Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

Westgate Community School

Q: Is Westgate Community School a good school?

Westgate Community School ranks 663 rd of 946 Colorado alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public, Charter, Alternative Grades K-12

663^rd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 946 Colorado Alternative Schools

Better than 30% of Colorado alternative schools

Summary

Westgate Community School is a K-12 alternative school in Thornton, CO, serving 540 students within the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district. The school serves a moderately economically diverse population, with about 38% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024-25, a figure that has risen steadily in recent years. Despite its "alternative" designation, Westgate stands out for delivering strong high-school outcomes that rival some of the region's most prestigious charter schools while supporting a student body with greater economic need than many of its neighbors.

Westgate's most impressive results come at the high school level. The school boasts a 96% graduation rate in 2023-24, and hit 100% in both 2021-22 and 2020-21 — far exceeding the district's 85.2% and comparable to top performers like Peak to Peak Charter School (97.9%) and Stargate Charter School (97.8%). High school reading and writing scores are exceptional, with 95% of 11th graders proficient on the SAT Reading/Writing section in 2025-26, versus 55% for the district, and only Stargate scoring higher among nearby schools. The school also posted strong 11th grade science proficiency (61.1% in 2025-26, more than double the district rate), though these science scores fluctuate significantly from year to year.

The picture is more mixed in lower grades and in math. Elementary and middle school CMAS scores trail district and state averages, and math is a relative weak spot across all grade levels — for example, only 46% of 11th graders were proficient on SAT Math in 2024-25, compared to much higher rates at Stargate (81%) and Prospect Ridge Academy (65%). Chronic absenteeism (21.5%) is better than the district's 32.2% but still higher than elite charters like Peak to Peak (6.6%) and Stargate (10.7%). Overall, Westgate appears to be a strong option for families seeking a small, supportive K-12 environment that guides students to graduation and builds strong literacy skills, particularly in high school.

540

Students ?

20.0

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,406

Per pupil spending ?

38.3%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

All students in Colorado receive free school meals.

97.6%

Kindergartners fully immunized against measles (MMR) (2025-26)

Exemptions: 0% (MMR)

12500 Washington St
Thornton, CO 80241

(303) 452-0967

District: Adams 12 Five Star Schools

Racial breakdown:

White:

52.2%

Hispanic:

26.9%

Asian:

11.1%

See top rated Colorado elementary schools

Compare Westgate Community School to nearby alternative schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 81st percentile in 2023 → 97th in 2026

Strengths

✓96% graduate in 4 years — above the Colorado average (84%)

✓Ranking is trending up — up 16 percentile points since 2023

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Colorado average (33% vs 43% meeting standards)

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

!Math scores 12 pts below the Colorado average

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school33%

District avg41%

Colorado avg43%

Elementary school

663^rd of 946

Colorado public elementary schools ?

Bottom 30%▼ down 15 pts since 2016

From bottom 45% (2016) to bottom 30% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Colorado Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

239^th of 476

Colorado public middle schools ?

Top 50%▼ down 18 pts since 2016

From top 32% (2016) to top 50% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Colorado Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

High school

9^th of 340

Colorado public high schools ?

Top 3%▲ up 27 pts since 2016

From top 30% (2016) to top 3% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of Colorado High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

3^rd of 3Alternative Schools in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools

49^th of 114Adams 12 Five Star Schools 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)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	26.7	663 of 946	29.9%	★★☆☆☆
2025	36.8	558 of 950	41.3%	★★☆☆☆
2024	46.0	480 of 943	49.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	37.6	535 of 933	42.7%	★★☆☆☆
2022	40.3	508 of 921	44.8%	★★☆☆☆
2021	32.2	507 of 710	28.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	57.1	388 of 965	59.8%	★★★☆☆
2018	56.6	353 of 917	61.5%	★★★☆☆
2017	64.3	293 of 929	68.5%	★★★☆☆
2016	40.8	502 of 914	45.1%	★★☆☆☆
2015	53.9	392 of 938	58.2%	★★★☆☆
2014	58.3	410 of 962	57.4%	★★★☆☆
2013	48.0	534 of 954	44.0%	★★☆☆☆
2012	50.7	499 of 935	46.6%	★★☆☆☆
2011	65.9	332 of 935	64.5%	★★★☆☆
2010	74.3	221 of 925	76.1%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	21.9	536 of 695	22.9%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	29.9	470 of 694	32.3%	★★☆☆☆
2024	43.0	389 of 684	43.1%	★★☆☆☆
2023	37.4	401 of 642	37.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	35.0	383 of 595	35.6%	★★☆☆☆
2019	52.3	330 of 758	56.5%	★★★☆☆
2018	48.7	324 of 690	53.0%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	27.1	486 of 697	30.3%	★★☆☆☆
2025	38.6	412 of 700	41.1%	★★☆☆☆
2024	42.9	379 of 683	44.5%	★★☆☆☆
2023	33.9	409 of 649	37.0%	★★☆☆☆
2022	38.7	350 of 594	41.1%	★★☆☆☆
2019	52.0	331 of 764	56.7%	★★★☆☆
2018	36.2	423 of 693	39.0%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	8.0	527 of 547	3.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2025	23.3	454 of 551	17.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	25.4	434 of 539	19.5%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	23.8	437 of 525	16.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2022	27.8	366 of 454	19.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	32.5	412 of 596	30.9%	★★☆☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	40.8	239 of 476	49.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	59.6	163 of 469	65.2%	★★★☆☆
2024	52.4	194 of 485	60.0%	★★★☆☆
2023	69.3	121 of 480	74.8%	★★★★☆
2022	63.5	136 of 448	69.6%	★★★☆☆
2021	49.2	164 of 369	55.6%	★★★☆☆
2016	62.5	127 of 400	68.3%	★★★☆☆
2015	72.5	83 of 436	81.0%	★★★★☆
2014	77.7	86 of 461	81.3%	★★★★☆
2013	66.2	147 of 454	67.6%	★★★☆☆
2012	62.5	161 of 425	62.1%	★★★☆☆
2011	61.9	161 of 422	61.8%	★★★☆☆
2010	41.6	258 of 409	36.9%	★★☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	30.0	243 of 368	34.0%	★★☆☆☆
2022	58.2	119 of 326	63.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	53.5	156 of 352	55.7%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	50.6	158 of 372	57.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	58.0	120 of 357	66.4%	★★★☆☆
2023	65.3	97 of 356	72.8%	★★★★☆
2022	65.9	87 of 328	73.5%	★★★★☆
2018	44.0	162 of 317	48.9%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	23.8	213 of 278	23.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	56.1	109 of 275	60.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	42.0	152 of 273	44.3%	★★☆☆☆
2023	56.7	111 of 286	61.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	42.5	152 of 265	42.6%	★★☆☆☆
2021	45.6	105 of 203	48.3%	★★☆☆☆
2019	43.7	154 of 283	45.6%	★★☆☆☆
2018	36.2	122 of 199	38.7%	★★☆☆☆

High school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2026	95.3	9 of 340	97.4%	★★★★★
2025	80.9	57 of 328	82.6%	★★★★☆
2024	75.7	76 of 349	78.2%	★★★★☆
2023	80.4	65 of 349	81.4%	★★★★☆
2019	81.8	64 of 411	84.4%	★★★★☆
2018	82.5	53 of 388	86.3%	★★★★☆
2016	53.6	76 of 255	70.2%	★★★★☆
2015	69.8	45 of 292	84.6%	★★★★☆
2014	91.4	17 of 369	95.4%	★★★★★
2013	51.3	182 of 349	47.9%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Colorado percentile	Rating
2023	52.8	105 of 234	55.1%	★★★☆☆

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)

Elementary school

Male (2026)30th percentile~ school

Female (2026)23rd percentile-7 vs school

White (2026)4th percentile-26 vs school

Middle school

Male (2026)58th percentile+8 vs school

Female (2026)34th percentile-16 vs school

White (2026)23rd percentile-26 vs school

High school

White (2023)55th percentile-26 vs school

By subject vs Colorado (2025-2026) ?

Reading and Writing95%+35 vs state

Mathematics70%+29 vs state

Science35%~ state avg

English Language Arts34%-11 vs state

Math25%-12 vs state

2.4

7 ratings · 3 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★2

1★3

Rate Westgate Community School

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a parent
Saturday, April 27, 2024

Really disappointed in our experience at Westgate. We found the students to be unwelcoming to new students, extremely immature. We experienced bullying, classes mates who did not respect personal boundaries or informed consent. We also experienced teachers who did not have a mastery in what they are teaching. The singular HS science teacher for instance teaches, earth science, biology, chemistry, environmental science and forensic science. How can she possibly have a high understanding all of these extremely different subjects? The answer is she can’t and it shows. The school lunches are awful. They are basically TV dinners that are soggy and unappetizing.
We feel as though we were highly misled when we toured the school. They are great marketers but have little follow through. Looking forward to a fresh start somewhere else next fall. Close Quote

by a parent
Saturday, January 13, 2018

I’ll start by saying that writing this review has taken a lot of thought. I’m not in the habit of reviewing on-line, but, I think this is very important for parents who may be considering Westgate.

Headline first, the executive director and the dean demonstrated to me that are simply not capable of supporting the needs of kids with a 504, IEP or any unique learning profile. Moreover, although they always have time to promote the school and any positive recognition that they can get, they just won’t have tough conversations about parent and student engagement.

There was some good stuff to mention. The teachers get one extra star for being nice, dedicated and energetic. In fact, I was 100 sold on the school during my campus visits and the shadow day. Just like anywhere, some teachers are stronger than others, but, I think that most tried hard and my child did fine in class.

The really big problem with Westgate is that the actions of the administration don’t support any type of authentic partnership and communication with students and families. Everything seems fine and first glance (and they certainly talk a good talk), but, if a 504, IEP, or a social challenge exists, then the school dean, executive director and staff just can’t handle the challenge. They make A LOT of excuses and they always focus more on ways to protect their reputation and public image than on the kids well being.

In other words, I found the school leadership to be so focused on their own status that they isolate parents and students from conversations that don’t reflect the perfect image that they want to promote. To put it bluntly, my child’s learning profile was absolutely neglected. They are quick to ask for cheerleaders from the community and they never accepted any crucial conversations.

Like some of you who are reading this, I simply wanted an environment in which my child could thrive. I was expecting open and honest communication and instead I actually even felt bullied by the dean and executive director (and so did my child). Crazy, right?!?

Having the privilege of seeing first hand what great leadership at Adams 12 can look like at another school, there is no way I could ever trust Westgate to care for anyone important to me.

In short, my reflection is that the actions of the administration are ironic in the face of their stated school values, frustrating to me as a parent and extremely sad in he context to my child’s experience. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, August 7, 2014

Some great individuals teachers at this school. Unfortunately to many of the good teachers keep leaving. Future parents...ask about staff turnover. Many of their departures were due to issues with the school management. I live in Broomfield and have run across a few of the ex-teachers club. Needless to say their inside perspective was interesting, but not surprising. I've been going to the school meetings for several years now and its easy to see that although the top level management of the school wanted to do great things,they don't have a plan or the ability to achieve it. They may get there one day, but not in time for my child to get the education she deserves and needs to succeed in life. We aren't going back this year. I would only go to this school if I had no better option. Fortunately Broomfield has some very good local schools. If you really want to go the charter route, go to Stargate, Prospect Ridge, Hulstrom or STEM, not here!!! Close Quote

Schools Near Westgate Community School

Load more schools when map is moved

Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking ()				Ranking ()				PSAT10 Reading and Writing (2026)	PSAT10 Mathematics (2026)	PSAT9 Reading and Writing (2026)	PSAT9 Mathematics (2026)	SAT Reading and Writing (2026)	SAT Mathematics (2026)	CMAS English Language Arts (2026)							CMAS Math (2026)							CMAS Science (2026)			Vaccination (2025-26)		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 ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	SchoolDigger Rating ()	Average Standard Score ()	Statewide Rank ()	State Percentile ()	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSAT10 Reading and Writing 10th Grade	PSAT10 Mathematics 10th Grade	PSAT9 Reading and Writing 9th Grade	PSAT9 Mathematics 9th Grade	SAT Reading and Writing 11th Grade	SAT Mathematics 11th Grade	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	CMAS Science 11th Grade	Vaccination: Kindergartners fully immunized against measles (MMR)	Vaccination: Exemption rate	Total
Westgate Community School	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-12	12500 Washington St	Thornton	80241	Adams County	Adams 12 Five Star Schools	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 452-0967	540	27	20.0	38.3%	282 (52.2%)	4 (0.7%)	145 (26.9%)	60 (11.1%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	44 (8.1%)								(n/a)			527.0	69.6	94.7	572.0	35.1	26.7	30.2	36.0	38.1	35.7	33.6	35.1	17.8	9.1	32.0	27.9	30.2	25.2	22.7	35.7	61.1	97.6%	0%	$13,406
Stargate Charter School	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-12	14530 Washington Street	Thornton	80023	Adams County	Adams 12 Five Star Schools	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 450-3936	1,572	81	19.4	10.4%	748 (47.6%)	16 (1.0%)	168 (10.7%)	470 (29.9%)	6 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	156 (9.9%)								(n/a)	96.9	83.1	99.3	94.8	98.4	78.0	67.0	78.6	86.5	79.5	79.1	69.4	77.4	65.6	74.5	84.0	75.4	80.0	77.9	76.6	72.2	80.2	86.1	93.7%	6.3%	$12,768
Academy of Charter Schools	Public, Charter, Alternative	PK, KG-12	11800 Lowell Blvd	Westminster	80031	Adams County	State Charter School Institute	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 289-8088	1,887	100	18.8	33.9%	1,036 (54.9%)	18 (1.0%)	598 (31.7%)	121 (6.4%)	6 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	107 (5.7%)								(n/a)	64.1	36.9	69.5	32.4	64.2	26.6	42.5	46.5	56.3	37.8	51.6	57.3	48.4	35.8	30.6	35.8	22.8	40.5	46.9	34.8	22.4	53.0	54.5	80.3%	3%	$12,874
York International	Public, Magnet, Alternative	K-12	9200 York St	Thornton	80229	Adams County	Mapleton School District No. 1	No	Yes	No	Yes	(303) 853-1600	776	40	19.4	73.5%	60 (7.7%)	5 (0.6%)	663 (85.4%)	37 (4.8%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.3%)								(n/a)	56.1	31.8	53.7	17.9	38.7	19.4	19.6	38.3	44.0	18.5	43.4	25.0	31.5	17.4	38.3	56.0	24.5	32.1	25.0	32.2	9.1	10.0		95.7%	0%	$15,692
Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Denver	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-9	1800 E Longs Peak St	Brighton	80602	Adams County	State Charter School Institute	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(720) 541-9809	305	17	18.0	—	200 (65.6%)	0 (0.0%)	84 (27.5%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (6.6%)								(n/a)							17.4	717.0	50.0	20.8	735.0	37.5	27.1	716.0	20.0	40.0	16.7	725.0	33.3	23.4	33.3	25.0				$11,811
The Pinnacle Charter School	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-12	1001 W 84th Ave	Federal Heights	80260	Adams County	State Charter School Institute	Yes	No	No	Yes	(303) 450-3985	1,905	111	17.1	81.0%	164 (8.6%)	19 (1.0%)	1,669 (87.6%)	29 (1.5%)	8 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	15 (0.8%)								(n/a)	38.5	10.8	34.4	11.9	33.1	7.0	13.6	12.0	29.0	13.8	17.0	14.5	16.4	11.0	5.8	10.1	3.9	5.8	5.2	6.7	7.9	8.0	3.1			$13,948
Prospect Ridge Academy	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-12	2555 Preble Creek Pkwy	Broomfield	80023	Broomfield County	Adams 12 Five Star Schools	Yes	No	No	No	(720) 399-0300	1,478	77	19.1	5.9%	949 (64.2%)	11 (0.7%)	196 (13.3%)	219 (14.8%)	6 (0.4%)	1 (0.1%)	96 (6.5%)								(n/a)	87.4	66.4	86.8	78.5	89.4	65.4	46.4	58.3	68.3	51.8	48.6	54.1	54.9	50.5	53.6	65.0	62.5	52.3	66.7	58.8	69.2	63.6	50.0	96.6%	3.4%	$12,225
Destinations Career Academy of Colorado	Public, Virtual, Alternative	4-12	8601 Turnpike Dr. Suite 100	Westminster	80031	Adams County	Julesburg School District No. Re1	No	No	Yes	No	(303) 128-6266	453	13	34.2	—	230 (50.8%)	22 (4.9%)	171 (37.7%)	7 (1.5%)	3 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (4.4%)								(n/a)	453.0	401.0			60.0	20.0				33.3	21.1	31.8	27.8				717.0	719.0	18.2	10.1		12.5				$10,675
Mapleton Online	Public, Virtual, Alternative	K-12	7350 North Broadway	Denver	80221	Adams County	Mapleton School District No. 1	No	(n/a)	Yes	(n/a)	(303) 853-1000	152	13	12.1	—	29 (19.1%)	6 (3.9%)	105 (69.1%)	2 (1.3%)	4 (2.6%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.9%)								(n/a)	18.8	343.0											28.9							15.4						$19,668
Peak to Peak Charter School	Public, Charter, Alternative	K-12	800 Merlin Drive	Lafayette	80026	Boulder County	Boulder Valley School District No. Re2	Yes	No	No	No	(303) 453-4600	1,447	82	17.6	17.6%	806 (55.7%)	11 (0.8%)	185 (12.8%)	337 (23.3%)	3 (0.2%)	3 (0.2%)	101 (7.0%)								(n/a)	95.7	68.8	93.4	75.7	89.5	69.2	63.2	82.9	80.5	70.8	64.5	67.0	70.6	59.2	63.2	73.7	62.5	71.0	60.0	64.9	62.3	65.2	65.4	98.6%	1.4%	$14,935

Frequently Asked Questions about Westgate Community School

What is the racial makeup of Westgate Community School?

Students at Westgate Community School are 52% White, 27% Hispanic, 11% Asian, 8% Two or more races.

What district is Westgate Community School in?

Adams 12 Five Star Schools

Is Westgate Community School a good school?

Westgate Community School ranks 663^rd of 946 Colorado alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Westgate Community School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 540 students attended Westgate Community School.

Rate Westgate Community School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

COColorado Alternative School Rankings

COColorado District Rankings

Schools in Thornton, CO

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Westgate Community School!

Latest Colorado data All new data »

2017–18 through 2025–26 immunization rates (updated)NewOct 19, 2026

2025–26 attendance dataOct 6, 2026

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

2024–25 school spending dataJun 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.