Adams 12 school district outlines plans for Thornton High School rebuilding and charter schools

The Northglenn City Council held a study session on June 2, 2025, focusing on the profile and performance of the Adams 12 school district. The meeting began with an overview of the district, which serves approximately 35,000 students across district-managed and charter schools. The district ranks as the sixth largest in Colorado, maintaining this position for several years.

Key discussions highlighted the district's graduation rates, which have significantly improved from 61.7% in 2009 to 87.3% for the class of 2024. Efforts to close the graduation gap between white and Hispanic students were emphasized, with the gap narrowing to as little as 3.5% in some years. The district also offers 25 different career and technical education (CTE) pathways, catering to diverse student interests and needs.

The meeting addressed the demographic composition of the district, noting that nearly half of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting economic challenges faced by many families. The district serves a diverse population, with over 6,000 students identified as having limited English proficiency, primarily Spanish speakers.

Plans for infrastructure improvements were also discussed, including an $830 million bond aimed at renovating facilities, with a focus on rebuilding Thornton High School. This project is set to begin this summer and will take approximately five years to complete. The council noted the necessity of addressing deferred maintenance across schools and expanding CTE offerings to accommodate growing student interest.

The session concluded with a mention of ongoing monitoring of enrollment trends and potential future challenges related to school closures, as several schools currently have enrollments below 300 students. The district plans to conduct a comprehensive study this summer to assess staffing and enrollment needs moving forward.