City: Denver, CO

Category: Education

Telephone: (720) 972-4000

Address: 1500 E. 128th Ave.

Description: The Five Star Schools, Adams County’s largest school district and the seventh-­largest in the state, includes more than 36,000 students attending 48 schools in a 62-square-­mile area serving Northglenn, Federal Heights, and parts of Thornton, Broomfield, Westminster, and unincorporated Adams County. In addition to 29 elementary schools, it includes nine middle schools and six high schools as well as the Bollman Technical Education Center, Vantage Point Alternative School, and four charter schools—Stargate, for the gifted and talented; the Academy of Charter Schools, a basic school; Colorado Virtual Academy; and the Pinnacle Learning Center.Per-­pupil spending at Five Star Schools is in the midrange in Greater Denver, as are the graduation and dropout rates. Principals work in conjunction with school improvement teams to further student achievement at each school. The district reviewed and approved a strategic plan that sets goals for improved graduation rate and a lower dropout rate. Another district goal is an increase in proficiencies for all students. The district honors the diversity of individuals and believes a student’s success is linked to a “responsive school community.”