Pueblo, CO – The Colorado State Board of Education has approved two distinct accountability pathways for Galileo Middle School in Colorado Springs and La Junta Intermediate School, marking a significant step toward addressing ongoing performance concerns. Both schools had been placed under either a Priority Improvement Plan or Turnaround Plan due to five consecutive years of underperformance according to the state’s School Performance Framework.
Galileo Middle School: Pioneering the Community School Pathway
Galileo Middle School in Colorado Springs School District 11 has become the first school in the state to adopt the newly introduced community school pathway. This option, added in 2022, is designed to support schools that face chronic performance issues by fostering partnerships with local organizations and community stakeholders.
A state review panel highlighted Galileo’s successful collaboration with district-provided instructional coaching, a factor that has contributed to notable improvements at the school. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) noted that Galileo has made significant strides in reducing behavior incidents and boosting student attendance. The school has also focused on tracking academic growth, with targeted interventions aimed at helping students meet performance expectations.
Moving forward, Galileo will continue to implement its community school model and is committed to building on the momentum of recent improvements. CDE has indicated that the school will be monitored for ongoing progress, with a review of its results scheduled for the 2027 School Performance Framework.
La Junta Intermediate School: Strengthening Instruction and School Culture
La Junta Intermediate School, which serves third through sixth graders in East Otero School District, is focusing on improving its overall school culture and academic instruction. Like Galileo, the school had been struggling with performance issues but is now working to create a more stable and effective learning environment.
The school’s plan includes a strong emphasis on improving quality instruction, particularly in math and English language arts. In partnership with TNTP, an external education organization, La Junta is working to strengthen grade-level teaching and foundational reading skills. The partnership also aims to support teacher development, recruitment, and retention—critical areas for ensuring long-term success in the district.
CDE has expressed confidence in the school’s new approach, noting that the focus on both academic content and teacher support could lead to substantial improvements. La Junta’s progress will also be assessed after the 2027 School Performance Framework results.
Looking Ahead
Both Galileo Middle School and La Junta Intermediate School are on paths to recovery and improvement, with their new accountability pathways designed to foster sustainable change. The Colorado State Board of Education has requested that both schools return for review after the 2027 results are in, ensuring continued accountability and support.
The approval of these pathways reflects a broader commitment by the state to provide tailored support to schools that need it most, helping to create a more equitable educational landscape for all students.
