Best Public Schools in Frederick, CO

The city of Frederick, Colorado is served by five schools within the St. Vrain Valley School District No. Re1J — a top-ranked 4-star district — including one high school and four elementary/PK-8 schools, with no standalone middle schools and a combined enrollment of 3,492 students.

For parents, the strongest elementary option in Frederick is Legacy Elementary School, which ranks in the 63rd percentile statewide and leads the city in both ELA (49.8% proficient) and math (46.4% proficient). Its 5th grade ELA results are particularly impressive at 66.1% proficiency, well above both state and district averages. Grand View Elementary is the most consistent choice, earning a steady 3-star rating with the best attendance in town — only 16% of students are chronically absent, compared to 28.4% statewide. Frederick Senior High School boasts an excellent 96.6% graduation rate, but math scores lag significantly, with only 24% of students proficient in SAT math versus 32% statewide.

Families should be aware that Thunder Valley Pk-8 and Carbon Valley Academy are struggling academically, with proficiency rates roughly 20 points below district averages in both ELA and math. Thunder Valley also has the highest poverty rate (63% free/reduced lunch) and very concerning 8th grade scores. Citywide, math is a consistent weakness at every school, and chronic absenteeism at the high school (40.3%) is a hidden red flag despite strong graduation numbers. Overall, Legacy and Grand View are the standouts, while Thunder Valley and Carbon Valley represent the greatest opportunities for targeted support.