Challenge School

Challenge School is a top-quality PK–8 magnet school in Colorado's Cherry Creek School District with a total of 550 students. The school has a student/teacher ratio of 18:1. It has a team of 30 full-time licensed teachers and 2 full-time counselors to ensure individualized support. At Challenge School, 83% of students score at or above proficient in math. 88% score at or above proficient in reading. The minority enrollment is 64%. The student body is made up of 46% female and 54% male students. 11% of students qualify as economically disadvantaged. This school provides a challenging course of study based on students' individual gifts. It offers multi-age classrooms, Connections classes, an Immersion Program, and Mini-courses. The overall state ranking is #6 in Colorado Elementary Schools, #2 in Colorado Middle Schools #1 in Cherry Creek School District No. 5 In The County Of Arapah Elementary Schools, #1 in Cherry Creek School District No. 5 In The County Of Arapah Middle Schools As one of the distinguished elementary schools in Colorado, Challenge School should be a school of choice for families looking for a quality education for their students. It also provides a complete student experience.

This coming school year (2025-26), the Cherry Creek School District celebrates its 75th anniversary by welcoming nearly 53,000 students, reflecting a continued commitment to education. The district is also partnering with Denver NWSL to build a new performance center for youth, amateur, and professional women’s sports in Colorado in Centennial, helping more youth, amateur, and professional women’s sports to thrive in the state of Colorado.

Q. What is the main purpose of the Challenge School?

A.The Challenge School is a magnet school for highly gifted and talented students. Its main purpose is to provide academically advanced challenges and enrichment specific to the needs of gifted learners.

Q. What processes are in place for admission into the Challenge School?

A. Admission into the Challenge School occurs through an assessment of the cognitive ability and academic achievement of the student(s). It provides assessment information to ensure that the programs at the Challenge School meet the best interest of the student at entry.

Q. What instruction methods are utilized at the Challenge School?

A.The Challenge School utilizes instructional methodologies, such as project-based learning, Socratic seminars, and interdisciplinary studies that encourage deep thinking, creative thought, and intellectual curiosity.

Q. What activities are available outside of the classroom at the Challenge School?

A. There are a variety of extracurricular activities offered at the Challenge School that compliment the academic nature, such as science fairs, debate club and advanced robotics, that incorporate opportunities for students to apply what they learn in different ways.

Q. How does the Challenge School prepare students for future educational opportunities?

A.The Challenge School is rigorous and highly stimulating to prepare students for their advanced placement (AP) class work to be ready for college and life experiences. It develops critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills to a high degree.