At a glance
Reported students
557
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
28.17
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
19.8:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–08
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Colorado elementary enrollment
85th percentile
Compared with 1,017 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
374
Explore Pk-8: 557 reported students.
State peer staffing position
96th percentile
19.8:1 reported; state peer median 15.1:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 518
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27.12
- Student–teacher ratio
- 19.1:1
What the reported data says about Explore Pk-8
Explore Pk-8 is a public elementary school serving grades PK–08 in Thornton. It is one of 20 current school records connected to Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St. NCES reports 557 students for 2024–25.
Among 1,017 elementary schools in Colorado with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 370 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 85th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 19.8:1, above the Colorado median of 15.1:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Hispanic or Latino (67.9%) and White (19.4%). English learners represent 29.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 9.7%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Explore Pk-8
- 1How do the reported 19.8:1 student–teacher ratio and 28.17 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 0 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 29.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 9.7%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 62.8%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 0
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 1
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White19.4%
- Hispanic67.9%
- Black1.4%
- Asian7.2%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.2%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.2%
- Multiracial3.8%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Trailside Academy
Elementary · Grades PK–08
492 reported students
Monterey Community School
Elementary · Grades KG–08
440 reported students
Clayton Partnership School
Elementary · Grades KG–08
430 reported students
Adventure Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–06
429 reported students
Meadow Community School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
378 reported students
Achieve Academy
Elementary · Grades PK–08
370 reported students
Public schools near Explore Pk-8
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leroy Elementary Elementary · Adams 12 Five Star Schools | KG–05 | 435 | 0.8 mi |
| The Studio School Elementary · Adams 12 Five Star Schools | KG–05 | 215 | 1.4 mi |
| Achieve Academy Elementary · Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | PK–08 | 370 | 1.4 mi |
| Thornton Elementary School Elementary · Adams 12 Five Star Schools | PK–05 | 387 | 1.5 mi |
| Stukey Elementary School Elementary · Adams 12 Five Star Schools | KG–05 | 348 | 1.6 mi |
| Malley Drive Elementary School Elementary · Adams 12 Five Star Schools | PK–05 | 435 | 1.6 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Explore Pk-8
What grades does Explore Pk-8 serve?
Explore Pk-8 reports grades PK–08 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St.
How many students attend Explore Pk-8?
Explore Pk-8 reported 557 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 85th percentile among 1,017 Colorado elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 518 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Explore Pk-8?
The calculated ratio is 19.8:1, based on 557 students and 28.17 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Colorado median for the same school level is 15.1:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Explore Pk-8 a public, charter, or magnet school?
Explore Pk-8 is a public school and is not a charter school; it is also identified as a magnet school. Admission can involve an application or lottery, so check enrollment windows with the school.
What share of Explore Pk-8 students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
62.8% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Explore Pk-8 in?
Explore Pk-8 is part of Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St, based in Denver, CO, which operates 20 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Explore Pk-8?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Leroy Elementary (0.8 mi), The Studio School (1.4 mi), Achieve Academy (1.4 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.