Montbello High School

Montbello High School is a large comprehensive public high school in northeast Denver, CO, serving 1,112 students in grades 9–12 as part of School District No. 1. With over 86% of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, it serves a high-poverty community, yet the school has made remarkable strides in recent years. Montbello's graduation rate of 85.5% in 2024–25 exceeds the district average (81.9%) and essentially matches the Colorado state average (85.6%)—a dramatic improvement from 70.4% in 2020–21. Its dropout rate of 1.3% is well below both the district (3.2%) and state (1.6%) averages, indicating strong student retention.

Academically, Montbello shows a mixed but improving picture. Science proficiency (20.5% on CMAS) surpasses the district average (18.2%), and 9th-grade reading scores are the closest to district levels among all tested subjects. However, SAT reading/writing (29%) and math (16%) proficiency remain well below district and state averages, though both have improved substantially since 2022–23. Notably, English Language Learner students rank in the 40th percentile statewide—well above the school's overall rank—and students from low-income households also perform above the school's overall standing, suggesting effective support systems for these groups.

Compared with nearby schools, Montbello outperforms several neighbors with similar demographics, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College (81.7% graduation), Vista Academy (77.0%), and Montbello Career and Technical High School (58.6%). However, Northfield High School, just three miles away, ranks in the 85th percentile with a 98% graduation rate and 74% reading proficiency—a stark contrast highlighting broader educational disparities. Chronic absenteeism (43.5%) remains a serious challenge. Still, with a student-teacher ratio of 15.5:1 and consistent upward momentum, Montbello is a community anchor showing real signs of progress.