Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is an alternative K-12 school in Fort Collins, Colorado. Polaris Expeditionary Learning School used to be known as Pioneer, but had to change its name due to district policy and lack of funding to continue as a charter.
Serving 406 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Polaris Expeditionary Learning School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 406 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 14%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School's student population of 406 students has grown by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
406 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue, Silver
School Calendar
School Rankings
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School ranks within the top 20% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is 0.26, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#316 out of 1748 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)40-49%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
6%
37%
Black
1%
5%
White
86%
49%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Penguin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polaris Expeditionary Learning School's ranking?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is ranked #316 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
The graduation rate of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is 90%, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
406 students attend Polaris Expeditionary Learning School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
86% of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Polaris Expeditionary Learning School?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Polaris Expeditionary Learning School offer ?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Polaris Expeditionary Learning School part of?
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School is part of Poudre School District R-1.
School Reviews
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