key areas, including 5th grade Science proficiency, overall English Language Arts proficiency, and 4th grade English Language Arts proficiency.

Another notable aspect of Palmer Elementary is its relatively low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 26.36% to 36.96% over the past three school years. This is significantly lower than some nearby schools, such as Ashley Elementary (81.92%) and Hallett Academy (89.08%), which have much higher percentages of economically disadvantaged students. Additionally, Palmer Elementary has maintained a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 13.5 to 15 students per teacher over the past three school years, which is comparable to or better than many of the nearby schools.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 995 Grape Street
       Denver, CO  80220-4426


(720) 424-5000

District: School District No. 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
374th of 943 Colorado Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $17,308 Help


Students who attend Palmer Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences
High:    George Washington High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.0 Help
Number of students:  237

Racial breakdown:

White:
56.1%
African American:
17.3%
Hispanic:
16.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  32.1% Help


 See top rated Colorado elementary schools

 Compare Palmer Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Palmer Elementary School ranks better than 60.3% of elementary schools in Colorado. It also ranks 30th among 94 ranked elementary schools in the School District No. 1. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 58.76. (See more...)
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 Palmer Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the School District No. 1.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Palmer Elementary School is $17,308. 67 elementary schools in the School District No. 1 spend more per student.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Palmer Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

School District No. 1:

SchoolDigger ranks School District No. 1 78th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Palmer Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Palmer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 36.63 548th 808 32.2%
2005 41.35 531st 823 35.5%
2006 31.50 608th 829 26.7%
2007 35.19 600th 852 29.6%
2008 21.88 689th 849 18.8%
2009 42.69 564th 872 35.3%
2010 33.82 659th 925 28.8%
2011 35.12 653rd 935 30.2%
2012 32.05 674th 935 27.9%
2013 35.82 655th 954 31.3%
2014 21.67 777th 962 19.2%
2015 16.83 796th 938 15.1%
2016 51.74 401st 914 56.1%
2017 48.47 432nd 929 53.5%
2018 50.99 406th 917 55.7%
2019 37.11 577th 965 40.2%
2021 36.63 470th 710 33.8%
2022 59.60 341st 921 63.0%
2023 73.67 218th 933 76.6%
2024 58.76 374th 943 60.3%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Palmer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 21.82 290th 332 12.7%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Palmer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 36.01 460th 758 39.3%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Palmer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 24.70 570th 764 25.4%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Palmer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 72.19 122nd 525 76.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary 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.

Palmer Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
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District Scores:
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Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)
67%

0%

0%

0%

33%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, April 3, 2017

Open Quote I love Palmer Elementary School. I choiced my daughter into this school four years ago, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The school is one-to-one with technology, and these days being fluent with technology is vital to success. The class sizes are small. The teachers are caring and responsive. Also, Palmer offers a personalized education. They flexibly group students so that every student receives what they need to be successful. My daughter is identified G.T., and the teachers at Palmer continually find creative ways to challenge her. I would definitely recommend this school to other parents. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Open Quote We have choiced into Palmer for the past two years. This school is a small, neighborhood school that has a old fashioned feeling. Student work fills the halls, the teachers all recognize each student, and they are friendly and accessible. My daughter entered well advanced compared to many of her classmates and has been adequately challenged throughout the year. She is learning a lot and loves school. I plan to continue to send my kids here and would highly reccommend Palmer to anyone with elementary-aged kids. Close Quote


by a citizen
Friday, March 11, 2011

Open Quote It's unfortunate - just drive by the school sometime during recess, and you'll immediately see why even though it's less than two blocks away from my house...I would NEVER, EVER send my children there. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Palmer Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 77 156 3 16 2 n/a n/a 0 254
1989 70 88 6 15 3 n/a n/a 0 182
1990 81 88 4 30 1 n/a n/a 0 204
1991 85 89 3 29 0 n/a n/a 0 206
1992 78 126 5 35 2 n/a n/a 0 246
1993 93 139 9 31 2 n/a n/a 0 274
1994 91 138 6 34 0 n/a n/a 0 269
1995 118 164 16 36 5 n/a n/a 0 339
1996 118 164 16 36 5 n/a n/a 0 339
1997 113 132 17 38 1 n/a n/a 0 301
1998 115 117 11 54 5 n/a n/a 0 302
1999 114 100 16 60 3 n/a n/a 0 293
2000 118 85 16 54 3 n/a n/a 0 276
2001 112 109 15 60 1 n/a n/a 0 297
2002 106 106 14 65 5 n/a n/a 0 296
2003 106 106 14 65 5 n/a n/a 0 296
2004 107 104 16 61 7 n/a n/a 0 295
2005 110 118 18 55 8 n/a n/a 0 309
2006 109 115 23 50 4 n/a n/a 0 301
2007 111 108 22 57 3 n/a n/a 0 301
2008 109 96 21 48 2 n/a n/a 0 276
2009 149 114 14 52 1 n/a n/a 0 330
2010 142 129 15 63 1 n/a n/a 0 350
2011 126 116 6 88 1 0 17 0 354
2012 111 108 7 67 0 1 18 0 312
2013 114 102 12 68 0 1 17 0 314
2014 126 105 10 77 1 0 18 0 337
2015 130 95 10 74 0 0 18 0 327
2016 119 80 9 68 0 0 19 0 295
2017 121 75 6 51 0 0 21 0 274
2018 148 67 7 63 0 0 19 0 304
2019 150 72 5 61 1 0 15 0 304
2020 156 60 5 51 0 0 13 0 285
2021 147 49 1 45 1 0 14 0 257
2022 145 41 3 43 0 0 26 0 258
2023 133 41 3 38 1 2 19 0 237

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 Palmer Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 254 14.1 18.0 n/a
1989 182 10.1 18.0 43.4
1990 204 13.3 15.3 39.7
1991 206 13.3 15.4 40.8
1992 246 13.6 18.0 45.1
1993 274 14.6 18.8 46.4
1994 269 13.2 20.4 43.9
1995 339 16.2 20.9 51.6
1996 339 16.2 20.9 51.6
1997 301 13.0 23.2 44.2
1998 302 15.6 19.4 47.7
1999 293 13.5 21.7 38.2
2000 276 17.0 16.2 43.8
2001 297 18.0 16.5 43.4
2002 296 19.0 15.6 37.2
2003 296 19.0 15.6 37.2
2004 295 17.7 16.7 49.5
2005 309 19.7 15.7 46.3
2006 301 20.4 14.8 48.5
2007 301 20.0 15.1 47.2
2008 276 19.0 14.5 49.6
2009 330 21.5 15.3 47
2010 350 22.8 15.3 52.9
2011 354 23.2 15.2 54.8
2012 312 18.7 16.6 61.9
2013 314 19.8 15.8 54.8
2014 337 20.0 16.8 48.4
2015 327 20.0 16.3 50.8
2016 295 18.0 16.3 45.8
2017 274 16.1 17.0 46
2018 304 19.0 15.9 43.8
2019 304 21.1 14.3 41.1
2020 285 18.7 15.2 38.6
2021 257 19.0 13.5 37
2022 258 18.2 14.1 26.4
2023 237 15.7 15.0 32.1

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 Palmer Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 254 14.1 18.0 n/a
1989 182 10.1 18.0 43.4
1990 204 13.3 15.3 39.7
1991 206 13.3 15.4 40.8
1992 246 13.6 18.0 45.1
1993 274 14.6 18.8 46.4
1994 269 13.2 20.4 43.9
1995 339 16.2 20.9 51.6
1996 339 16.2 20.9 51.6
1997 301 13.0 23.2 44.2
1998 302 15.6 19.4 47.7
1999 293 13.5 21.7 38.2
2000 276 17.0 16.2 43.8
2001 297 18.0 16.5 43.4
2002 296 19.0 15.6 37.2
2003 296 19.0 15.6 37.2
2004 295 17.7 16.7 49.5
2005 309 19.7 15.7 46.3
2006 301 20.4 14.8 48.5
2007 301 20.0 15.1 47.2
2008 276 19.0 14.5 49.6
2009 330 21.5 15.3 47
2010 350 22.8 15.3 52.9
2011 354 23.2 15.2 54.8
2012 312 18.7 16.6 61.9
2013 314 19.8 15.8 54.8
2014 337 20.0 16.8 48.4
2015 327 20.0 16.3 50.8
2016 295 18.0 16.3 45.8
2017 274 16.1 17.0 46
2018 304 19.0 15.9 43.8
2019 304 21.1 14.3 41.1
2020 285 18.7 15.2 38.6
2021 257 19.0 13.5 37
2022 258 18.2 14.1 26.4
2023 237 15.7 15.0 32.1

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 Palmer Elementary School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $12,406
2020 $12,898
2021 $13,618
2022 $14,977
2023 $17,308

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Palmer Elementary 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 577th of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 218th of 933 Elementary schools
 36.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Palmer Elementary School)33.354.5
 21.2%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)39.440.1
 0.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)41.339.9
 1.4%
3rd Grade Math (Palmer Elementary School)39.452.2
 12.8%
   3rd Grade Math (School District No. 1)37.536.4
 1.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Colorado)4140.4
 0.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Palmer Elementary School)4050
 10%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)43.640.6
 3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)4843.8
 4.2%
4th Grade Math (Palmer Elementary School)26.736.7
 10%
   4th Grade Math (School District No. 1)31.229
 2.2%
   4th Grade Math (Colorado)33.632.7
 0.9%
5th Grade Science (Palmer Elementary School)30.656.7
 26.1%
   5th Grade Science (School District No. 1)25.926.2
 0.3%
   5th Grade Science (Colorado)35.933.9
 2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Palmer Elementary School)33.366.7
 33.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (School District No. 1)42.341.2
 1.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)48.447.8
 0.6%
5th Grade Math (Palmer Elementary School)36.153.3
 17.2%
   5th Grade Math (School District No. 1)34.933.2
 1.7%
   5th Grade Math (Colorado)35.736.5
 0.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Palmer Elementary School)35.457.3
 21.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (School District No. 1)42.840.3
 2.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Palmer Elementary School)34.347
 12.7%
   All Grades Math (School District No. 1)32.730.3
 2.4%
   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 Students304237
 22%
African American7241
 43.1%
American Indian11
Asian53
 40%
Hispanic6138
 37.7%
Pacific Islander02
White150133
 11.3%
Two or More Races1519
 26.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients41.1%32.1%
 9.1%


Schools Near Palmer Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Palmer Elementary School

Students who attend Palmer Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Hill Campus of Arts and Sciences
High : George Washington High School

Palmer Elementary School ranks 374th of 943 Colorado elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 237 students attended Palmer Elementary School.

Students at Palmer Elementary School are 56% White, 17% African American, 16% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 1% Asian.


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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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