East Grand School District No. 2

East Grand School District No. 2 serves about 1,300 students across four schools in a small Colorado mountain community, including two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Overall, the district earns a solid 4-star rating and ranks in the 70th percentile statewide, but that average hides dramatic differences between schools — especially between the two elementary schools.

Fraser Valley Elementary School is the clear academic standout. It ranks in the 68th percentile statewide and beats both district and state averages in reading, math, and science, while also having the lowest chronic absenteeism (22.9%) and the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (22.58%) in the district. Its smaller class sizes (9.8 students per teacher) likely help. However, its scores dropped sharply from the previous year — especially science, which fell from 77.8% to 41.2% — so this is a trend to watch. By contrast, Granby Elementary School is the district’s highest-concern school. It ranks just in the 31st percentile, with math proficiency at only 20.1% and 4th grade math at a very alarming 13.8%. Granby also has the highest economic need (39.07% free/reduced lunch) and the highest absenteeism among the elementary schools. That said, its reading scores and state rank have improved over two years, offering some hope.

Among the upper schools, Middle Park High School shines in graduation (94.6% vs. 85.6% statewide) and 11th grade science, but only 19% of students are proficient in SAT math — far below the state’s 32% — and chronic absenteeism is a major red flag at 42.4%. East Grand Middle School performs around the state average overall (60th percentile), with strong 6th grade math and 8th grade science, but 7th grade math is a clear weak spot at just 18.7% proficiency. Across the district, math is the biggest academic challenge, and absenteeism is above state levels at every school except Fraser Valley. The gap between Fraser Valley and Granby — a 28-point difference in math — highlights how much school-level support and resources matter.