Second Creek Elementary School

Second Creek Elementary School serves 697 students in grades PK–5 in Commerce City, CO, as part of School District 27J. The school currently holds a 2-star rating and ranks in the 32nd percentile statewide, placing it in the middle of the pack among nearby elementary schools. It has recovered significantly from its pandemic-era low, though it still sits below its pre-pandemic performance. About 58% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, up from 48% three years ago, and the school's chronic absenteeism rate of 34% is higher than the district (29.7%) and state (28.4%) averages.

Academically, Second Creek's strongest subject is English Language Arts. In 2025–2026, 38.6% of students scored proficient, beating the district average of 34.2% and outperforming nearby schools like Henderson Elementary School, Belle Creek Charter School, and Turnberry Elementary. Only Reunion Elementary School, Landmark Academy at Reunion, and Lena Archuleta Elementary School posted higher ELA scores. Math proficiency sits at 26.8%, matching the district average but trailing Reunion (40.5%) and Landmark (45.3%). Science is the biggest concern: just 13.6% of 5th graders were proficient, compared to 23.6% for the district and 36.1% statewide.

There are notable bright spots. Hispanic students at Second Creek rank in the 47th percentile statewide relative to their peers, a genuine area of strength. The school also appears to serve male students better than female students—boys rank in the 38th percentile while girls rank in the 16th—which may be worth raising with school leadership. Chronic absenteeism is likely holding the school back; roughly one in three students misses substantial instructional time. Given that ELA scores have risen by 12 points in three years despite growing economic challenges, there is clear evidence the school can improve. Focusing on attendance, science instruction, and support for female students could help Second Creek climb back toward its pre-pandemic standing.