Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Summary:

Montessori Peaks Charter Academy is a public charter elementary and middle school in Littleton, Colorado, serving 410 students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is part of the Jefferson County School District, which is ranked 35th out of 116 districts in Colorado and has a 4-star rating.

Montessori Peaks Charter Academy stands out for its consistently high academic performance. The school outperforms the district and state averages in several key test score metrics, including 60.9% proficiency in 5th grade science, 60.3% proficiency in English language arts across all grades, and 40.6% proficiency in 6th grade math. Additionally, the school has a lower percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (6.83%) compared to nearby schools, which range from 11.5% to 39.8%. However, the racial makeup of Montessori Peaks is notably different from the surrounding schools, with a higher percentage of white students (75.85%) and a lower percentage of Hispanic students (15.12%).

While Montessori Peaks Charter Academy's academic success is impressive, the school's demographic and socioeconomic differences from the local community warrant further investigation. The low student-teacher ratio of 15.5 students per teacher suggests the school may be a desirable choice for families, but this could also lead to challenges in maintaining a diverse student body and ensuring equitable access to resources. Overall, Montessori Peaks appears to be a high-performing school, but it is important to understand the factors contributing to its success and ensure it is serving the needs of the entire community.


Detail:

Public, Charter PK, KG-8

 9904 West Capri Avenue
       Littleton, CO  80123-3535


(303) 972-2627

District: Jefferson County School District No. R-1

SchoolDigger Rank:
304th of 943 Colorado Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,719 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  15.5 Help
Number of students:  410

Racial breakdown:

White:
75.9%
Hispanic:
15.1%
Two or more races:
5.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  6.8% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Montessori Peaks Charter Academy ranks better than 67.8% of elementary schools in Colorado. It also ranks 41st among 85 ranked elementary schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 66.25. (See more...)
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Compare Details Montessori Peaks Charter Academy is not ranked due for the most recent year due to insufficient test score data. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2014 the calculated Average Standard Score was 88.66. (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 Montessori Peaks Charter Academy has the largest elementary school student body size in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy is $10,719. 79 elementary schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Montessori Peaks Charter Academy:

SchoolDigger ranks Montessori Peaks Charter Academy 304th of 943 Colorado public elementary schools. (See Montessori Peaks Charter Academy in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Jefferson County School District No. R-1:

SchoolDigger ranks Jefferson County School District No. R-1 35th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Montessori Peaks Charter Academy?

Rank History for Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 55.54 393rd 808 51.4%
2005 50.62 456th 823 44.6%
2006 55.53 400th 829 51.7%
2007 64.35 329th 852 61.4%
2008 65.76 304th 849 64.2%
2009 71.35 250th 872 71.3%
2010 71.53 263rd 925 71.6%
2011 74.81 225th 935 75.9%
2012 73.85 228th 935 75.6%
2013 75.69 217th 954 77.3%
2014 79.90 169th 962 82.4%
2015 60.66 323rd 938 65.6%
2016 36.28 545th 914 40.4%
2017 42.46 486th 929 47.7%
2018 50.55 410th 917 55.3%
2019 49.08 455th 965 52.8%
2021 58.39 321st 710 54.8%
2022 55.46 385th 921 58.2%
2023 52.28 409th 933 56.2%
2024 66.25 304th 943 67.8%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 41.83 376th 690 45.5%
2019 48.40 364th 758 52.0%
2022 62.14 215th 595 63.9%
2023 56.45 260th 642 59.5%
2024 50.95 315th 684 53.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.93 350th 693 49.5%
2019 30.22 518th 764 32.2%
2022 38.05 352nd 594 40.7%
2023 41.74 367th 649 43.5%
2024 52.90 310th 683 54.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.68 289th 337 14.2%
2019 17.96 523rd 596 12.2%
2022 44.92 270th 454 40.5%
2023 32.74 371st 525 29.3%
2024 50.02 270th 539 49.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for White Students!

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

Rank History for Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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Compare
Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 67.37 103rd 336 69.3%
2006 72.29 90th 346 74.0%
2007 68.98 99th 360 72.5%
2008 55.29 166th 362 54.1%
2009 64.38 131st 377 65.3%
2010 77.02 80th 409 80.4%
2011 83.28 54th 422 87.2%
2012 87.13 41st 425 90.4%
2013 76.17 85th 454 81.3%
2014 88.66 36th 461 92.2%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

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

Montessori Peaks Charter Academy Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 







Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.9)
40%

8%

0%

4%

48%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Open Quote After several years of trying to make it work we are leaving this school at the end of the year. There is almost a cult like feeling here, and there are groups (teachers, administrator, and select parents) who run it like a schoolyard mafia - everything is just fine as long as you do what they say and stay quiet. Found out they even edit the Facebook posts from others on their FB site to remove any negative comments. Like 1984 kind of creepy. Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, September 16, 2017

Open Quote Montessori Peaks does not differentiate for students with GT classification. The administration is very weak with communication. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Open Quote Both of my kids graduated from this school. The teachers and staff care so much. Can't say enough about it! Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, August 4, 2017

Open Quote We've had a wonderful experience experience at MPA. Both of my children are performing above grade level and love to learn. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, July 24, 2017

Open Quote This has been a questionable school for years... My kiddos left last year, and it is such a relief! The new principal is rude, and nowhere near up to being able to handle the job. If you have another option, take it. If you want Montessori, find a different school. Simple as that.

This school and their administrators offer excuse after excuse (even try to blame their problems on parents and students), just like another comment posted here blaming all of the complaints on a single person... sad and childish... but serves as evidence of how this school and the administration handles problems.

My personal experience is that after keeping my kiddos at this school for years, they're far behind their friends in the neighborhood. Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, June 3, 2017

Open Quote Not a good school. Poor teachers, and even worse principal. I had concerns about how little my children are learning, but always got told that I just didn't understand Montessori... Gritting my teeth because I am the product of a TRUE Montessori education. This school goes to great effort to fake a good appearance, but the ugly truth is just below the surface. I also must put in my 2 cents about the new principal - under-qualified, hotheaded, rude, and NOT LICENSED!!! To my horror, I overheard staff insulting FRL students (students who need help to buy lunches), and actually strategizing about how to keep them out of the school. My family and I are leaving this school... Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Open Quote Our kids had a wonderful experience in the P-K and Kindergarten classrooms. The teachers prepared them incredibly well for entering 1st grade...they were ready both academically and socially! Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, April 16, 2017

Open Quote I am sad to say I have watched this school go downhill for years. The new change of administration looks like the final hole in the ship that will sink a once proud school. Our family is not going down with the ship, and this is our last year here. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, March 13, 2017

Open Quote Great Job!! Wonderful school and staff. My kids have excelled at math and science because of the great staff. Most importantly, they learned things like being kind and good stewards. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, March 5, 2017

Open Quote After having my child go through school here from K-6th grade, she has now moved on to do fantastically in middle school. She has made the honor role every time and is in advanced math classes. We loved our time at MPA and have had a wonderful experience. Close Quote


by a teacher
Saturday, February 18, 2017

Open Quote Our school is fantastic. I've been teaching at MPA since 2003. Our true Teacher/Student ratio, not counting Special Education, Music, P.E. or Art teachers, is less than 14:1. Every classroom has two teachers. We teach to the individual needs of every student, whether they are advanced beyond age peers, lagging, or typical. Our school has always used the best, researched-based curricula and teaching techniques. Multi-aged classrooms foster a sense of community and peace, and prepare students for the rigors and social challenges of middle school. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, December 4, 2016

Open Quote I think Montessori Peaks is a great school that teaches children all that they need to know to prepare them for middle school. The teachers work very hard to keep the children engaged. They realize that every child is different and they work to promote the best abilities in each child. As a working professional, I am greatful that my children attend this school. I think the community supports Montessori whenever possible and support is what our school systems need. Teachers work very hard and we should recognize all the good that they do. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, December 4, 2016

Open Quote We had to switch schools in elementary because my child had some anxiety/special needs. Our previous school was too academically rigorous and she wasn't thriving there. I love how they follow the child and teach at each child's own pace. It is such a loving community. They focus on not only the whole child but the whole family as well. Peace for all, the earth, each other, etc is a big theme throughout. The kids there are so smart and able to give elaborate oral presentations. We love Montessori philosophies and wish there were more middle school/high school options or would love if MPA went through 12th! Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, November 28, 2016

Open Quote After wasted years at this school, we have so much ground to makeup before our kids go to middle school. They were not prepared at all. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, September 16, 2016

Open Quote Nope. Nope. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Open Quote Someone should hold this school accountable. A few weeks into middle school after leaving Montessori Peaks and my kid is struggling to keep up. It is like he lost several years! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Open Quote This school did nothing for my child. Not prepared for middle school at all. A waste of years. Close Quote


by a parent
Sunday, July 24, 2016

Open Quote My children have gone to MPA for 3 years, and have thrived. We all feel that it has a warm environment with great teachers who are easy to communicate with. It's a wonderful community. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Open Quote My oldest has been with MPA for five years and is happy and learning advanced math, writing and loves to read.

My daughter has been at MPA for four years and loves going to school.

Both kids are very adept at "presentations" which just amazes me that they are learning presentation skills at such young age.

We feel very fortunate having found such a great school. Close Quote


by a teacher
Monday, May 18, 2015

Open Quote Find another option. Having worked at MPA for some time, this is not a place for kids. I am no longer willing to stay and watch what goes on here. This place operates like a used car lot, where we have been trained to sell a product we know is rotting under the hood. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, May 4, 2015

Open Quote They did not prepare my kid for middle school. This school talks big, but after my kid moved on, learned how much they had failed to teach. Almost every subject needed to be revisited for my kid. Especially math. The teachers always said he was doing well, so I did not think twice. It was only after he moved to a new school that I learned how much they had skipped. Very disappointed. Close Quote


by a parent
Monday, March 23, 2015

Open Quote Scary problems at MPA.

I have had a kid at this school for years. We have had many problems with the teachers and principal. Every time, things were scuttled away, hidden, kids shuffled around.

The school overall performs well. There are very bright children despite poor performance from many staff. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1998 59 0 2 4 0 n/a n/a 0 65
1999 166 4 6 11 1 n/a n/a 0 188
2000 203 4 8 14 0 n/a n/a 0 229
2001 214 3 7 16 1 n/a n/a 0 241
2002 283 1 12 30 0 n/a n/a 0 326
2003 283 1 12 30 0 n/a n/a 0 326
2004 350 2 13 32 1 n/a n/a 0 398
2005 385 3 19 38 1 n/a n/a 0 446
2006 384 1 14 42 0 n/a n/a 0 441
2007 387 1 19 46 1 n/a n/a 0 454
2008 428 3 23 44 0 n/a n/a 0 498
2009 412 3 17 34 0 n/a n/a 0 466
2010 448 3 18 35 0 n/a n/a 0 504
2011 457 0 17 28 2 2 6 0 512
2012 434 2 19 46 1 3 11 0 516
2013 436 2 20 49 0 3 16 0 526
2014 440 3 21 45 0 3 21 0 533
2015 444 5 21 55 1 3 21 0 550
2016 448 7 25 54 2 2 19 0 557
2017 422 4 25 60 1 5 22 0 539
2018 412 4 20 65 3 4 20 0 528
2019 394 4 18 49 4 4 16 0 489
2020 366 3 16 64 4 2 21 0 476
2021 305 2 11 62 3 1 15 0 399
2022 289 3 10 60 3 2 26 0 393
2023 311 0 10 62 3 1 23 0 410

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 Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1998 65 5.1 12.7 3.1
1999 188 12.7 14.8 0
2000 229 17.5 13.1 0.4
2001 241 14.0 17.2 0
2002 326 16.8 19.4 0.3
2003 326 16.8 19.4 0.3
2004 398 18.6 21.4 0.5
2005 446 20.1 22.2 0.2
2006 441 21.2 20.8 4.1
2007 454 21.4 21.2 5.7
2008 498 22.8 21.8 7.2
2009 466 26.2 17.8 4.5
2010 504 26.4 19.0 8.1
2011 512 26.4 19.3 9.2
2012 516 26.8 19.2 8.9
2013 526 24.5 21.3 7.8
2014 533 21.2 25.1 7.3
2015 550 26.0 21.1 4.7
2016 557 23.0 24.2 5.4
2017 539 23.0 23.4 7.8
2018 528 23.4 22.5 8.7
2019 489 23.3 20.9 6.3
2020 476 23.1 20.5 4.8
2021 399 25.5 15.6 6
2022 393 26.8 14.6 7.1
2023 410 26.3 15.5 6.8

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 Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1998 65 5.1 12.7 3.1
1999 188 12.7 14.8 0
2000 229 17.5 13.1 0.4
2001 241 14.0 17.2 0
2002 326 16.8 19.4 0.3
2003 326 16.8 19.4 0.3
2004 398 18.6 21.4 0.5
2005 446 20.1 22.2 0.2
2006 441 21.2 20.8 4.1
2007 454 21.4 21.2 5.7
2008 498 22.8 21.8 7.2
2009 466 26.2 17.8 4.5
2010 504 26.4 19.0 8.1
2011 512 26.4 19.3 9.2
2012 516 26.8 19.2 8.9
2013 526 24.5 21.3 7.8
2014 533 21.2 25.1 7.3
2015 550 26.0 21.1 4.7
2016 557 23.0 24.2 5.4
2017 539 23.0 23.4 7.8
2018 528 23.4 22.5 8.7
2019 489 23.3 20.9 6.3
2020 476 23.1 20.5 4.8
2021 399 25.5 15.6 6
2022 393 26.8 14.6 7.1
2023 410 26.3 15.5 6.8

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 Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $7,418
2020 $8,140
2021 $10,010
2022 $9,098
2023 $10,719

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

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 455th of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 409th of 933 Elementary schools
 3.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)44.445.5
 1.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)46.348.2
 1.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)41.339.9
 1.4%
3rd Grade Math (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)31.537.8
 6.3%
   3rd Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)45.748.1
 2.4%
   3rd Grade Math (Colorado)4140.4
 0.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)55.136.7
 18.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)5653.5
 2.5%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)4843.8
 4.2%
4th Grade Math (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)20.426.5
 6.1%
   4th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)38.539.9
 1.4%
   4th Grade Math (Colorado)33.632.7
 0.9%
5th Grade Science (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)31.851.1
 19.3%
   5th Grade Science (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)41.641.6
   5th Grade Science (Colorado)35.933.9
 2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)5366.7
 13.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)53.655.6
 2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)48.447.8
 0.6%
5th Grade Math (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)25.826.5
 0.7%
   5th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)39.441.7
 2.3%
   5th Grade Math (Colorado)35.736.5
 0.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)72.450
 22.4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)51.549.3
 2.2%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)48.328.6
 19.7%
   6th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)3532.2
 2.8%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
All Grades English Language Arts (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)5449.7
 4.3%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)51.750.8
 0.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Montessori Peaks Charter Academy)29.329.8
 0.5%
   All Grades Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)39.838.7
 1.1%
   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 Students489410
 16.2%
African American40
 100%
American Indian43
 25%
Asian1810
 44.4%
Hispanic4962
 26.5%
Pacific Islander41
 75%
White394311
 21.1%
Two or More Races1623
 43.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients6.3%6.8%
 0.5%


Schools Near Montessori Peaks Charter Academy









Frequently Asked Questions about Montessori Peaks Charter Academy

Montessori Peaks Charter Academy ranks 304th of 943 Colorado elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 410 students attended Montessori Peaks Charter Academy.

Students at Montessori Peaks Charter Academy are 76% White, 15% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races, 2% 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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