Average
#711 of 1,815 schools in CO
Top 39% in state
Prairie Hills Elementary School
Elementary School · Adams 12 Five Star Schools
13801 GARFIELD PLACE, Thornton, CO 80602
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
416
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Colorado schools
#711 of 1,815
In Thornton
#6 of 39
public schools
In district
#15 of 53
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Academic growth
7.0 / 10
Very Good
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Prairie Hills Elementary School
Elementary School in Thornton · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Tarver Elementary School
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Frassati Catholic Academy
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Prairie Hills Elementary School
Prairie Hills Elementary School is a public elementary school in Thornton, CO, part of Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Prairie Hills Elementary School serves approximately 416 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Prairie Hills Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #711 of 1,815 schools in CO.
Structured state assessment records for Prairie Hills Elementary School show 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.9 · Average
- District avg 5.8
- CO avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Prairie Hills Elementary School — Students at Prairie Hills Elementary School score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)
Based on 35 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: 7.0/10.
How Prairie Hills Elementary School Compares
See how Prairie Hills Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
13801 GARFIELD PLACE, Thornton, CO 80602
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Prairie Hills Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Silver Creek Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY (rated 6.9/10, 0.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, West Ridge Elementary (rated 6.6/10, 1.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Thornton, see our Thornton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tarver Elementary School Thornton | 0.7 mi | 5.9 |
| FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY Thornton | 0.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Rocky Top Middle School Thornton | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Eagleview Elementary School Thornton | 0.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Horizon High School Brighton | 1.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Bright Horizons Preschool Thornton | 1.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Stellar Elementary School Thornton | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Silver Creek Elementary Thornton | 1.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Century Middle School Thornton | 1.6 mi | 4.7 |
| EASTLAKE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Thornton | 1.7 mi | — |
| Hunters Glen Elementary School Thornton | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Skyview Elementary School Thornton | 2.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Shadow Ridge Middle School Thornton | 2.0 mi | 3.3 |
| LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Thornton | 2.3 mi | 4.3 |
| West Ridge Elementary Thornton | 1.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Stargate Charter School Thornton | 2.0 mi | 8.1 |
| Woodglen Elementary School Thornton | 2.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Westgate Community School Thornton | 2.3 mi | 6.6 |
| PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF THORNTON Thornton | 2.3 mi | 4.2 |
| Glacier Peak Elementary School Brighton | 2.6 mi | 3.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 80602 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$146,679
Median Home Value
$639,300
Median Rent
$2,574/mo
Population
42,237
College Educated
43.9%
Homeownership
92.2%
Avg Commute
32 min
Poverty Rate
3.7%
Median Age
38.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Berthoud Elementary School Berthoud, CO | 6.9 |
| Carrie Martin Elementary School Loveland, CO | 6.9 |
| Centennial Elementary Firestone, CO | 6.9 |
| Clayton Elementary School Englewood, CO | 6.9 |
| FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY Thornton, CO | 6.9 |
| Harris Bilingual Elementary School Fort Collins, CO | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prairie Hills Elementary School
What grades does Prairie Hills Elementary School serve?
Prairie Hills Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Prairie Hills Elementary School?
Prairie Hills Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 416 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Prairie Hills Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Prairie Hills Elementary School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Prairie Hills Elementary School rank in CO?
Prairie Hills Elementary School ranks #711 of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Prairie Hills Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Prairie Hills Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Prairie Hills Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Prairie Hills Elementary School has 57% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Prairie Hills Elementary School a charter school?
No, Prairie Hills Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Prairie Hills Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Prairie Hills Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Prairie Hills Elementary School?
31.2% of students at Prairie Hills Elementary 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 416
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Adams County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.7%
- Phone
- (720) 972-8780
Resources & Links
District
Adams 12 Five Star Schools- District Enrollment
- 34,998
- Schools in District
- 54
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,748
- District Rank
- #15 of 53
Other Schools in This District
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