Arvada K-8

Summary:

Arvada K-8 is a public elementary school in Arvada, Colorado, serving grades K-8 and part of the Jefferson County School District No. R-1. With a diverse student population, the school has consistently underperformed academically compared to district and state averages.

Arvada K-8 struggles with low academic achievement, ranking in the bottom 10-20% of Colorado elementary schools in recent years. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 17.4% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 51.8% for the district and 44.1% for the state. In Math, just 9.2% of Arvada K-8 students were proficient, versus 40.7% for the district and 34.2% statewide. The school also performs poorly for student subgroups, ranking in the bottom 20% for both female and male students, and the bottom 25% for Hispanic students. With 76-86% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, economic disadvantage may be a significant factor in the school's challenges.

In contrast, nearby schools like Peak Expeditionary - Pennington, just 1.69 miles away, rank much higher and have significantly better academic performance. Addressing Arvada K-8's struggles will likely require a comprehensive approach, including targeted interventions, increased teacher training, and more personalized support to meet the diverse needs of its student population.


Detail:

Public K-8

 5751 Balsam Street
       Arvada, CO  80002-2332


(303) 982-1240

District: Jefferson County School District No. R-1

SchoolDigger Rank:
871st of 943 Colorado Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,842 Help


Students who attend Arvada K-8 usually attend:

High:    Arvada High School

Student/teacher ratio:  13.8 Help
Number of students:  554

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
59.9%
White:
30.7%
African American:
4.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  85.7% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Arvada K-8 ranks worse than 92.4% of elementary schools in Colorado. It also ranks 81st 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 10.55. (See more...)
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Compare Details Arvada K-8 ranks worse than 94.2% of middle schools in Colorado. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 9.19. (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 high 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 Arvada K-8 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 Arvada K-8 is $16,842, which is the 15th highest among 85 elementary schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Arvada K-8:

SchoolDigger ranks Arvada K-8 871st of 943 Colorado public elementary schools. (See Arvada K-8 in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:

SchoolDigger ranks Arvada K-8 457th of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Arvada K-8 in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic 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.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Arvada K-8

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 34.00 669th 954 29.9%
2014 26.17 730th 962 24.1%
2015 13.71 838th 938 10.7%
2016 15.85 785th 914 14.1%
2017 10.46 877th 929 5.6%
2018 8.90 883rd 917 3.7%
2019 7.99 934th 965 3.2%
2021 11.25 680th 710 4.2%
2022 11.01 868th 921 5.8%
2023 13.94 832nd 933 10.8%
2024 10.55 871st 943 7.6%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 8.79 734th 758 3.2%
2023 9.70 610th 642 5.0%
2024 6.19 672nd 684 1.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 7.01 754th 764 1.3%
2023 12.84 584th 649 10.0%
2024 9.72 649th 683 5.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Hispanic students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 14.67 256th 270 5.2%
2023 20.28 174th 197 11.7%
2024 14.51 229th 242 5.4%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

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

Rank History for Arvada K-8

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Rank History for all middle school students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2013 18.22 386th 454 15.0%
2014 23.26 370th 461 19.7%
2015 14.71 395th 436 9.4%
2016 15.74 353rd 400 11.8%
2017 9.31 405th 424 4.5%
2018 8.13 403rd 418 3.6%
2019 7.47 445th 458 2.8%
2021 9.55 358th 369 3.0%
2022 12.38 399th 448 10.9%
2023 10.50 451st 480 6.0%
2024 9.19 457th 485 5.8%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.29 219th 222 1.4%
2019 11.92 234th 240 2.5%
2022 33.25 125th 197 36.5%
2023 22.73 199th 241 17.4%
2024 11.64 235th 244 3.7%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 8.79 296th 315 6.0%
2019 7.39 339th 352 3.7%
2022 10.10 301st 326 7.7%
2023 8.13 348th 363 4.1%
2024 4.53 350th 350 0.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 7.84 307th 317 3.2%
2019 6.82 337th 343 1.7%
2022 16.24 276th 328 15.9%
2023 13.97 313th 356 12.1%
2024 12.62 319th 357 10.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Hispanic students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 11.85 215th 220 2.3%
2024 11.23 193rd 199 3.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Arvada K-8

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 1.27 283rd 283 0.0%
2022 10.91 243rd 265 8.3%
2023 5.40 279th 286 2.4%
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.

Arvada K-8 Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 









Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Saturday, August 17, 2013

Open Quote The administrators and staff are highly overextended and transient, detrimental to giving personal attention essential for student safety and academic progress. The administrative system is unorganized, and essential information is not communicated between the classroom, nurses office, school busses, and most importantly between the school and parents. Unfortunately the choice enrollment process is practically non-existent in this neighborhood, and even though there are much better schools within blocks, it is practically impossible to transfer a student if this is your designated neighborhood school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Arvada K-8

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2011 271 12 19 274 19 2 17 0 614
2012 314 16 17 313 9 3 18 0 690
2013 262 14 8 308 9 5 14 0 620
2014 243 17 14 295 9 5 19 0 602
2015 269 31 19 298 8 3 21 0 649
2016 265 22 18 290 8 2 26 0 631
2017 224 25 10 322 6 3 22 0 612
2018 201 23 14 351 5 3 18 0 615
2019 261 24 11 340 17 6 24 0 683
2020 204 27 8 380 8 3 22 0 652
2021 199 23 5 366 5 2 17 0 617
2022 180 17 3 324 7 0 23 0 554
2023 170 26 3 332 6 0 17 0 554

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 Arvada K-8

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2011 614 37.9 16.1 84.5
2012 690 39.8 17.3 84.2
2013 620 38.5 16.0 85
2014 602 43.3 13.8 82.7
2015 649 43.0 15.0 83.7
2016 631 45.0 14.0 79.6
2017 612 40.9 14.9 84
2018 615 42.1 14.5 83.6
2019 683 47.9 14.2 83
2020 652 46.2 14.0 82.7
2021 617 45.5 13.5 82.2
2022 554 41.7 13.2 76.4
2023 554 40.0 13.8 85.7

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 Arvada K-8

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2011 614 37.9 16.1 84.5
2012 690 39.8 17.3 84.2
2013 620 38.5 16.0 85
2014 602 43.3 13.8 82.7
2015 649 43.0 15.0 83.7
2016 631 45.0 14.0 79.6
2017 612 40.9 14.9 84
2018 615 42.1 14.5 83.6
2019 683 47.9 14.2 83
2020 652 46.2 14.0 82.7
2021 617 45.5 13.5 82.2
2022 554 41.7 13.2 76.4
2023 554 40.0 13.8 85.7

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 Arvada K-8

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $12,180
2020 $12,552
2021 $13,294
2022 $15,302
2023 $16,842

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Arvada K-8

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 934th of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 832nd of 933 Elementary schools
 7.6%
Ranks 445th of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 451st of 480 Middle schools
 3.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Arvada K-8)16.316.3
   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 (Arvada K-8)11.616.3
 4.7%
   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 (Arvada K-8)14.920
 5.1%
   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%
5th Grade Science (Arvada K-8)1010.3
 0.3%
   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 (Arvada K-8)21.728.1
 6.4%
   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%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Arvada K-8)16.222.8
 6.6%
   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 (Arvada K-8)8.511.8
 3.3%
   6th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)3532.2
 2.8%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Arvada K-8)14.816.7
 1.9%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)51.949.6
 2.3%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (Arvada K-8)5.23.6
 1.6%
   7th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)38.630.9
 7.7%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (Arvada K-8)9.57.2
 2.3%
   8th Grade Science (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)38.137.1
 1%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Arvada K-8)19.516.5
 3%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)50.748.5
 2.2%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Arvada K-8)7.84.7
 3.1%
   8th Grade Math (Jefferson County School District No. R-1)42.139
 3.1%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Arvada K-8)17.320
 2.7%
   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 (Arvada K-8)6.910.3
 3.4%
   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 Students683554
 18.9%
African American2426
 8.3%
American Indian176
 64.7%
Asian113
 72.7%
Hispanic340332
 2.4%
Pacific Islander60
 100%
White261170
 34.9%
Two or More Races2417
 29.2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients83%85.7%
 2.7%


Schools Near Arvada K-8









Frequently Asked Questions about Arvada K-8

In the 2022-23 school year, 554 students attended Arvada K-8.

Students who attend Arvada K-8 usually go on to attend:

High : Arvada High School

Students at Arvada K-8 are 60% Hispanic, 31% White, 5% African American, 3% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

Arvada K-8 ranks in the bottom 7.6% of 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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