Best Schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado
200 schools · 113 Elementary · 28 Middle · 40 High · 19 Other
Choosing a school in Colorado Springs?
Use this page to compare every school in Colorado Springs by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Stratton Elementary School
Elementary · Colorado Springs School District No. 11 in the County of E. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The Vanguard School (high)
High · Harrison School District No. 2 in the County of EL Paso an. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Gold Camp Elementary School
Elementary · Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12 in the County of E. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Colorado Springs for 2026 are Stratton Elementary School (9.6/10), The Vanguard School (high) (9.4/10), and Gold Camp Elementary School (9.3/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 178 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
200
181 public · 19 private
Avg Score
6.6
out of 10
Median Home
$438,245
home value · ACS
Districts
12
serving the city
Schools
200
181 public · 19 private
Avg Score
6.6
out of 10
Median Home
$438,245
home value · ACS
Districts
12
serving the city
Rates 9.6/10 despite 48% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.0 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Colorado Springs schools.
Top-Rated Schools in Colorado Springs
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 178 rated schools; 200 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stratton Elementary School | 9.6 / 10 |
| 2 | The Vanguard School (high) | 9.4 / 10 |
| 3 | Gold Camp Elementary School | 9.3 / 10 |
| 4 | Bristol Elementary School | 9.2 / 10 |
| 5 | Pinon Valley Elementary School | 9.1 / 10 |
| 6 | Howbert Elementary School | 9.1 / 10 |
| 7 | Pioneer Elementary School | 8.9 / 10 |
| 8 | Widefield Elementary School of the Arts | 8.9 / 10 |
| 9 | Rockrimmon Elementary School | 8.8 / 10 |
| 10 | Explorer Elementary School | 8.8 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.6/10
- Median household income
- $92,295
- Median home value
- $438,245
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 41%
- Avg commute
- 24 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 65%
44% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Colorado Springs compares
Colorado rank
#40 of 126
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.2
above Colorado avg (6.4)
Median household income
$92k
107% of Colorado median
Schools in this city
193
Education Snapshot
Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs distributes 91,509 students across 197 schools in 12 districts — 111 elementary, 28 middle, and 39 high schools form the backbone, with 19 other or combined campuses rounding out the mix. The city's average MySchoolScout composite rating of 6.2/10, drawn from 191 scored schools, sits exactly at Colorado's state average, making Colorado Springs a mid-table benchmark rather than an outlier in either direction. Charter schools account for 34 of the 197 campuses, giving families a meaningful alternatives market alongside traditional district options. Median household income of $90,018 trails the Colorado state median of $96,267 by 6%, a gap that creates uneven resource distribution across a 12-district footprint. Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher make up 41% of the population, a credential base that shapes school engagement and parent advocacy citywide.
12 districts draw attendance lines through Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is not one school system. 12 districts cut across the city limits, and the largest still holds only 31% of the public campuses.
Colorado Springs School District No. 11 In the County of E is the largest slice at 57 of 181 public schools — not a majority. Choosing a Colorado Springs address is choosing a district first.
Among 178 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 3.2 to 9.6 — the spread is inside Colorado Springs, not a citywide average.
34 of the 181 public schools are charters (19%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Colorado Springs School District No. 11 In the County of E57 public · 31%
- Academy School District No. 20 In the County of EL Paso An37 public · 20%
- Harrison School District No. 2 In the County of EL Paso An28 public · 15%
- EL Paso County Colorado School District 4919 public · 10%
- School District No. 3 In the County of EL Paso and State of17 public · 9%
About Schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs puts 180 ranked public schools on the table for parents — a large market with meaningful range between top and bottom. The city average of 6.3 out of 10 reflects genuine spread: 73 schools, 41% of the total, score 7 or above. That's a substantial share of strong performers, giving families real choices that extend well beyond the default neighborhood assignment.
The highest-rated school in Colorado Springs is The Vanguard School, a high school scoring 9.4 out of 10. The elementary tier is unusually competitive at the top: Queen Palmer Elementary scores 9.2, Freedom Elementary 9.1, Woodmen-Roberts Elementary 9.0, and Colorado International Language Academy 8.9. Three elementary schools sit at 9.0 or above — a high-performer depth that's notable for a city this size. Parents of younger children have strong, concrete options to evaluate and compare side by side.
The 41% figure is the most practical anchor for neighborhood research. Four in ten schools clear 7 out of 10 — but six in ten don't. Colorado Springs rewards parents who check school scores before committing to an address. The 6.3 average means a zoned school may fall well below what's available through open enrollment or choice programs. Identifying that gap early avoids an unpleasant discovery after a lease is signed.
For parents with flexibility on location or enrollment, the top-to-average spread makes the research worth the time. The Vanguard School's 9.4 sits more than three points above the city average — a material difference in school outcomes, not a cosmetic one. Use rated scores alongside commute distance and program fit when building a shortlist. In a 180-school market with this much range, the choice of neighborhood and the choice of school are effectively the same decision.
Elementary Schools
113 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 295 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.6 |
| 2 | 451 students · Kindergarten–6th | 9.3 |
| 3 | 271 students · Kindergarten–5th | 9.2 |
| 4 | 327 students · Kindergarten–6th | 9.1 |
| 5 | 254 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.1 |
| 6 | 342 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.9 |
| 7 | 352 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.9 |
| 8 | 398 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.8 |
| 9 | 453 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.8 |
| 10 | 437 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.8 |
Show all 113 elementary schools in Colorado Springs
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
28 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 441 students · 7th–8th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 605 students · 7th–8th | 8.2 |
| 3 | 849 students · 6th–8th | 8.1 |
| 4 | 720 students · 6th–8th | 7.5 |
| 5 | 1,073 students · 6th–8th | 7.4 |
| 6 | 132 students · 5th–8th | 7.3 |
| 7 | 871 students · 6th–8th | 7.1 |
| 8 | 914 students · 6th–8th | 7.0 |
| 9 | 510 students · 6th–8th | 7.0 |
| 10 | 505 students · 6th–8th | 6.8 |
Show all 28 middle schools in Colorado Springs
High Schools
40 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 303 students · 9th–12th | 9.4 |
| 2 | 581 students · 9th–12th | 8.4 |
| 3 | 1,268 students · 9th–12th | 8.1 |
| 4 | 412 students · 9th–12th | 7.8 |
| 5 | 511 students · 9th–12th | 7.3 |
| 6 | 1,913 students · 9th–12th | 7.2 |
| 7 | 377 students · 6th–12th | 7.2 |
| 8 | 85 students · 11th–12th | 6.9 |
| 9 | 1,589 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
| 10 | 316 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
Show all 40 high schools in Colorado Springs
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
19 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,623 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.2 |
| 2 | 965 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.3 |
| 3 | 437 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.2 |
| 4 | 121 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.1 |
| 5 | 238 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.1 |
| 6 | 569 students · Pre-K–12th | 5.6 |
| 7 | 383 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 5.4 |
| 8 | 131 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 5.3 |
| 9 | 160 students · Pre-K–12th | 5.2 |
| 10 | 205 students · Kindergarten–11th | 5.0 |
Show all 19 other schools in Colorado Springs
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado · 200 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 23 ZIP codes
Median Income
$92,295
Median Home Value
$438,245
Median Rent
$1,758/mo
Population
596,559
College Educated
41%
Homeownership
65%
Avg Commute
24 min
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Community Profile
Colorado Springs has a median household income of $92,295. It is a well-educated community where 41% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $438,245, with a median rent of $1,758/month. The local poverty rate of 8.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Colorado
- Elementary
- 113
- Middle
- 28
- High
- 40
- Other
- 19
Resources
School Districts (12)
Academy School District No. 20 in the county of El Paso an
39 schools · 25,674 students
State Charter School Institute
44 schools · 19,593 students
Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind
1 school · 160 students
EDUCATION REENVISIONED BOCES
9 schools · 4,113 students
Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12 in the county of E
9 schools · 3,763 students
Colorado Springs School District No. 11 in the county of E
58 schools · 22,740 students
El Paso County Colorado School District 49
30 schools · 24,867 students
Fountain School District No. 8 in the county of El Paso an
13 schools · 7,885 students
Hanover School District No. 28 in the county of El Paso an
3 schools · 271 students
Harrison School District No. 2 in the county of El Paso an
28 schools · 12,024 students
Lewis-Palmer Consolidated School District No. 38 in the co
10 schools · 6,405 students
School District No. 3 in the county of El Paso and State of
18 schools · 9,377 students
Other Major Cities in Colorado
Top metros statewide by school count.
Featured Rankings
See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado
How many schools are in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
Colorado Springs has 200 schools, including 181 public and 19 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Colorado Springs is 6.6 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The top-ranked school in Colorado Springs on MySchoolScout is Stratton Elementary School with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The top-ranked elementary school in Colorado Springs on MySchoolScout is Stratton Elementary School with a composite score of 9.6/10.
What is the best middle school in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The top-ranked middle school in Colorado Springs on MySchoolScout is The Classical Academy Middle School with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best high school in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The top-ranked high school in Colorado Springs on MySchoolScout is The Vanguard School (high) with a composite score of 9.4/10.
How many school districts serve Colorado Springs, Colorado?
Colorado Springs is served by 12 school districts: Academy School District No. 20 in the County of EL Paso an, State Charter School Institute, Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, Education Reenvisioned Boces, Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12 in the County of E, Colorado Springs School District No. 11 in the County of E, EL Paso County Colorado School District 49, Fountain School District No. 8 in the County of EL Paso an, Hanover School District No. 28 in the County of EL Paso an, Harrison School District No. 2 in the County of EL Paso an, Lewis-Palmer Consolidated School District No. 38 in the Co, School District No. 3 in the County of EL Paso and State of.
What is the education level in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
According to Census data, 41% of adults in Colorado Springs have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The median household income in Colorado Springs is approximately $92,295 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
Yes, Colorado Springs has 19 private schools alongside 181 public schools. The top-rated private school is Fountain Valley School of Colorado with a score of 8.4/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Colorado Springs, Colorado?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Colorado Springs is 15.1:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Colorado Springs, 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 built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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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.