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Little Elementary School

Q: Is Little Elementary School a good school?

Little Elementary School ranks 599 th of 946 Colorado elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-5

599^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 946 Colorado Elementary Schools

Better than 37% of Colorado elementary schools

Summary

Little Elementary School is a K–5 public school in Arvada, Colorado, serving 310 students as part of the Jefferson County School District No. R-1. The school has been on a clear upward path: after ranking in the 17th percentile statewide the year before, Little jumped to the 36th percentile (599th out of 943 Colorado elementary schools) in the most recent SchoolDigger ranking — its best showing since 2017-2018. About 65% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and chronic absenteeism, while still high at 27.9%, improved significantly from 33.6% the prior year.

Academically, Little remains below district and state averages but is improving. ELA proficiency nearly doubled year over year to 40.3% (versus 53.7% district and 44.7% state), and math rose to 23.3% — the highest in recent years. The most concerning pattern is in math: 3rd graders at Little scored close to the state average (39.5% vs. 41.5%), but proficiency plummets by 4th grade (15.6%) and 5th grade (17.4%). ELA, by contrast, holds steady across grades, with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade all between 36% and 42% proficient. This upper-elementary math collapse is the biggest red flag for middle-school readiness.

Little sits in a neighborhood of stark contrasts. Within two miles, high-performing schools like Woodrow Wilson Charter Academy (84th percentile), Warder Elementary School (72nd percentile), Hackberry Hill Elementary School (80th percentile), and Jefferson Academy Elementary (87th percentile) serve far fewer low-income students and post much higher proficiency rates. Little's closest comparisons are Adams Elementary School (34th percentile) and Semper Elementary School (32nd percentile), which serve similar populations and achieve similar scores. Encouragingly, all reported student subgroups improved in the latest year — low-income students jumped from the 5th to the 24th percentile statewide. The key test is whether Little can sustain this momentum, especially in upper-elementary math.

310

Students ?

14.9

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,476

Per pupil spending ?

65.2%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Colorado receive free school meals.

8448 Otis Drive
Arvada, CO 80003-1242

(303) 982-0310

District: Jefferson County School District No. R-1

Racial breakdown:

White:

46.5%

Hispanic:

41.9%

Two or more races:

8.1%

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At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 6th percentile in 2023 → 37th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 37th (2026) from a 6th-percentile low (2023)

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Colorado average (32% vs 41% meeting standards)

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Math scores 14 pts below the Colorado average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school32%

District avg49%

Colorado avg41%

599^th of 946

Colorado public elementary schools ?

Bottom 37%▼ down 5 pts since 2016

From bottom 42% (2016) to bottom 37% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Colorado Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

66^th of 84Elementary Schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1

24^th of 114Jefferson County School District No. R-1 among Colorado districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	31.9	599 of 946	36.7%	★★☆☆☆
2025	16.1	792 of 950	16.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	18.4	762 of 943	19.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	10.5	880 of 933	5.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	16.1	778 of 921	15.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	13.4	658 of 710	7.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	28.0	677 of 965	29.8%	★★☆☆☆
2018	33.4	587 of 917	36.0%	★★☆☆☆
2017	34.0	589 of 929	36.6%	★★☆☆☆
2016	37.4	532 of 914	41.8%	★★☆☆☆
2015	35.8	572 of 938	39.0%	★★☆☆☆
2014	33.1	672 of 962	30.1%	★★☆☆☆
2013	31.4	689 of 954	27.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	36.5	639 of 935	31.7%	★★☆☆☆
2011	44.4	565 of 935	39.6%	★★☆☆☆
2010	50.3	513 of 925	44.5%	★★☆☆☆
2009	46.6	504 of 872	42.2%	★★☆☆☆
2008	52.7	448 of 849	47.2%	★★☆☆☆
2007	45.7	508 of 852	40.4%	★★☆☆☆
2006	48.8	463 of 829	44.1%	★★☆☆☆
2005	63.9	327 of 823	60.3%	★★★☆☆
2004	55.2	397 of 808	50.9%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	23.2	524 of 695	24.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	15.4	580 of 694	16.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	12.5	620 of 684	9.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	21.8	597 of 758	21.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	25.4	522 of 690	24.3%	★☆☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	30.7	244 of 322	24.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	14.0	320 of 337	5.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	18.9	319 of 365	12.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	31.5	253 of 332	23.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	52.2	139 of 308	54.9%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	19.4	565 of 697	18.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	16.4	581 of 700	17.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	14.3	598 of 683	12.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	24.7	571 of 764	25.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	32.1	456 of 693	34.2%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	32.0	396 of 547	27.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	10.4	520 of 551	5.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	14.9	491 of 539	8.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	29.6	435 of 596	27.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	23.2	277 of 337	17.8%	★☆☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2026)28th percentile-9 vs school

Female (2026)25th percentile-12 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)24th percentile-12 vs school

Male (2026)19th percentile-18 vs school

By subject vs Colorado (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts40%-4 vs state

Science30%-6 vs state

Math23%-14 vs state

4.9

7 ratings · 6 written reviews

5★6

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Sunday, November 27, 2022

This school has been absolutely amazing. My oldest just spent the last 6 years there and with 2 other kids we will happily be at Little for another 6 years. The staff are all wonderful human beings who truly care about my children. They challenge my children academically when needed, while also offering guidance in areas they may struggle with. More importantly, the staff care for my children's mental health and emotional well being. The personal touches like encouraging notes actually mailed to our house make my kids feel special and seen. Their mental health team is extensive. I know my children are well taken care of. The classrooms offer hands on learning like programing robots, historical reenactments, and arts integration. The teachers will often use the school garden for lessons in science. The best part of this school is the sense of belonging and community. The school is welcoming to all people and strives for inclusivity. The support the parents have for the staff and visa versa is like nothing I have seen at any other school. The amount of care the school has for the surrounding neighborhood and community is unmatched. This school is a hidden gem and deserves as much love as it gives out. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, March 18, 2019

Top notch teachers who really care about all kids. Extremely good PTSA and community support. Definitely not without challenges but a great neighborhood school with an awesome community garden and tons of extra curricular activities (Talent Show, Robotics Club, Lynx in Action, Garden Club etc.) Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, August 17, 2018

I've had three kids go through Little, and can attest to what a wonderful neighborhood school this is. The administration and teachers are excellent and really care about your student's success. They also have a very active PTSA with lots of parent involvement, and a wonderful community garden that the kids take part in. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, September 15, 2017

They do great considering the budget available. My kids want to go to school and are doing more than just learning for the state tests. They provide arts and music and the principal is fantastic. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, April 25, 2017

The teachers and staff at Little are amazing! They work so hard to provide lots of great opportunities for the students. Mr. Lopez is a fantastic principal and leader. He listens to the voice of the parents and had created a welcoming environment for all children.
The teachers are providing the students with critical thinking strategies that will allow them to succeed in life and empower them to be leaders. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, April 24, 2017

I have a now 7th grader went through Little K-6 and 3rd grader that is at Little now. Both of my daughters have been identified as daughter are GT (Gifted and Talented). I recommend Little without hesitation. There is a strong sense of community and a ton of different clubs for the students to join throughout the year. My 3rd grader did Lynx in Action (fitness club), chess club and origami club this year. There is so many to choose from. The teachers are great. I would say without doubt that the 1st grade teaching team is probably close to if not the best in the state. They are AMAZING and many teachers come to learn from them what to do in their classrooms. It has a highly active PTSA that puts on a lot of events for the kids and families and makes improvements to the school. The principal is open to and encourages parent involvement at the school which adds to that community feel. Has an upgraded big playground and onsite community garden. Also has great diversity with many cultures and different economic backgrounds. It's worth a visit. Close Quote

Schools Near Little Elementary School

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				CMAS English Language Arts (2026)							CMAS Math (2026)							CMAS Science (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	CMAS English Language Arts 3rd Grade	CMAS English Language Arts 4th Grade	CMAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	CMAS English Language Arts 6th Grade	CMAS English Language Arts 7th Grade	CMAS English Language Arts 8th Grade	CMAS English Language Arts All Grades	CMAS Math 3rd Grade	CMAS Math 4th Grade	CMAS Math 5th Grade	CMAS Math 6th Grade	CMAS Math 7th Grade	CMAS Math 8th Grade	CMAS Math All Grades	CMAS Science 5th Grade	CMAS Science 8th Grade	Total
Little Elementary School	Public	K-5	8448 Otis Drive	Arvada	80003	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	Yes	(303) 982-0310	310	21	14.9	65.2%	144 (46.5%)	3 (1.0%)	130 (41.9%)	6 (1.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (8.1%)	31.9	599^th of 946 public elementary schools	36.7%		16.1	792^nd of 950 public elementary schools	16.6%	193	36.8	42.2	41.3				40.3	39.5	15.6	17.4				23.3	30.4		$18,476
Colorado Preparatory Academy Elementary School	Public, Virtual	K-5	8601 Turnpike Dr. Suite 100	Westminster	80031	Adams County	Education Reenvisioned BOCES	No	No	Yes	No	(720) 381-2047	933	31	29.6	—	337 (36.1%)	78 (8.4%)	404 (43.3%)	10 (1.1%)	10 (1.1%)	9 (1.0%)	85 (9.1%)								(n/a)	719.0	731.0	35.7				27.9	719.0	723.0	721.0				14.0	38.5		$10,463
Adams Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	6450 West 95th Place	Westminster	80021	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	No	(303) 982-9790	310	17	18.1	41.9%	156 (50.3%)	9 (2.9%)	110 (35.5%)	13 (4.2%)	5 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	17 (5.5%)	30.3	620^th of 946 public elementary schools	34.5%		27.5	639^th of 950 public elementary schools	32.7%	19	29.7	17.9	39.5				30.1	720.0	716.0	26.3				21.8	36.8		$18,002
Weber Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	8725 West 81st Place	Arvada	80005	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	No	(303) 982-1012	312	22	14.2	41.3%	195 (62.5%)	2 (0.6%)	90 (28.8%)	4 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.6%)	19 (6.1%)	36.8	557^th of 946 public elementary schools	41.1%		39.7	528^th of 950 public elementary schools	44.4%	29	30.0	33.3	41.5				35.0	31.7	37.8	38.1				35.8	33.3		$18,218
Semper Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	7575 West 96th Avenue	Westminster	80021	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	No	(303) 982-6460	314	18	17.4	45.2%	155 (49.4%)	3 (1.0%)	109 (34.7%)	24 (7.6%)	6 (1.9%)	1 (0.3%)	16 (5.1%)	28.6	641^st of 946 public elementary schools	32.2%		31.9	598^th of 950 public elementary schools	37.1%	43	24.3	55.6	20.0				33.3	24.3	41.7	20.0				28.7	17.1		$17,690
Hackberry Hill Elementary School	Public	K-5	7300 West 76th Avenue	Arvada	80003	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	No	(303) 982-0260	430	24	17.8	34.7%	274 (63.7%)	4 (0.9%)	122 (28.4%)	6 (1.4%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (5.1%)	78.6	187^th of 946 public elementary schools	80.2%		77.7	201^st of 950 public elementary schools	78.8%	14	52.1	69.4	66.7				63.6	43.7	67.3	55.6				56.8	51.9		$16,958
Woodrow Wilson Charter Academy	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	8300 W 94th Avenue	Westminster	80021	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 431-3694	518	32	16.0	17.2%	370 (71.4%)	3 (0.6%)	108 (20.8%)	12 (2.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (4.8%)	83.2	149^th of 946 public elementary schools	84.2%		79.4	183^rd of 950 public elementary schools	80.7%	34	47.4	56.6	83.0	64.3	54.5	59.2	60.5	54.4	62.3	83.0	55.4	36.4	67.3	59.8	69.6	60.4	$9,074
Warder Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	7840 Carr Drive	Arvada	80005	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	No	No	No	No	(303) 982-0950	432	26	16.6	22.5%	310 (71.8%)	1 (0.2%)	95 (22.0%)	2 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (5.3%)	70.5	262^nd of 946 public elementary schools	72.3%		67	301^st of 950 public elementary schools	68.3%	39	53.4	58.2	66.7				59.1	38.3	53.7	53.8				48.6	50.0		$16,529
John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy	Public	PK, KG-8	8731 Lowell Boulevard	Westminster	80030	Adams County	Westminster Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(303) 428-2161	354	20	17.2	76.0%	70 (19.8%)	2 (0.6%)	246 (69.5%)	26 (7.3%)	6 (1.7%)	2 (0.6%)	2 (0.6%)	16.9	793^rd of 946 public elementary schools	16.2%		16.8	778^th of 950 public elementary schools	18.1%	15	17.5	22.6	21.6	28.2	44.1	20.7	25.7	20.0	12.9	28.9	17.9	14.7	24.1	19.9	18.9	24.1	$16,914
Doral Academy of Colorado	Public, Charter	K-8	10110 Church Ranch Way	Westminster	80021	Jefferson County	Jefferson County School District No. R-1	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 250-3627	168	11	15.1	52.4%	85 (50.6%)	6 (3.6%)	60 (35.7%)	1 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (9.5%)								(n/a)		43.5			16.7		29.0		21.7			22.2		19.1			$13,171

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Elementary School

What district is Little Elementary School in?

Jefferson County School District No. R-1

What schools do graduates of Little Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Little Elementary School usually go on to attend:

High : Pomona Junior/Senior High School

Is Little Elementary School a good school?

Little Elementary School ranks 599^th of 946 Colorado elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Little Elementary School?

Students at Little Elementary School are 46% White, 42% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

How many students attend Little Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 310 students attended Little Elementary School.

Rate Little Elementary School!

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Latest Colorado data All new data »

2025–26 attendance dataNewOct 6, 2026

2025–26 CMAS, PSAT10, PSAT9 & SAT test scoresAug 19, 2026

2024–25 school spending dataJun 13, 2026

2024–25 dropout rates & graduation ratesJan 13, 2026

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.