2024 Best Elementary Schools in Colorado

The Complete Guide to Elementary Schools in Colorado

When it comes to elementary schools, the state of Colorado is far from average. With over 1,300 different schools (1,377) spread across numerous cities and metropolitan areas, some of the largest being Denver and Colorado Springs, the state has 33% more schools per capita than the typical state. On a per capita basis, the state ranks #29 in the nation.

Across the board, Colorado’s elementary schools earn a B grade on average, which is equal to the national average. Of those 1,300+ schools, just under half (44%) are rated above average. This leaves about 600 options for parents to evaluate - although that can still be quite a lot. If you narrow your focus to include only schools that rank in the top 25%, that total slims to 381.

Are public elementary schools in Colorado a good option?

Colorado has 1,146 total public elementary schools, and of that total, traditional public schools comprise 82% or about 934 of them. While nearly half (46%) score above the national average, there are still plenty of traditional public school options that may not fit everyone’s preference.

What is the best public elementary school in Colorado?

The top rated public elementary school in Colorado is Superior Elementary School located in Superior (just outside of Boulder). With 417 students and a student to teacher ratio of 16:1, the school has a 14% higher ratio than the typical US elementary school - which can often lead to more individual attention and better student learning outcomes. This school beats out nearly 1,000 other traditional public schools in the state (934).

Key statistics about charter elementary schools in Colorado

If you're considering charter schools in Colorado for your child, there are a few things you should know. With over 170 options available throughout the state, you're sure to find a school that suits your family's needs. While charter schools are less common than traditional public schools in Colorado, the state still has 209% more charter schools per capita than the average state. And don't let their relative rarity put you off - the average charter elementary school in Colorado scores a respectable B grade, with 51% of them considered above the national average.

What is the best charter elementary school in Colorado?

For those seeking the best charter elementary school in Colorado, Stargate Charter School in Thornton is worth considering. With an enrollment of 1,551 students, it's the top-ranked charter school in the state, boasting an A+ rating. It's worth noting that Stargate's student-to-teacher ratio is 19:1, which is 36% higher than the national average. However, the school's dedicated teachers employ various methods and tools to ensure students are engaged and receive a quality education, despite potentially larger class sizes.

Everything you need to know about magnet elementary schools in Colorado

Although it may come as a surprise, there are actually quite a few magnet elementary schools throughout Colorado. Although they’re not too prevalent with 41 total (ranking 16th nationally on a per capita basis), these institutions tend to be quite high quality with 66% scoring above the national average - leaving just 27 options for parents who have their sights set high.

What is the best magnet elementary school in Colorado?

The best ranked magnet elementary school in Colorado is Challenge School located in Denver. This particular institution houses 542 students and has an 18:1 student-teacher ratio - which is 29% higher than what you’d find at a typical US elementary school. Given the potential for largers class sizes, it's certainly worth inquiring more how the school manages to maintain quality and attenive focus on each individual student as class sizes grow.