Rocky Top Middle School

Summary:

Rocky Top Middle School is a public middle school located in Thornton, Colorado, serving 1,001 students in grades 6-8. This school stands out as a high-performing institution, consistently ranking among the top 25% of Colorado middle schools and outperforming the district and state averages on standardized tests.

Rocky Top's academic excellence is evident across all grade levels and subject areas, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts (55.9%) and Math (49%) significantly higher than the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district (41.4% and 33.3%) and the state of Colorado (44.1% and 34.2%). The school's diverse student population, with 59.14% White, 25.97% Hispanic, and 7.29% Asian students, is another key differentiating factor, as many nearby schools, such as Thornton Middle School and Northglenn Middle School, have much higher concentrations of Hispanic and low-income students.

Rocky Top's consistent high performance, with a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger over the past 8 years, is particularly noteworthy. The school's ability to support the academic growth of its Hispanic and low-income student subgroups, who perform exceptionally well, is a testament to its commitment to equity and inclusion. While the school's Asian and Gifted and Talented student subgroups have struggled in recent years, this highlights the importance of ensuring that all students receive the resources and support they need to thrive.


Detail:

Public 6-8

 14150 York Street
       Thornton, CO  80602-7730


(720) 972-2200

District: Adams 12 Five Star Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
92nd of 485 Colorado Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,792 Help


Feeder schools for Rocky Top Middle School:

Elementary:    Eagleview Elementary School
    Meridian Elementary School
    Prairie Hills Elementary School
    Silver Creek Elementary

Student/teacher ratio:  17.7 Help
Number of students:  1,001

Racial breakdown:

White:
59.1%
Hispanic:
26.0%
Asian:
7.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  23.3% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Rocky Top Middle School ranks better than 81% of middle schools in Colorado. It also ranks first among 7 ranked middle schools in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools District! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 76.23. (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 Rocky Top Middle School has the largest middle school student body size in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools District.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Rocky Top Middle School is $13,792. 5 middle schools in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Rocky Top Middle School:

SchoolDigger ranks Rocky Top Middle School 92nd of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See Rocky Top 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:


Adams 12 Five Star Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Adams 12 Five Star Schools 53rd of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Rocky Top Middle School?

Rank History for Rocky Top Middle School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2007 65.19 121st 360 66.4%
2008 69.77 96th 362 73.5%
2009 73.20 86th 377 77.2%
2010 71.31 114th 409 72.1%
2011 76.97 85th 422 79.9%
2012 75.80 87th 425 79.5%
2013 72.56 115th 454 74.7%
2014 71.97 121st 461 73.8%
2015 73.33 77th 436 82.3%
2016 75.36 64th 400 84.0%
2017 76.83 72nd 424 83.0%
2018 82.12 52nd 418 87.6%
2019 76.64 82nd 458 82.1%
2021 77.87 63rd 369 82.9%
2022 65.99 127th 448 71.7%
2023 69.27 120th 480 75.0%
2024 76.23 92nd 485 81.0%
See the entire list of Colorado Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 27.89 12th 14 14.3%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 66.91 46th 222 79.3%
2019 78.20 22nd 240 90.8%
2022 55.68 60th 197 69.5%
2024 66.37 49th 244 79.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.81 48th 315 84.8%
2019 76.00 71st 352 79.8%
2021 80.84 32nd 254 87.4%
2022 64.20 102nd 326 68.7%
2023 67.87 101st 363 72.2%
2024 76.26 71st 350 79.7%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.87 13th 121 89.3%
2019 65.79 39th 134 70.9%
2022 41.70 66th 93 29.0%
2023 27.30 105th 125 16.0%
2024 50.61 78th 126 38.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 78.19 43rd 317 86.4%
2019 70.25 89th 343 74.1%
2021 62.98 78th 249 68.7%
2022 54.87 118th 328 64.0%
2023 60.79 115th 356 67.7%
2024 66.16 95th 357 73.4%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 32.24 14th 16 12.5%
2022 13.42 14th 15 6.7%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.31 18th 165 89.1%
2019 78.08 30th 220 86.4%
2021 91.72 8th 83 90.4%
2022 62.84 45th 169 73.4%
2023 56.75 73rd 198 63.1%
2024 73.87 33rd 199 83.4%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Middle Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Rocky Top Middle School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 69.67 48th 199 75.9%
2019 62.28 91st 283 67.8%
2021 62.73 66th 203 67.5%
2022 52.44 119th 265 55.1%
2023 53.63 121st 286 57.7%
2024 63.71 84th 273 69.2%
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.

Rocky Top 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Open Quote I am a student at Rocky Top Middle School and I love the school there are not much strict rules the teachers are all kind and the school is so clean and tidy. In my opinion any boy or girl would love this school and beg to go there. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Rocky Top Middle School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 545 11 39 149 3 n/a n/a 0 747
2006 582 17 32 154 4 n/a n/a 0 789
2007 633 27 44 162 9 n/a n/a 0 875
2008 718 27 54 175 8 n/a n/a 0 982
2009 780 20 62 197 7 n/a n/a 0 1066
2010 826 17 70 180 4 n/a n/a 0 1097
2011 903 1 7 186 3 0 4 0 1104
2012 807 17 78 195 7 0 10 0 1114
2013 815 18 68 212 7 0 14 0 1134
2014 833 18 68 211 7 1 22 0 1160
2015 933 11 74 219 6 1 23 0 1267
2016 988 16 76 245 4 1 26 0 1356
2017 958 20 73 248 4 0 35 0 1338
2018 961 20 65 252 4 0 48 0 1350
2019 806 21 66 229 4 0 48 0 1174
2020 734 16 76 231 6 2 55 0 1120
2021 640 18 66 238 4 5 61 0 1032
2022 627 18 66 252 6 6 54 0 1029
2023 592 13 73 260 4 4 55 0 1001

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 Rocky Top Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 747 38.7 19.3 8.7
2006 789 46.4 17.0 12.7
2007 875 47.5 18.4 11.3
2008 982 50.0 19.6 10.5
2009 1066 53.1 20.1 12
2010 1097 58.4 18.7 12.6
2011 1104 56.3 19.6 12.9
2012 1114 55.5 20.0 14.3
2013 1134 49.9 22.7 14.6
2014 1160 57.3 20.2 14.6
2015 1267 61.0 20.7 12.5
2016 1356 68.0 19.9 12.4
2017 1338 69.2 19.3 12.9
2018 1350 68.8 19.6 11.6
2019 1174 59.8 19.6 11.3
2020 1120 57.0 19.6 12.9
2021 1032 54.9 18.7 15.4
2022 1029 54.6 18.8 16.5
2023 1001 56.4 17.7 23.3

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 Rocky Top Middle School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 747 38.7 19.3 8.7
2006 789 46.4 17.0 12.7
2007 875 47.5 18.4 11.3
2008 982 50.0 19.6 10.5
2009 1066 53.1 20.1 12
2010 1097 58.4 18.7 12.6
2011 1104 56.3 19.6 12.9
2012 1114 55.5 20.0 14.3
2013 1134 49.9 22.7 14.6
2014 1160 57.3 20.2 14.6
2015 1267 61.0 20.7 12.5
2016 1356 68.0 19.9 12.4
2017 1338 69.2 19.3 12.9
2018 1350 68.8 19.6 11.6
2019 1174 59.8 19.6 11.3
2020 1120 57.0 19.6 12.9
2021 1032 54.9 18.7 15.4
2022 1029 54.6 18.8 16.5
2023 1001 56.4 17.7 23.3

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 Rocky Top Middle School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,462
2020 $10,080
2021 $11,043
2022 $11,635
2023 $13,792

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Rocky Top 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 82nd of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 120th of 480 Middle schools
 7.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
6th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Top Middle School)53.751
 2.7%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)39.938.3
 1.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (Rocky Top Middle School)51.944.1
 7.8%
   6th Grade Math (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)3228.2
 3.8%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Top Middle School)65.455.7
 9.7%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)46.743.2
 3.5%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (Rocky Top Middle School)49.246.4
 2.8%
   7th Grade Math (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)33.924.7
 9.2%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (Rocky Top Middle School)43.135.2
 7.9%
   8th Grade Science (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)34.229.4
 4.8%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Rocky Top Middle School)52.646.7
 5.9%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)47.336.9
 10.4%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (Rocky Top Middle School)55.545.7
 9.8%
   8th Grade Math (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)40.130
 10.1%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Rocky Top Middle School)57.451.5
 5.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)44.740.9
 3.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (Rocky Top Middle School)52.145.3
 6.8%
   All Grades Math (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)3532
 3%
   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 Students11741001
 14.7%
African American2113
 38.1%
American Indian44
Asian6673
 10.6%
Hispanic229260
 13.5%
Pacific Islander04
White806592
 26.6%
Two or More Races4855
 14.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients11.3%23.3%
 11.9%


Schools Near Rocky Top Middle School









Frequently Asked Questions about Rocky Top Middle School

Rocky Top Middle School ranks 92nd of 485 Colorado middle schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,001 students attended Rocky Top Middle School.

Students at Rocky Top Middle School are 59% White, 26% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 5% Two or more races, 1% African American.


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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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