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6.4 avg / 10

Best Schools in Clifton, Colorado

3 schools · 2 Elementary · 1 Middle

Public: 3
Districts: 1
Avg Rating: 6.4/10

Family Snapshot

At a glance
Avg school rating
6.4/10

33% of schools rated 7+

Median household income
$50,769

Census ACS, ZIPs in this city

Median home value
$228,000

Owner-occupied units

Bachelor's degree or higher
11%

Adults 25+

Owner-occupied homes
66%

Of occupied housing units

How Clifton compares

Colorado rank

#59 of 125

cities by avg. school score

Vs. state average

+0.0

above Colorado avg (6.3)

Median household income

$51k

59% of Colorado median

Schools in this city

3

About Schools in Clifton, Colorado

Clifton, Colorado is home to 3 schools, including 3 public schools. The city's schools span 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school.

With an average rating of 6.4 out of 10, schools in Clifton show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.

The highest-performing school in Clifton is Mount Garfield Middle School with a composite score of 7.0/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.

Clifton is served by 1 school district: Mesa County Valley School District No. 51. These districts collectively serve 20,078 students.

Clifton's community shows 11% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $50,769. The poverty rate in the area is 19.1%.

Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.

Filter by ZIP: 81520 (3)

Elementary Schools

2 schools
# School Rating
1 416 students · Pre-K–5th 6.6
2 375 students · Pre-K–5th 5.5

Middle Schools

1 school
# School Rating
1 562 students · 6th–8th 7.0

Schools in Clifton

Clifton, Colorado · 3 schools

Community Demographics

Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code

Median Income

$50,769

Median Home Value

$228,000

Median Rent

$1,013/mo

Population

13,454

College Educated

11%

Homeownership

66%

Poverty Rate

19.1%

Community Profile

Clifton has a median household income of $50,769. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $228,000, with a median rent of $1,013/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Quick Facts

Total Schools
3
Elementary
2
Middle
1
Districts
1
Avg Rating
6.4/10

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about schools in Clifton, Colorado

How many schools are in Clifton, Colorado?

Clifton has 3 schools, including 3 public and 0 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.

What is the average school rating in Clifton, Colorado?

The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Clifton is 6.4 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.

What is the top-ranked school in Clifton, Colorado?

The top-ranked school in Clifton on MySchoolScout is Mount Garfield Middle School with a composite score of 7.0/10.

What is the best elementary school in Clifton, Colorado?

The top-ranked elementary school in Clifton on MySchoolScout is Rocky Mountain Elementary School with a composite score of 6.6/10.

What is the best middle school in Clifton, Colorado?

The top-ranked middle school in Clifton on MySchoolScout is Mount Garfield Middle School with a composite score of 7.0/10.

How many school districts serve Clifton, Colorado?

Clifton is served by 1 school district: Mesa County Valley School District No. 51.

What is the education level in Clifton, Colorado?

According to Census data, 11% of adults in Clifton have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the median income in Clifton, Colorado?

The median household income in Clifton is approximately $50,769 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.

What is the student-teacher ratio in Clifton, Colorado?

The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Clifton is 15.9:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.

How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Clifton, Colorado?

MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.

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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Colorado Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.