Needs Improvement
#1765 of 1,815 schools in CO
Penrose Elementary School
Elementary School · Fremont Re-2
100 ILLINOIS, Penrose, CO 81240
Enrollment
309
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
3.5
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
309
Student-Teacher
16.3:1
Score
3.5
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Colorado elementary schools
#977 of 1,006
In district
#3 of 3
Fremont Re-2
About Penrose Elementary School
Penrose Elementary School is a public elementary school located in the rural community of Penrose, Colorado. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, the school has an enrollment of 309 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16.3:1 with 19 full-time equivalent teachers. The academic performance at Penrose Elementary is rated as needing improvement; it ranks 1702 out of 1831 schools in Colorado, placing it in the 7th percentile statewide.
Students perform around average for their grade level, with 29% proficient or above in ELA and reading, and 24% proficient or above in math. Despite these challenges, Penrose Elementary School remains committed to nurturing young minds and providing a supportive learning environment in its rural setting. The school focuses on developing strong foundational skills while also encouraging community involvement and student engagement.
With a small but dedicated teaching staff, the school offers personalized attention to help each child reach their potential. Penrose Elementary is deeply embedded in the local community, offering students a close-knit educational experience rooted in the heart of rural Colorado.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Penrose Elementary School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Penrose Elementary School — Students at Penrose Elementary School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
54%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)
Based on 15 test records from CO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.9/10.
How Penrose Elementary School Compares
See how Penrose Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 20.81% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 24.16% (2025).
Location
100 ILLINOIS, Penrose, CO 81240
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Penrose Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lincoln School of Science and Technology (rated 7.9/10, 11.9 miles away, in nearby Canon City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Harrison School (rated 7.8/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Canon City), which scores notably higher. Additionally, McKinley Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Canon City), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Penrose, see our Penrose schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 81240 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,514
Median Home Value
$282,300
Median Rent
$1,364/mo
Population
4,533
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
82.3%
Avg Commute
31.4 min
Poverty Rate
10.7%
Median Age
43.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Penrose Elementary School has a median household income of $79,514. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $282,300, with a median rent of $1,364/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.7%. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Abrams Elementary School Fort Carson, CO | 3.5 |
| Barnum Elementary School Denver, CO | 3.5 |
| Stone Creek School Edwards, CO | 3.5 |
| Villa Bella Expeditionary School Pueblo, CO | 3.5 |
| AXL Academy Aurora, CO | 3.6 |
| Academy of Arts and Knowledge Elementary Ft. Collins, CO | 3.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Penrose Elementary School
What grades does Penrose Elementary School serve?
Penrose Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend Penrose Elementary School?
Penrose Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 309 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Penrose Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Penrose Elementary School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Penrose Elementary School rank in CO?
Penrose Elementary School is ranked #1765 out of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Penrose Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Penrose Elementary School has a composite rating of 3.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Penrose Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Penrose Elementary School has 23.9% math proficiency and 29.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Penrose Elementary School a charter school?
No, Penrose Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Penrose Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Penrose Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Penrose Elementary School?
54.0% of students at Penrose Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 309
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 19
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 54.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Fremont County
- Phone
- (719) 372-6777
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fremont Re-2- District Enrollment
- 1,376
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,127
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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