The Estes Park School District has released its mid-year update, highlighting gains in student academic growth, attendance, accreditation ratings, and community perception as it continues implementation of its strategic plan.
Superintendent Ruby Bode shared the update with families last week, pointing to steady progress in the district’s three focus areas: academic achievement and growth, real-world learning, and wellness.
Academic growth trending upward
Districtwide mid-year assessment data show increases across all tested subject areas compared with results prior to the launch of the strategic plan three years ago.
In reading for grades 2 through 11, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding national mid-year growth expectations rose from 58 to 70, a 12-point gain. In math for grades 1 through 11, the percentage of students meeting growth targets increased from 58 to 66. And in science scores for grades 5 through 11, the percentage meeting growth targets rose from 56 to 62.
Early literacy growth also improved. Among kindergarten through second-grade students taking DIBELS reading assessments, the percentage meeting growth targets increased from 50 to 61.
Students in kindergarten through grade 11 take nationally normed assessments in reading, math, and science at the beginning and middle of each school year. District leaders say the data reflect focused work on strengthening classroom instruction, deepening knowledge of academic standards, and refining intervention systems.
The district has also seen improvement in its state accreditation rating. Since implementing the strategic plan, the district’s rating has increased by 9.3 points, from 53.1 to 62.4.
Curriculum review underway
As part of ongoing improvement efforts, the district has begun a two-year process to adopt a math curriculum aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards.
A teacher-led committee has reviewed state standards, gathered input from parents and community members, and collected student feedback. Teachers are currently evaluating curriculum options from multiple vendors using criteria developed through that feedback process.
Selected materials will be piloted in fall 2026, with a formal recommendation to the Estes Park Board of Education expected in spring 2027. Full implementation of a new math curriculum is planned for the 2027–28 school year. A similar review cycle for the science curriculum will begin next year.
District administrators say the structured adoption schedule is designed to ensure instructional materials remain current and aligned with state expectations.
Real-world learning emphasis continues
The district reports that this is the third year of its focused effort to expand real-world learning opportunities. Students across grade levels participate in project-based learning, field trips, service activities, and public presentations tied to the district’s “Global Outcome” competencies.
Examples shared in the update include elementary students programming robots as part of a literacy project, middle school students participating in a mock city council session after visiting local government facilities, and high school students engaging in team-building experiences through community partnerships.
Students in grades 5, 8, and 12 will participate in public presentations of learning and reflecting on their growth in competencies such as collaboration, critical thinking, and communication.
The district has also expanded student learning portfolios and continues student-led conferences each spring.
Attendance and perception at record highs
Attendance rates have steadily climbed during the strategic plan period, increasing from 88.4 percent in earlier years to 92.2 percent this year. District leaders attribute the rise to strengthened attendance policies, improved communication with families, and a Family Attendance Partnership Plan.
Family perception has also improved significantly, according to survey results. Favorable responses rose from 53 percent in the 2022–23 school year to 74 percent this year, a 21-point gain. The district’s goal is 75 percent favorable responses by the end of the school year.
Student perception similarly reached its highest levels since the strategic plan began. Among students in grades 3 through 5, favorable responses increased from 67 to 73 percent. In grades 6 through 12, favorable responses rose from 72 to 77 percent.
District leaders say the results reflect intentional work to strengthen relationships, increase student voice, and build supportive school cultures.
Staff recognized
The district also recognized several employees through its Employee of the Quarter program, including teachers Kayla Downey and Cynthia Jorgensen and elementary secretaries Katie Corbell and Toni Brese.
In her message to the community, Bode thanked educators, students, and families for their continued partnership.
“These outcomes reflect the dedication of our educators, the engagement of our students, and the strong involvement we share with families and the Estes Park community,” she wrote.
Community input sought in superintendent search
The Estes Park Board of Education is continuing its search for the district’s next superintendent, partnering with national consulting firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates. The board plans to select the next superintendent by April 20.
The search process is now moving into its public engagement phase. Community members are invited to complete an online survey or attend one of several focus groups scheduled for Feb. 26 through 28. Feedback gathered through those opportunities will be used to develop a leadership profile outlining the desired qualities and characteristics in the district’s next superintendent and to guide recruitment and interview questions.
The board is expected to provide additional updates on the superintendent search at its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, at 5:15 p.m. at Town Hall. Further discussion is anticipated at future meetings as the process moves forward.