Very Good
#622 of 1,815 schools in CO
Top 34% in state
Fossil Ridge High School
High School · Poudre School District R-1
5400 ZIEGLER ROAD, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Enrollment
1,968
Student-Teacher
19.5:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,968
Student-Teacher
19.5:1
Score
7.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fort Collins
#21 of 45
public schools
Colorado high schools
#106 of 403
In district
#24 of 51
Poudre School District R-1
Academic performance
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Fossil Ridge High School
Fossil Ridge High School serves 1,968 students in grades 9-12 in Fort Collins, Colorado, establishing itself as a strong academic performer in the state. With a MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranking 266th out of 1,831 Colorado schools, the school places in the 86th percentile statewide. The school's academic score of 9.6 out of 10 reflects particularly impressive performance, with 65% of students achieving proficiency or above in mathematics across all grade levels.
The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 19.5 to 1 with 101 full-time equivalent teachers, providing solid instructional support for its large student body. Fossil Ridge draws from an affluent community where the median household income reaches $120,109 and 62% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The neighborhood's low poverty rate of 6% and median home values of $615,900 reflect the area's economic stability.
Located on Ziegler Road in this thriving mid-size city, Fossil Ridge High School benefits from Fort Collins' blend of educational excellence and Colorado's outdoor lifestyle, serving families in one of the region's most prosperous communities.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Fossil Ridge High School — Students at Fossil Ridge High School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
15.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from CO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.
How Fossil Ridge High School Compares
See how Fossil Ridge High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 68% (2019) to 65% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 86% (2019) to 83% (2021).
Location
5400 ZIEGLER ROAD, Fort Collins, CO 80528
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Fossil Ridge High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Fort Collins High School (rated 7.2/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Colorado Early Colleges Windsor (rated 6.4/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Windsor), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins (rated 4.7/10, 1.7 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Fort Collins, see our Fort Collins schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.8 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 80528 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$122,133
Median Home Value
$654,200
Median Rent
$1,906/mo
Population
24,233
College Educated
63.3%
Homeownership
66%
Avg Commute
20.4 min
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Median Age
34.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Fossil Ridge High School has a median household income of $122,133. It is a well-educated community where 63% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $654,200, with a median rent of $1,906/month. The local poverty rate of 5.2% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 20 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boulder High School Boulder, CO | 7.1 |
| East High School Denver, CO | 7.1 |
| Longmont High School Longmont, CO | 7.1 |
| Air Academy High School Usaf Academy, CO | 7.0 |
| Arapahoe High School Centennial, CO | 7.0 |
| Highlands Ranch High School Highlands Ranch, CO | 7.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fossil Ridge High School
What grades does Fossil Ridge High School serve?
Fossil Ridge High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Fossil Ridge High School?
Fossil Ridge High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,968 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Fossil Ridge High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Fossil Ridge High School is 19.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Fossil Ridge High School rank in CO?
Fossil Ridge High School is ranked #622 out of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Fossil Ridge High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Fossil Ridge High School has a composite rating of 7.1 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Fossil Ridge High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fossil Ridge High School has 65.3% math proficiency and 84.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Fossil Ridge High School a charter school?
No, Fossil Ridge High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Fossil Ridge High School a Title I school?
No, Fossil Ridge High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fossil Ridge High School?
15.9% of students at Fossil Ridge High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,968
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 101
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 15.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Larimer County
- Phone
- (970) 488-6260
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Poudre School District R-1- District Enrollment
- 29,772
- Schools in District
- 52
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,995
- District Rank
- #24 of 51
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 methodologyRelated reading
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