Lone Tree Elementary is a Magnet school. Heritage Hills residents have priority for admission.
Lone Tree Elementary is a very popular option for residents in Douglas County. It’s an “opt-in” magnet school. Third grade students actually choose a”major” area of study. As a result, they receive extra class-time in that area until they graduate at the end of 6th grade.
Founded by residents of nearby Heritage Hills subdivision, Lone Tree Elementary offers an alternative, public school option for all residents of Lone Tree, Colorado and Douglas County. However, residents of Heritage Hills still have priority for admission. Because, every class fills to capacity early in the annual registration process.
Dark blue is Lone Tree Elementary scores. Medium blue is all of Douglas County and light blue is all of Colorado.
When neighbors in the Heritage Hills subdivision first got together to discuss the possibility of creating a magnet school, they were concerned about the mediocrity of the local elementary school. I attended a couple of the initial meetings led a former Denver Bronco star.
Acres Green Elementary School
Current ratings of Acres Green Elementary are have actually improved since Lone Tree Elementary opened its door. But, test scores are still below District average.
There, neighbors expressed disappointment in the locally assigned elementary school, Acres Green. It consistently ranked below average for all Douglas county elementary schools. And, it’s one of the oldest elementary schools in the Douglas County district. So, technology lagged many newer schools. The neighbors wanted a better school and one that was closer to Heritage Hills. Because, Acres Green was over 2 miles away and kiddos were bused there.
Coincidentally, a large vacant field designated to become a park was located next to Heritage Hills. The neighbors sung into action. They discovered that perhaps the park could be changed to a school instead. They submitted a comprehension plan to the Douglas County School Board. And, the rest is history.
Lone Tree Heritage Hills Elementary Excels
Now, Lone Tree Elementary is a top-preforming school located within easy walking distance of Heritage Hills. And, Heritage Hills residents do get priority for filling openings at the school. However, there is no mid-year entry.
Residents and non-residents alike must apply to Lone Tree Elementary the November before the beginning of the next school year. There is no academic testing or standards. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Except, Heritage Hills residents still have priority.
Of course, kindergarten always has a whole class to fill with new applicants. But, other grades can be difficult to enter even at the beginning of the school year. It depends on your position in in line. So, apply early in November!
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