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Polaris Elementary School

Summary:

Polaris Elementary School is a highly-ranked public elementary school in Denver, Colorado that serves 328 students from grades 1 to 5. It has consistently been ranked as the #1 elementary school in Colorado for several years, earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Polaris Elementary School significantly outperforms the School District No. 1 and state averages in academic proficiency, with 95.6% of students proficient or better in CMAS/English Language Arts and 91.4% proficient or better in CMAS/Math, compared to 40.7% and 31.2% for the district, respectively. The school also has a diverse student population, with 63.11% White, 10.98% Hispanic, 9.45% Asian, and 3.05% African American students, which is higher than the nearby schools like International Academy of Denver at Harrington and Whittier Ece-8 School. Additionally, Polaris has a relatively low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, at 7.01%, compared to the higher rates at nearby schools.

Polaris Elementary School's consistent high performance, diverse student population, and relatively low socioeconomic barriers suggest that its success is the result of effective teaching, strong leadership, and a commitment to providing a quality education for all students. This school serves as a model for how to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment that fosters academic success, challenging the common perception that diversity and academic excellence are mutually exclusive.


Detail:

Public 1-5

 410 Park Avenue West
       Denver, CO  80205-3113

(720) 424-7860

District: School District No. 1

SchoolDigger Rank:
1st of 943 Colorado Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,270 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  16.9 Help
Number of students:  328

Racial breakdown:

White:
63.1%
Two or more races:
13.1%
Hispanic:
11.0%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  7% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Polaris Elementary School ranks better than 99.9% of elementary schools in Colorado. It also ranks first 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 99.56. (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 Polaris Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the School District No. 1.  (See more...)
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Polaris Elementary School is $16,270. 84 elementary schools in the School District No. 1 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Polaris Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Polaris Elementary School 1st of 943 Colorado public elementary schools. (See Polaris Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
White students:


School District No. 1:

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


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Your rating for Polaris Elementary School?

Rank History for Polaris Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Polaris Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 93.66 15th 808 98.1%
2005 93.08 11th 823 98.7%
2006 95.34 4th 829 99.5%
2007 95.98 4th 852 99.5%
2008 95.38 4th 849 99.5%
2009 94.75 7th 872 99.2%
2010 95.47 4th 925 99.6%
2011 95.93 4th 935 99.6%
2012 96.58 3rd 935 99.7%
2013 96.74 3rd 954 99.7%
2014 97.42 1st 962 99.9%
2015 99.93 1st 938 99.9%
2016 99.82 1st 914 99.9%
2017 99.84 1st 929 99.9%
2018 99.79 1st 917 99.9%
2019 99.70 1st 965 99.9%
2021 99.51 1st 710 99.9%
2022 99.68 1st 921 99.9%
2023 99.65 1st 933 99.9%
2024 99.56 1st 943 99.9%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Polaris Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.24 1st 690 99.9%
2019 99.41 1st 758 99.9%
2021 98.83 1st 351 99.7%
2022 99.09 1st 595 99.8%
2023 99.14 1st 642 99.8%
2024 98.98 1st 684 99.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Polaris Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.75 1st 693 99.9%
2019 99.30 1st 764 99.9%
2021 98.66 2nd 352 99.4%
2022 99.50 1st 594 99.8%
2023 99.33 1st 649 99.8%
2024 99.28 1st 683 99.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Polaris Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.47 1st 337 99.7%
2019 99.08 1st 596 99.8%
2021 98.54 1st 288 99.7%
2022 98.99 1st 454 99.8%
2023 99.09 1st 525 99.8%
2024 98.86 2nd 539 99.6%
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.

Polaris Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Sunday, February 21, 2021

Open Quote Outstanding curriculum and learning environment for HGT students. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Open Quote We have two children that have been at Polaris since kindergarten. Our older daughter is now in 5th grade, reflecting over the years we give Polaris 5 stars plus. It has given our daughters an excellent environment to become their best academically. Originally, I wanted my children to attend Polaris because I saw such camaraderie between students and teachers; I noticed that it was an environment that fostered accountability in its students. Now I would add that it fosters academic excellence in its students. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Polaris Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2001 45 30 6 15 3 n/a n/a 0 99
2002 90 52 15 20 3 n/a n/a 0 180
2003 90 52 15 20 3 n/a n/a 0 180
2004 105 44 13 26 3 n/a n/a 0 191
2005 182 55 22 33 3 n/a n/a 0 295
2006 209 39 23 36 2 n/a n/a 0 309
2007 233 40 30 31 2 n/a n/a 0 336
2008 253 32 22 31 1 n/a n/a 0 339
2009 253 34 20 32 1 n/a n/a 0 340
2010 266 23 19 27 0 n/a n/a 0 335
2011 252 11 9 37 0 0 20 0 329
2012 257 9 10 30 0 0 26 0 332
2013 266 8 11 25 0 0 24 0 334
2014 269 6 11 24 0 0 23 0 333
2015 269 5 18 21 0 0 20 0 333
2016 266 7 12 19 0 0 29 0 333
2017 268 6 12 21 0 0 26 0 333
2018 252 12 11 30 0 0 29 0 334
2019 240 12 12 33 2 0 33 0 332
2020 238 16 15 32 3 0 26 0 330
2021 237 13 17 30 2 0 33 0 332
2022 217 10 22 36 1 0 44 0 330
2023 207 10 31 36 1 0 43 0 328

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 Polaris Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 99 6.5 15.2 30.3
2002 180 12.0 15.0 17.2
2003 180 12.0 15.0 17.2
2004 191 10.7 17.9 24.6
2005 295 15.2 19.4 17.6
2006 309 14.9 20.7 16.2
2007 336 18.0 18.7 15.2
2008 339 17.0 19.9 10.3
2009 340 16.5 20.6 9.1
2010 335 19.9 16.7 11.3
2011 329 17.5 18.8 9.1
2012 332 15.5 21.4 7.8
2013 334 14.6 22.8 6
2014 333 19.5 17.0 3
2015 333 18.0 18.5 3
2016 333 18.0 18.5 5.7
2017 333 17.5 19.0 3.9
2018 334 17.7 18.8 4.5
2019 332 17.7 18.7 6
2020 330 17.7 18.5 7.3
2021 332 19.2 17.2 7.5
2022 330 19.9 16.5 5.5
2023 328 19.3 16.9 7

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 Polaris Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 99 6.5 15.2 30.3
2002 180 12.0 15.0 17.2
2003 180 12.0 15.0 17.2
2004 191 10.7 17.9 24.6
2005 295 15.2 19.4 17.6
2006 309 14.9 20.7 16.2
2007 336 18.0 18.7 15.2
2008 339 17.0 19.9 10.3
2009 340 16.5 20.6 9.1
2010 335 19.9 16.7 11.3
2011 329 17.5 18.8 9.1
2012 332 15.5 21.4 7.8
2013 334 14.6 22.8 6
2014 333 19.5 17.0 3
2015 333 18.0 18.5 3
2016 333 18.0 18.5 5.7
2017 333 17.5 19.0 3.9
2018 334 17.7 18.8 4.5
2019 332 17.7 18.7 6
2020 330 17.7 18.5 7.3
2021 332 19.2 17.2 7.5
2022 330 19.9 16.5 5.5
2023 328 19.3 16.9 7

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 Polaris Elementary School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,601
2020 $12,324
2021 $12,624
2022 $14,381
2023 $16,270

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Polaris 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 1st of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 1st of 933 Elementary schools
 0%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Polaris Elementary School)89.695.8
 6.2%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)88.391.8
 3.5%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)96.397.4
 1.1%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)93.892.2
 1.6%
   4th Grade Math (School District No. 1)31.229
 2.2%
   4th Grade Math (Colorado)33.632.7
 0.9%
5th Grade Science (Polaris Elementary School)9691
 5%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)10094.2
 5.8%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)10092.8
 7.2%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)95.395.9
 0.6%
   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 (Polaris Elementary School)9492.2
 1.8%
   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 Students332328
 1.2%
African American1210
 16.7%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian1231
 158.3%
Hispanic3336
 9.1%
Pacific Islander00
White240207
 13.8%
Two or More Races3343
 30.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients6%7%
 1%

Schools Near Polaris Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Polaris Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 328 students attended Polaris Elementary School.

Students at Polaris Elementary School are 63% White, 13% Two or more races, 11% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 3% African American.

Yes! Polaris Elementary School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 1st of 943 Colorado elementary schools.


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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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