Excellent
#288 of 1,815 schools in CO
Top 16% in state
Stem Launch
Elementary School · Adams 12 Five Star Schools
9450 PECOS STREET, Thornton, CO 80260
Enrollment
748
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
748
Student-Teacher
15.6:1
Score
8.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Colorado schools
#288 of 1,815
In Thornton
#3 of 39
public schools
In district
#5 of 53
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Academic growth
9.3 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Stem Launch?
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Stem Launch
Elementary School in Thornton · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Federal Heights Elementary School
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
North Mor Elementary School
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Stem Launch
Stem Launch is a public elementary school in Thornton, CO, part of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Stem Launch serves approximately 748 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 15.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Stem Launch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #288 of 1,815 schools in CO.
Structured state assessment records for Stem Launch show 22% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025).
- This school 8.1 · Excellent
- District avg 5.8
- CO avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Stem Launch — Students at Stem Launch score 29% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
78.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)
Based on 35 test records from CO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.3/10.
How Stem Launch Compares
See how Stem Launch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
9450 PECOS STREET, Thornton, CO 80260
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Stem Launch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Crown Pointe Charter Academy (rated 7.9/10, 1.5 miles away, in nearby Westminster), with a very similar rating. Another option is Sherrelwood Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Denver), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Metropolitan Arts Academy (rated 6.5/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Denver), a more accessible option. For more schools in Thornton, see our Thornton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Heights Elementary School Denver | 0.7 mi | 5.6 |
| North Mor Elementary School Northglenn | 0.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Hillcrest Elementary School Northglenn | 1.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Northglenn High School Northglenn | 1.0 mi | 5.8 |
| North Star Elementary School Denver | 1.1 mi | 5.2 |
| The Pinnacle Charter School Federal Heights | 1.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Westview Elementary School Northglenn | 1.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Sunset Ridge PK-8 Westminster | 1.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Thornton High School Thornton | 1.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Sherrelwood Elementary School Denver | 1.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Crown Pointe Charter Academy Westminster | 1.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Metropolitan Arts Academy Denver | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Vantage Point Northglenn | 1.8 mi | 4.0 |
| Rocky Mountain Elementary School Westminster | 1.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Thornton Middle School Thornton | 1.5 mi | 4.0 |
| Mesa Elementary School Westminster | 1.6 mi | 5.3 |
| New America School - Thornton Thornton | 1.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Thornton Elementary School Thornton | 1.6 mi | 5.0 |
| The Studio School Northglenn | 1.8 mi | 4.7 |
| John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy Westminster | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 80260 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,929
Median Home Value
$188,200
Median Rent
$1,532/mo
Population
34,861
College Educated
13.9%
Homeownership
61.9%
Avg Commute
30.7 min
Poverty Rate
16.6%
Median Age
31.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Eaton Elementary School Eaton, CO | 8.1 |
| High Plains School Loveland, CO | 8.1 |
| Pioneer Bilingual Elementary School Lafayette, CO | 8.1 |
| Prospect Valley Elementary School Wheat Ridge, CO | 8.1 |
| Riffenburgh Elementary School Fort Collins, CO | 8.1 |
| Sabin World School Denver, CO | 8.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Stem Launch
What grades does Stem Launch serve?
Stem Launch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Stem Launch?
Stem Launch has an enrollment of approximately 748 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Stem Launch?
The student-teacher ratio at Stem Launch is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Stem Launch rank in CO?
Stem Launch ranks #288 of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Stem Launch's MySchoolScout rating?
Stem Launch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Stem Launch?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Stem Launch has 22% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2012-2025).
Is Stem Launch a charter school?
No, Stem Launch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Stem Launch a Title I school?
No, Stem Launch is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Stem Launch?
78.2% of students at Stem Launch qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 748
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 78.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Adams County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 29.7%
- Phone
- (720) 972-5120
Resources & Links
District
Adams 12 Five Star Schools- District Enrollment
- 34,998
- Schools in District
- 54
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,748
- District Rank
- #5 of 53
Other Schools in This District
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