At a glance
Reported students
406
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
26.56
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
15.3:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
KG–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Colorado other enrollment
76th percentile
Compared with 143 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
403.5
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School: 406 reported students.
State peer staffing position
47th percentile
15.3:1 reported; state peer median 16.2:1. 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
- 389
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26.36
- Student–teacher ratio
- 14.8:1
What the reported data says about Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is a public combined / other school serving grades KG–12 in Fort Collins. It is one of 52 current school records connected to Poudre School District R-1. NCES reports 406 students for 2024–25.
Among 143 combined / other schools in Colorado with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 166 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 76th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.3:1, close to the Colorado median of 16.2:1 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 White (86.2%) and Hispanic or Latino (6.2%). Students served under IDEA represent 5.1%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, gifted and talented programming. The school reported 1 AP course. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
- 1How do the reported 15.3:1 student–teacher ratio and 26.56 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- Students with disabilities
- 5.1%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 26.8%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 2
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0.31
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0.63
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0.17
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White86.2%
- Hispanic6.2%
- Black0.2%
- Asian0%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.7%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.2%
- Multiracial6.2%
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
AP student enrollment
Students enrolled
1 distinct course reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Not reported as 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 Poudre School District R-1
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
PSD Global Academy
Other · Grades KG–12
259 reported students
Ridgeview Classical Schools
Other · Grades KG–12
721 reported students
Liberty Common Charter School
Other · Grades KG–12
1,516 reported students
Kruse Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
406 reported students
Rice Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
401 reported students
Laurel Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–05
412 reported students
Public schools near Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poudre High School High · Poudre School District R-1 | 09–12 | 1,409 | 0.8 mi |
| Bauder Elementary School Elementary · Poudre School District R-1 | PK–05 | 423 | 0.9 mi |
| PSD Global Academy Other · Poudre School District R-1 | KG–12 | 259 | 2.5 mi |
| Ridgeview Classical Schools Other · Charter · Poudre School District R-1 | KG–12 | 721 | 3 mi |
| Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado Other · Charter · State Charter School Institute | KG–12 | 621 | 3.5 mi |
| Liberty Common Charter School Other · Charter · Poudre School District R-1 | KG–12 | 1,516 | 4.4 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
What grades does Polaris Expeditionary Learning School serve?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School reports grades KG–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a school (alternative school) in Poudre School District R-1.
How many students attend Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School reported 406 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 76th percentile among 143 Colorado combined or other schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 389 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
The calculated ratio is 15.3:1, based on 406 students and 26.56 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Colorado median for the same school level is 16.2:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Polaris Expeditionary Learning School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Poudre School District R-1 attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
26.8% 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 Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is part of Poudre School District R-1, based in Fort Collins, CO, which operates 52 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Poudre High School (0.8 mi), Bauder Elementary School (0.9 mi), PSD Global Academy (2.5 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.