Update: This article was last updated on 9th January 2026 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Colorado boasts one of the highest percentages of residents with college experience and associate degrees. It is home to 178 school districts, providing many schooling options. But, with so many choices, selecting the right school can be a daunting task for parents.
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Colorado boasts one of the highest percentages of residents with college experience and associate degrees. It is home to 178 school districts, providing many schooling options. But, with so many choices, selecting the right school can be a daunting task for parents.
To make the process easier, we have compiled a list of the top ten best elementary schools in Colorado, providing a starting point for your research.
Top Ten School Districts in Colorado
School District Performance
| School District | Math Proficiency | Reading Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne Mountain School District | 59% | 70% |
| Boulder Valley School District | 57% | 62% |
| Cherry Creek School District | 42% | 49% |
| Telluride School District No. R-1 | 41% | 60% |
| Academy School District No. 20 | 49% | 56% |
| Littleton Public Schools | 54% | 74% |
| Lewis-Palmer School District 38 | 55% | 60% |
| Revere School District | 40% | 60% |
| Aspen School District | 41% | 53% |
| Ridgway School District | 47% | 67% |
This comprehensive proficiency chart provides a quick side-by-side comparison of scores in reading and math in the top school districts, to help parents select the ideal elementary school for their kids. Having access to accurate academic data makes it simple to identify the top elementary school in Colorado and select a school district that has an outstanding education, great teachers, and a welcoming learning environment.
Interesting Fact About School Districts in Colorado
1. Cheyenne Mountain School District
If you’re seeking a traditional education approach with a challenging academic atmosphere, this district may be the ideal choice for you.
Mission: To develop students who are academically and socially prepared to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Website: https://www.cmsd12.org
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2. Boulder Valley School District
The district invests approximately $13,833 per student annually, reports usnews.com. Committed to providing comprehensive education, the district employs methods based on current educational and medical research, aiming to create well-rounded and healthy adults.
The Boulder Valley School District serves students in Boulder, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Nederland, Superior, and parts of Broomfield and Erie.
Mission: To create challenging, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities so all children thrive and are prepared for successful, civically engaged lives.
Website: https://www.bvsd.org
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3. Cherry Creek School District
A highly rated school district in Colorado serving over 55,000 students in grades K-12, Cherry Creek School District has a strong academic reputation and consistently ranks among the top school districts in the state and nation.
It offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and award-winning athletic teams.
Mission: To educate every child to reach their full potential and prepare them for a successful future. Provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Website: cherrycreekschools.org Location: 4700 SOUTH YOSEMITE ST GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111
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4. Telluride School District No. R-1
This public school district in Telluride, Colorado, serves 876 students in grades PK–12. The district has four schools and 20% of its students are minorities.
They aim to provide high-quality education and work on holistic student growth.
Mission: Through quality education empower students to achieve personal success as independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and global citizens.
Website: tellurideschool.org Location: 725 WEST COLORADO AVE TELLURIDE, CO 81435 Phone: 970-728-6617
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5. Littleton Public Schools
This school district encompasses most of the City of Littleton, the Town of Columbine Valley, and parts of Bow Mar, Centennial, Greenwood Village, and the City of Englewood. If you’re searching for various courses with numerous activities and clubs, it has got it all.
Furthermore, some strategies are in place to surpass the current rating and achieve the objective of having 90% of all students demonstrate proficiency in reading and math.
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Mission: A diverse “International Baccalaureate” world school where every student demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an interdependent and ever-changing world.
Website: littletonpublicschools.net
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6. Academy School District No. 20
Founded in 1957, Academy School District 20 (ASD20) serves over 25,000 students in northern Colorado Springs. The district includes 39 schools, covering 130 square miles and including zip codes 80919, 80920, 80921, 80924, and 80908.
Mission: To empower every student to achieve their full potential through a rigorous and engaging educational experience.
Website: asd20.org Location: 1110 CHAPEL HILLS DR COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80920 Phone: 719-234-1200
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7. Lewis-Palmer School District 38
Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (LPSD), serves about 6,500 students in the Tri-Lakes communities of Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor, and select areas of Colorado Springs.
The district has 10 schools, with 20% minority enrollment and 5.2% of students economically disadvantaged. LPSD is tied with Calhan RJ-1 for the highest graduation rate in the region.
Mission: To inspire and empower students to become successful, lifelong learners who contribute positively to a diverse and changing world.
Website: lewispalmer.org Location: 146 JEFFERSON ST, MONUMENT, CO 80132 Phone: 719-488-4700
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8. Revere School District
This district has two schools with a total student population of 133. With a focus on academics, 67% of students are at least proficient in math and 77% in reading, according to state test scores.
Mission: To cultivate a personalized learning environment that fosters academic excellence, social-emotional growth, and responsible citizenship in every student.
Website: revereschool.com Location: 500 MAIN ST, OVID, CO 80744 Phone: 970-463-5477
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9. The Aspen School District
The schools under Aspen embody the affluent heritage of the small town of Aspen and provide a relaxed environment that promotes outdoor education.
Mission: To cultivate inquisitive, resilient, and caring young people, enabling them to reach their highest academic potential through education that is rigorous, inclusive, and reflective of our mountain community values.
Website: https://www.aspenk12.net/en
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10. Ridgway School District
The Ridgway School District educates around 380 children from Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose counties. The district includes three schools and 335 students. The district’s minority enrollment is 20%.
Mission: To provide a safe and respectful learning community, and to connect its curriculum to the world around it.
Website: ridgway.k12.co.us Location: 1115 WEST CLINTON ST RIDGWAY, CO 81432 Phone: 970-626-4320
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Colorado, a state renowned for its breathtaking mountainous scenery, places a high priority on delivering quality education to all children. The state is widely acknowledged for its unwavering commitment to education, which is widely viewed as the key to a successful and fulfilling future.
With our comprehensive list of schools, finding the perfect educational institution for your child has never been easier.
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I am a parent of two children who are considering relocating to a new state and am eager to learn about some of the top school districts available. I noticed that you omitted to mention Cherry Creek School District, which I have heard positive things about. Why was this omission?
Cherry Creek School District faces a significant challenge in the form of class sizes, which impede the ability to focus on each student individually and create a strained atmosphere. Additionally, low pay and a toxic work environment have a negative effect on employee morale and retention. While these issues may not extend to every school within the district, it is important to note that staff and parents alike are concerned about these issues.
In light of Colorado’s current political climate and education-related controversies, what can parents and communities do to ensure that every student in Colorado, no matter where they go to school, has access to an excellent education?
In light of Colorado’s educational challenges, it’s essential that communities and parents work together to ensure equitable, quality education. To ensure a brighter future for every child, they can advocate for research-based policies, engage in community engagement, promote educational choices, and foster inclusive school communities.
What part in promoting inequality in education do school districts play?
School districts are responsible for providing education, but they can also help create more inequality in the classroom. Things like unequal funding, tracking, teacher hiring, and discipline policies all have a negative impact on underrepresented students. To fix this, schools should make sure they’re providing fair funding, get rid of tracking, hire inclusively, and support all groups of students.
Can you tell me which factors contribute to a “best” school district?
Test scores, graduation rates, college prep programs, class sizes, student-teacher ratios, diversity, and extracurricular activities are some key factors.
Are there any hidden gems among Colorado school districts?
Definitely! Explore smaller districts like Peak to Peak K-12 in Lafayette or Lewis-Palmer in Monument for unique educational experiences.