Education

Photos: Ten Lowest-Performing Denver Public Schools

Last week, we highlighted the top 25 Denver Public Schools as judged by the district's School Performance Framework, which gathers data to determine the effectiveness of schools at every level of the DPS system. Today, we look at the flip side -- the ten schools currently considered the furthest from...

By Michael Roberts

October 1, 2014

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Last week, we highlighted the top 25 Denver Public Schools as judged by the district's School Performance Framework, which gathers data to determine the effectiveness of schools at every level of the DPS system. Today, we look at the flip side -- the ten schools currently considered the furthest from making the grade.

The reasons institutions wind up on such rosters are multifaceted, complex and arguably systemic: During an appearance last night at Regis University, author Jonathan Kozol, whose books include The Shame of the Nation, lambasted the disparity of resources for schools in wealthy versus impoverished areas, as well as the deleterious effects of standardized testing, particularly at facilities cast as struggling. Keep these factors in mind as we count down the ten lowest performers, complete with photos and selected facts and figures. To see the complete list, click here.

Number 10: Wyatt Academy Enrollment: 589

Points Earned: 72

Points Possible: 280

Percentage of Points Earned: 25.71 percent

Number 9: Venture Prep MS Enrollment: 108

Points Earned: 35

Points Possible: 139

Percentage of Points Earned: 25.18 percent

Continue to keep counting down the ten lowest-performing Denver Public Schools. Number 8: Escuela Tlatelolco School Enrollment: 129

Points Earned: 60

Points Possible: 248

Percentage of Points Earned: 24.19 percent

Number 7: Centennial ECE-8 School Enrollment: 464

Points Earned: 65

Points Possible: 286

Percentage of Points Earned: 22.73 percent

Continue to keep counting down the ten lowest-performing Denver Public Schools. Number 6: Kepner Middle School Enrollment: 796

Points Earned: 30

Points Possible: 147

Percentage of Points Earned: 20.41 percent

Number 5: Manual High School Enrollment: 417

Points Earned: 45

Points Possible: 230

Percentage of Points Earned: 19.57

Continue to keep counting down the ten lowest-performing Denver Public Schools. Number 4: West Generation Academy Enrollment: 449

Points Earned: 51

Points Possible: 263

Percentage of Points Earned: 19.39 percent

Number 3: Fairview Elementary School Enrollment: 281

Points Earned: 24

Points Possible: 145

Percentage of Points Earned: 16.55 percent

Continue to keep counting down the ten lowest-performing Denver Public Schools. Number 2: Valverde Elementary School Enrollment: 400

Points Earned: 22

Points Possible: 141

Percentage of Points Earned: 15.6 percent

Number 1: SOAR at Oakland Enrollment: 558

Points Earned: 17

Points Possible: 151

Percentage of Points Earned: 11.26 percent

Note: SOAR at Oakland closed at the end of the 2013-2014, with sessions beginning at the New Oakland Elementary School in August.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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