The 30 Best Elementary Schools in Colorado: Rankings and Performance
Colorado’s elementary education landscape offers parents exceptional choices across diverse communities, from bustling urban districts to scenic mountain towns.
The state’s commitment to educational excellence has produced numerous schools that consistently deliver outstanding academic outcomes while fostering well-rounded student development.
This comprehensive ranking of Colorado’s top 30 elementary schools provides families with essential insights to make informed decisions about their children’s educational future.
The featured institutions span multiple regions including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and smaller communities, representing both traditional public schools and innovative charter programs that have earned recognition for their academic performance and unique approaches to learning.
Here are the 30 best elementary schools in Colorado:
1. Slavens K-8 School, Aurora
Slavens K-8 School ranks #10 among Colorado elementary schools and #4 among state middle schools. The Denver-based institution serves approximately 750 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.8 to 1. It operates within the top 1% of all public schools in Colorado based on academic performance.
Slavens offers a Gifted & Talented program alongside 12 different sports activities. The curriculum includes Project Lead The Way, focusing on STEM education and hands-on learning experiences.
The school features both traditional buildings and newly expanded facilities in southeast Denver. It operates as part of Denver County School District No. 1.
Academic performance data shows strong standardized test results. The school received a rating of 90 out of 100 on city-data rankings compared to other Colorado schools.
2. Aurora Quest K-8
Aurora Quest K-8 stands as one of Colorado’s premier elementary schools. The school ranks 3rd out of all elementary schools statewide and places within the top 1% of public schools in Colorado.
Located in Aurora, the school serves 589 students from kindergarten through 8th grade. This K-8 structure provides educational continuity for families seeking long-term stability.
Academic performance sets Aurora Quest K-8 apart from its peers. Between 87-94% of students score proficient or better in both English language arts and mathematics on state assessments.
The school operates within Aurora’s large city setting, providing urban educational opportunities. Students benefit from the resources and diversity that come with this metropolitan location.
Aurora Quest K-8 consistently maintains its position among Colorado’s highest-performing schools. The institution demonstrates sustained excellence across multiple academic measures and student outcomes.
3. High Peaks Elementary School, Boulder
High Peaks Elementary School ranks within the top 1% of all public schools in Colorado. The school serves 247 students in grades Kindergarten through 5 in Boulder.
The school consistently ranks among the top 5 elementary schools in Colorado. It holds the #2 position for best public elementary schools in Boulder County within the Boulder Valley School District.
High Peaks maintains exceptional academic performance with over 80% of students achieving proficient or better scores in both English Language Arts and Math. Parents give the school high ratings, with an average review of 4.9 stars.
The school offers a Gifted & Talented program as part of its educational services. It operates as one of 36 elementary schools within the Boulder Valley Re 2 School District.
4. Cherry Hills Village Elementary School
Cherry Hills Village Elementary School serves 501 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The school ranks within the top 5% of all public schools in Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Education recognized the school for academic excellence during the 2022-23 school year. It received the John Irwin School of Excellence Award for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement over time.
SchoolDigger awarded the school a 5-star rating. The school operates as part of the Cherry Creek 5 School District, which includes 48 elementary schools total.
Cherry Hills Village Elementary offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. The school maintains its reputation through consistent high performance across multiple academic measures.
5. Willow Creek Elementary School, Centennial
Willow Creek Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all public schools in Colorado. The school serves 502 students in grades prekindergarten through fifth.
Located in Englewood, Colorado, Willow Creek operates as part of the Cherry Creek 5 School District. The district includes 48 elementary schools total.
The school offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. This specialized program provides advanced learning opportunities beyond the standard curriculum.
Willow Creek maintains strong academic performance standards. The school focuses on STEM education and project-based learning approaches.
The Cherry Creek School District consistently performs well at state and national levels. Colorado’s Department of Education evaluates schools annually through performance frameworks that measure student achievement and growth.
6. Stargate Charter School, Thornton
Stargate Charter School serves gifted and talented students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Thornton, Colorado. The school operates within the Adams 12 Five Star School District and has built a reputation for academic excellence since its founding in 1994.
The school enrolls over 1,500 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 19.5 to 1. Stargate specifically caters to intellectually gifted learners and twice-exceptional students who have both Advanced Learning Plans and Individual Education Plans.
U.S. News recognized Stargate with eligibility for Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools award badges. The school consistently ranks among the top schools in Colorado for its academic performance.
Located at 144th and Washington, Stargate operates on a modern, technology-enabled campus. The school has expanded its mission over three decades to serve multiple areas of giftedness while maintaining its focus on providing specialized education for advanced learners.
7. Peak to Peak Charter School, Lafayette
Peak to Peak Charter School serves 1,452 students in grades K-12 in Lafayette, Colorado. The school operates as part of the Boulder Valley School District, which ranks 8th out of 115 districts statewide.
The charter school ranks within the top 10% of all public schools in Colorado. State test scores show 67% of students demonstrate proficiency in reading and 55% achieve proficiency in mathematics.
Peak to Peak maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The school offers a liberal arts education with college preparatory focus for all students.
The institution provides Advanced Placement courses and operates a Gifted & Talented program. Students can participate in 23 different sports programs throughout the school year.
Peak to Peak Charter School holds recognition as the 8th largest public school in Colorado.
8. Challenge School, Greenwood Village
Challenge School in Denver, Colorado is a PK-8 magnet school in the Cherry Creek School District serving about 563 students. It maintains a student-teacher ratio close to 17 to 1.
The school admits students through an application process geared toward gifted learners. Demographically, it is diverse: roughly a third of students are White, another large share are Asian, plus Black, Hispanic, and multiracial students making up the rest.
Around a fifth of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Academically, Challenge School performs exceedingly well, with over 80 percent of students achieving proficiency in both reading and math, well above district and state averages.
Science proficiency is also strong. It is consistently ranked among the top schools in Colorado based on standardized testing and academic outcomes.
The school is well regarded for rigorous instruction, a supportive community, and strong magnet school programming.
9. Bear Creek Elementary School, Colorado Springs
Bear Creek Elementary School serves students in grades K-6 at 1330 Creekside Drive in Monument, Colorado. The school operates from 8:55 am to 3:55 pm, with drop-off beginning at 8:40 am.
The school also offers preschool programs with morning sessions from 8:30 am to 11:15 am. Pre-K classes run from 12:00 pm to 3:45 pm for families seeking early childhood education options.
Bear Creek Elementary maintains a standard elementary school structure typical of Colorado public schools. The school’s location in Monument provides access to families in the broader Colorado Springs metropolitan area.
Parents can contact the school at (719) 488-4770 for general inquiries. The school has established itself as part of the local educational landscape serving the Monument community.
Bear Creek Elementary follows Colorado state educational standards and curriculum requirements for elementary-aged students.
10. Crestview Elementary School, Boulder
Crestview Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Boulder Valley School District. The school focuses on providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic achievement and character development.
The campus features modern facilities designed to support various learning styles and educational approaches. Teachers at Crestview Elementary work to create engaging classroom environments that encourage student participation and critical thinking.
Crestview Elementary offers several specialized programs including STEM education and arts integration. The school maintains a commitment to preparing students for middle school through comprehensive curriculum standards.
The school community includes active parent involvement and regular communication between families and educators. Crestview Elementary participates in district-wide initiatives that support student success and educational excellence throughout the Boulder Valley School District.
11. Platte River Academy, Brighton
Platte River Academy is a public charter school located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, serving the Douglas County School District. The academy offers education from preschool through 12th grade, making it a comprehensive K-12 institution.
The school enrolls 607 students across all grade levels with a student-to-teacher ratio of 21.3 to 1. This ratio allows for reasonable class sizes while maintaining efficient operations.
Platte River Academy has operated for over two decades, establishing itself as an educational institution in the Highlands Ranch community. The school combines academic programming with character development initiatives.
As a public charter school, Platte River Academy serves students with disabilities and English learners according to state and federal requirements. The academy provides services to meet diverse student needs within its educational framework.
The school is located at 4085 Lark Sparrow Street in Highlands Ranch, positioning it within the greater Denver metropolitan area.
12. Little Raven Elementary School, Littleton
Little Raven Elementary School is a public K-5 school in Littleton, Colorado, part of Littleton Public Schools. It serves about 439 students with a student-teacher ratio near 15 to 1.
The student body is fairly diverse: roughly 62% White, about 28% Hispanic or Latino, and smaller percentages of Asian, Black, and multiracial students; around 40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Academically, reading proficiency is stronger than math, over half the students reach proficiency in English/Language Arts, while less than half do in math.
The school has been rated above average in some statewide rankings but faces challenges closing performance gaps. Little Raven offers a Gifted & Talented program and emphasizes inclusive education and supportive relationships among students, families, and staff.
Its location is 6390 South Windermere Street, Littleton, Colorado.
13. Sage Canyon Elementary School, Castle Rock
Sage Canyon Elementary School serves 556 students in prekindergarten through sixth grade in Castle Rock, Colorado. The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Colorado.
Located in Douglas County Re 1 School District, Sage Canyon operates as one of 66 elementary schools in the district. The school maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.8 students per educator.
Sage Canyon offers a Gifted and Talented program for qualifying students. The school focuses on academic, social, and emotional development through various learning experiences.
The elementary school emphasizes creating lifelong learners who demonstrate critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to contribute positively to their community through the school’s educational approach.
Castle Rock’s large suburban setting provides the backdrop for Sage Canyon Elementary’s educational environment. The school serves families throughout the Castle Rock area within its designated attendance boundaries.
14. Montessori Children’s House, Denver
Children’s House Denver operates as a Montessori elementary school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school enrolls 247 students across its grade levels.
The institution maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 students per educator. This ratio allows for manageable class sizes within the Montessori educational framework.
As a Montessori school, Children’s House Denver follows the educational philosophy developed by Maria Montessori. This approach emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activities, and collaborative play.
The school provides a private education option for families in the Denver area. Students experience a structured learning environment that encourages independence and critical thinking skills.
Children’s House Denver focuses on developing students’ natural curiosity and love of learning. The Montessori method allows children to progress at their own pace while building foundational academic skills.
15. Timberline Elementary School, Centennial
Timberline Elementary School serves students in Centennial within the Poudre School District R-1. The school is part of a district system that has earned recognition for academic excellence.
Centennial elementary schools maintain an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 10% of Colorado public elementary schools. This strong district performance reflects the quality of education available to local families.
The school operates in a community where minority enrollment averages 31% of the student body. This percentage is below the Colorado state average of 50% for public elementary schools.
Timberline Elementary benefits from Centennial’s commitment to educational excellence. The city houses 28 elementary schools total, with most belonging to the highly-rated Poudre School District R-1 system that serves the area.
16. Timnath Elementary School
Timnath Elementary School serves 469 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The school operates within the Poudre School District R-1, which ranks 14th out of 115 districts statewide.
The school ranks within the top 50% of all public elementary schools in Colorado. This performance earned Timnath Elementary eligibility for a U.S. News Best Elementary Schools award badge.
Timnath Elementary offers a Gifted & Talented program for qualifying students. The school emphasizes educational excellence through collaboration between students, staff, and families.
The institution has provided educational services to the Timnath community for over 100 years. Located in Timnath, Colorado, it operates as one of 37 elementary schools within its district.
The school’s consistent academic performance and long-standing community presence contribute to its recognition among Colorado’s quality elementary institutions.
17. Sierra Elementary School, Castle Rock
Sierra Elementary School serves students in Castle Rock as part of the Douglas County School District No. Re 1. The school operates within one of Colorado’s highly-ranked school districts.
The elementary school focuses on providing comprehensive education for its students. Teachers work to deliver curriculum aligned with state standards and district expectations.
Sierra Elementary maintains standard elementary school programming. The school serves families in the Castle Rock community through traditional public school offerings.
The facility supports student learning through classroom instruction and basic educational resources. Parents can access information about enrollment and school policies through district channels.
Douglas County School District No. Re 1 oversees Sierra Elementary’s operations and educational programs. The district serves multiple schools throughout the Castle Rock area.
18. Springs Ranch Elementary School, Colorado Springs
Springs Ranch Elementary School serves 594 students in prekindergarten through fifth grade in Colorado Springs. The school operates within El Paso County School District 49.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1. This ratio allows for reasonable class sizes that support individual attention.
Springs Ranch Elementary offers a Gifted and Talented program for advanced learners. The school ranks within the top 50% of all public schools in Colorado.
The institution is one of 20 elementary schools operating within School District 49. This district serves the Colorado Springs area with diverse educational options.
Springs Ranch Elementary has established itself as an above-average public school option. The school provides educational services to students from the surrounding community.
The school’s performance places it among the competitive elementary schools in the Colorado Springs region.
19. East Elementary School, Littleton
East Elementary School in Littleton, Colorado was a small public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade. Located on South Fairfield Street, it enrolled around 180 to 200 students and was known for its close-knit community and supportive learning environment.
The school maintained a very low student-teacher ratio, approximately 9 to 1, allowing for more individualized attention and stronger teacher-student connections. East Elementary offered programs such as Gifted & Talented, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its learners.
While academic performance showed room for growth, with reading and math proficiency levels below state averages, the school emphasized nurturing each child’s potential and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
The student body was diverse, with a mix of cultural and linguistic backgrounds represented. In 2023, the school was officially closed, and the district began plans to repurpose the building for broader community use and educational initiatives.
20. Eastridge Elementary School, Aurora
Eastridge Community Elementary School serves students in the Douglas County School District. The school is part of a top-performing district in Colorado that maintains high academic standards.
Located in Highlands Ranch, Eastridge benefits from the area’s strong educational reputation. The community places significant emphasis on academic achievement and student support.
The school operates within a district known for delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Teachers and staff focus on providing quality instruction across grade levels.
Eastridge Elementary maintains the district’s commitment to excellence in education. The school serves families who prioritize strong academic programs and comprehensive student development.
The Highlands Ranch area consistently ranks among Colorado’s top educational communities. This reputation reflects the dedication of schools like Eastridge to student success and academic performance.
21. Mission Viejo Elementary School, Aurora
Mission Viejo Elementary School operates as a public institution within the Cherry Creek 5 School District. The school serves students in Aurora, Colorado, not Colorado Springs as commonly referenced.
The elementary school offers a Gifted & Talented program for academically advanced students. This specialized programming provides enhanced learning opportunities for qualifying students.
Mission Viejo functions as one of 48 elementary schools in the Cherry Creek 5 School District. The district has established itself as a top-performing educational system in Colorado.
The Cherry Creek 5 School District maintains recognition for academic excellence at state and national levels. This district-wide performance reflects positively on individual schools like Mission Viejo.
Students at Mission Viejo benefit from the resources and educational standards maintained throughout the Cherry Creek system. The school serves families seeking quality public education with specialized program options.
22. Monarch Montessori, Denver
Monarch Montessori in Denver, Colorado is a public Montessori charter school serving kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of Denver Public Schools.
Monarch also operates First Steps, a tuition-based early childhood program for infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children. The school combines Montessori methods with a two-way dual language pathway in English and Spanish.
Outdoor learning, urban gardens, and sizable green space are central features, giving students hands-on, experiential opportunities. Monarch places emphasis on whole-child development: academics, cultural and linguistic growth, and social-emotional learning.
The elementary program is tuition-free as a public school option; First Steps involves tuition for the early years. Monarch serves a diverse student body and accepts various subsidy programs for early childhood education.
It opened its K-5 charter program in 2012 as a continuation of its preschool offerings, aiming to maintain continuity in Montessori education through elementary grades.
23. Falcon Elementary School, Colorado Springs
Falcon Elementary School of Technology serves students in Falcon, Colorado as part of El Paso County School District 49. The district ranks 46th out of 115 districts statewide with a 3-star rating.
The school operates within a community that houses four elementary schools total. District 49 maintains a blended education model that incorporates technology integration into its curriculum approach.
Student demographics show 47.1% of enrolled students receive free or reduced lunch assistance. This rate sits slightly below Colorado’s state average of 48.2%.
The school ranks 609th out of 1,061 ranked schools in Colorado for total students receiving lunch assistance. Falcon Elementary focuses on technology integration as indicated by its full name, Falcon Elementary School of Technology.
The school serves kindergarten through fifth grade students in the Falcon area. It participates in the district’s educational initiatives that emphasize modern learning approaches.
24. Sunset Ridge PK-8, Westminster
Sunset Ridge PK-8 is a public school in Westminster, Colorado, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Located at 9451 Hooker Street, it is part of the Westminster Public Schools district.
There are about 349 students enrolled, with a student-teacher ratio roughly 16 to 1. The school values kindness, safety, respect, and responsibility, and fosters a positive, supportive environment for both academic and personal growth.
While test scores indicate areas for improvement (approximately 17% of students are proficient in both reading and math), the school emphasizes helping students progress at their own pace through its competency-based system.
It offers strong teacher support and community partnerships to help all learners succeed.
25. Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Longmont
Rocky Mountain Elementary School serves students in the Longmont area with a focus on welcoming and respecting all community members. The school maintains high expectations for both academic and social-emotional development.
Located in Longmont, the school draws students from diverse backgrounds. Staff members work to meet individual educational needs through comprehensive programming.
The school emphasizes trust and respect as core values in its educational approach. Students receive support for both academic achievement and personal growth.
Rocky Mountain Elementary operates within Colorado’s public school system. The school participates in state assessment programs and follows district curriculum standards.
The institution serves elementary-aged students with grade-appropriate instruction. Faculty focus on creating an environment where students can develop both academically and socially.
26. Cottonwood Plains Elementary School
Cottonwood Plains Elementary serves students from Pre-K through 5th grade and enrolls about 340-350 students. The student-teacher ratio is around 14 to 1, allowing somewhat smaller class sizes and more individual attention.
The school population is nearly evenly split between White students (~48%) and Hispanic students (~46%), with a small number of students from multiracial or other backgrounds.
A significant portion of students roughly 60-65% are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating considerable economic diversity among families.
Academically, Cottonwood Plains tends to perform below district and state averages in proficiency for both reading and math. Proficiency in reading is moderate and somewhat higher than in math, but both are areas identified for growth.
The school offers a Gifted & Talented program, and its culture emphasizes high expectations, a safe and positive environment, and responsibility. While there are areas of challenge, many families appreciate its inclusive setting and efforts to support all learners.
27. Chipeta Elementary School, Colorado Springs
Chipeta Elementary is a public school serving grades Pre-K through 5 in Colorado Springs School District 11. The school enrolls approximately 460 to 470 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of around 16 to 1, providing a balanced classroom environment.
The student population is predominantly White (about 66%), with Hispanic students making up around 17%, and smaller percentages of multiracial, Asian, and African American students.
Roughly 24% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting a moderate range of economic backgrounds.
Academically, Chipeta Elementary performs well, with test scores in reading, math, and science generally above district and state averages. The school offers a Gifted & Talented program and is known for its strong academic reputation.
Families appreciate Chipeta’s welcoming atmosphere, community engagement, and commitment to both academic excellence and student well-being. It is considered one of the stronger elementary options in the area.
28. Lyons Elementary School, Lyons
Lyons Elementary School serves the Lyons community in Boulder County, Colorado. The school provides educational services for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Located in the scenic town of Lyons, the school operates within a smaller district setting. This allows for more personalized attention and closer community connections.
The school follows Colorado state curriculum standards and participates in required state assessments. Teachers work to meet individual student needs across different learning styles and abilities.
Lyons Elementary maintains standard elementary school programs including core academic subjects. The school also offers various enrichment activities and support services for students.
Parents in the Lyons area consider multiple factors when selecting elementary schools for their children. The school’s location and community ties make it a local option for families seeking neighborhood-based education.
29. Florida Mesa Elementary School, Durango
Florida Mesa Elementary School serves students in the Durango School District No. 9-R. The school is part of a district that ranks 30th out of 116 school districts in Colorado.
The Durango School District maintains a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. This rating reflects the district’s strong academic performance across its seven elementary schools.
Florida Mesa Elementary focuses on providing quality education to students in grades K-5. The school operates within a district known for its commitment to student achievement.
The school benefits from being located in Durango, a community that values educational excellence. Parents in the area have access to multiple elementary school options within the district.
Florida Mesa Elementary contributes to the district’s reputation for delivering solid educational outcomes. The school serves families seeking reliable public education in southwestern Colorado.
30. Summit View Elementary School, Highlands Ranch
Summit View Elementary School serves students in Highlands Ranch as part of the Douglas County School District No. Re 1. The school operates within one of Colorado’s most education-focused communities.
Highlands Ranch maintains a reputation for strong academic programs and excellent educational opportunities. The area attracts families who prioritize quality schooling for their children.
The Douglas County School District encompasses 26 schools total, including 17 elementary schools throughout Highlands Ranch. This creates a competitive educational environment that benefits students.
Summit View Elementary participates in the district’s commitment to academic excellence. The school serves families in a large suburban setting with established educational standards.
The Highlands Ranch community consistently ranks among Colorado’s top educational destinations. Parents choose the area specifically for its school quality and educational resources.
What Sets Colorado’s Top Elementary Schools Apart
Colorado’s leading elementary schools distinguish themselves through rigorous STEM curricula, project-based learning approaches, and strong community partnerships. These institutions create nurturing environments that support diverse learners while offering comprehensive extracurricular programs.
Academic Excellence and Innovative Programs
Top Colorado elementary schools prioritize STEM education and hands-on learning experiences. Schools like Cherry Hills Village Elementary and Slavens K-8 School integrate technology with traditional subjects.
Project-based learning drives curriculum design at these institutions. Students engage in real-world problem solving rather than memorizing facts. This approach develops critical thinking skills early.
Many high-performing schools offer dual-language programs and advanced mathematics tracks. Gifted and talented programs serve students who need academic acceleration.
Teacher qualifications exceed state requirements at leading schools. Most educators hold advanced degrees and participate in ongoing professional development. Low student-to-teacher ratios enable personalized instruction.
CMAS test scores consistently rank these schools in the top percentiles statewide. Reading and mathematics proficiency rates often exceed 85% among students.
Supportive Learning Environments
Positive school culture defines Colorado’s best elementary schools. Anti-bullying policies and social-emotional learning programs create safe spaces for all students.
Special education services receive dedicated funding and specialized staff. Schools provide individualized support plans that help students with diverse learning needs succeed academically.
Parent involvement remains high through volunteer opportunities and communication platforms. Schools maintain open-door policies and regular family engagement events.
Mental health resources include counselors and psychologists on staff. Students receive guidance for academic stress, social challenges, and emotional development.
Diverse student populations benefit from inclusive practices. Schools celebrate different cultures and backgrounds through curriculum integration and community events.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Music and arts programs receive substantial support at top elementary schools. Students participate in choir, band, visual arts, and drama activities during and after school hours.
Athletic programs introduce young students to team sports and physical fitness. Soccer, basketball, track, and swimming teams compete in local leagues.
STEM clubs and robotics teams engage students in engineering challenges. Science olympiad competitions allow students to showcase their knowledge and skills.
Community service projects connect students with local organizations. Schools partner with food banks, animal shelters, and environmental groups for hands-on learning.
After-school care programs extend learning opportunities beyond regular hours. Students receive homework assistance and participate in enrichment activities.
Navigating Elementary School Choices in Colorado
Colorado offers families multiple educational pathways including traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet programs, private institutions, and homeschooling options. Parents must evaluate school performance data and weigh the benefits of public versus private education when making their selection.
Public vs. Private School Considerations
Colorado families can access several public school options without tuition costs. Traditional public schools serve neighborhood communities and follow state curriculum standards.
Charter schools operate with more autonomy while remaining publicly funded. These schools often feature specialized programs or teaching approaches.
Magnet schools focus on specific themes like STEM or arts education. They typically require applications and may have admission criteria.
Private School Benefits:
- Smaller class sizes
- Specialized curricula
- Religious education options
- More flexible scheduling
Public School Advantages:
- No tuition fees
- Transportation services
- Special education resources
- Diverse student populations
Private schools charge tuition ranging from several thousand to over $20,000 annually. Families should consider their budget alongside educational priorities.
Understanding School Ratings and Performance Metrics
Multiple organizations rank Colorado elementary schools using different criteria. Niche evaluates schools based on test scores, parent reviews, and demographic data.
U.S. News focuses heavily on state assessment results and academic achievement gaps. GreatSchools provides ratings from 1-10 using test scores and student progress measures.
Key Performance Indicators:
- State test proficiency rates
- Academic growth year-over-year
- Student-teacher ratios
- Attendance rates
- Parent satisfaction scores
Colorado has over 1,300 elementary schools across various districts. Rankings change annually as schools improve or face new challenges.
Parents should examine multiple rating sources rather than relying on single rankings. School visits and conversations with current families provide additional insights beyond numerical scores.
