Each score is graded separately against Colorado schools. A school can be strong at moving students forward (growth) without having the highest test scores, or the reverse. How we score schools

| Factor | Weight | Score | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📚 Academics (reading & math) | 75% | 13/100 | reading 16th percentile, math 9th percentile among Colorado elementary schools (2018–19 state tests) |
| 🏫 Resources (class size, funding, size, type) | 25% | 87/100 | Inputs from NCES school and district data |
Students served: 90% students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Compared with Colorado schools serving a similar share of low-income students, this school’s reading and math results are −1 points worse than expected. (Context only; not part of the score.)
The overall Repit Score ranks this blend against every rated school in Colorado. Schools are compared within their state because each state sets its own tests and proficiency bar. How we rate schools
| 📖 Reading proficiency | 25% (−21 pts vs. state avg 46%) Students scoring proficient on the state test, 2018–19 |
| ➗ Math proficiency | 14% (−19 pts vs. state avg 33%) Students scoring proficient on the state test, 2018–19 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education EDFacts via the Urban Institute Education Data Portal. Federal reporting rounds small schools to ranges; we show the midpoint. Proficiency standards differ by state, so compare schools within the same state.
Share of each group of students scoring proficient on the Colorado state test (2018–19), compared with the same group of students across the state. Differences between groups are shown as reported; they reflect many factors inside and outside school.
| Students | Reading | Math | vs. same group statewide | Rank in state for this group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 30% | 30% | reading -27 pts, math -18 pts | 16th percentile (list) |
| Hispanic | 22% | 12% | reading -7 pts, math -9 pts | 20th percentile (list) |
| Low-income | 27% | 12% | reading -1 pts, math -9 pts | 28th percentile (list) |
Source: U.S. Department of Education EDFacts via the Urban Institute. Groups with fewer than 20 tested students are not shown. Results are achievement (proficiency), not growth; growth by group is not published for individual schools.
| Address | 1020 DAWSON DRIVE |
| City | Thornton |
| ZIP Code | 80229 |
| District | 0806900 |
| NCES School ID | 080690001182 |
| Data Year | 2024-25 |
Understanding the community around McElwain Elementary School helps evaluate the school environment and neighborhood.
| Median Household Income | $74,420 |
| Per Capita Income | $30,724 |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| Households Earning $100K+ | 34.4% |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 18.1% |
| High School or Higher | 78.6% |
| Median Home Value | $349,600 |
| Median Rent | $1,631 |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.6% |
Thinking about moving into this school’s area? See what homes and rents actually cost in ZIP 80229 — values, rent, and how it compares to nearby ZIPs. Free, no signup. See 80229 housing costs →
Enrollment and demographic breakdown for McElwain Elementary School.
| Total Enrollment | 358 |
| Teachers (FTE) | 26.5 |
| Student:Teacher Ratio | 13.5:1 |
Parents choosing a school deserve to see what it actually delivers. Since October 2026 the Repit School Score is built mainly on results:
Scores compare schools within their own state, because every state writes its own tests and sets its own proficiency bar. Full methodology
Data sources: NCES CCD 2024-25, U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts (test results & graduation) | Last updated: October 2026