GreeleySchool District No. 6

GreeleySchool District No. 6 serves approximately 22,917 students across 34 schools in Greeley, Colorado, including 20 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 3 alternative schools. The district ranks 97 out of 115 Colorado districts, placing it in the 16th percentile with a 1-star rating, meaning overall academic performance trails state averages significantly. However, this backdrop makes the standout schools within the district especially noteworthy, as several schools prove that high achievement is possible even in a challenging district context.

Early College Academy is the district's clear academic leader, ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide with SAT reading proficiency at 72% and math at 48% — far above district and state averages. S. Christa McAuliffe STEM Academy and West Ridge Academy are the top K-8 options, both exceeding state averages in ELA and math while maintaining some of the lowest chronic absenteeism rates in the district. Union Colony Preparatory School ranks as the second-best high school at the 53rd percentile, and alternative schools like Frontier Charter Academy and University Schools post graduation rates above 97%. These bright spots tend to be choice, magnet, or alternative schools, suggesting specialized programming makes a meaningful difference.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jefferson Junior/Senior High ranks 348 of 349 high schools with an 83.9% chronic absenteeism rate and 7% SAT reading proficiency. The district's biggest challenge is math, with only 20.7% of students proficient in CMAS math and 18% in SAT math. Chronic absenteeism closely tracks achievement — high-performing schools stay below 26% absenteeism, while struggling schools exceed 35%. Despite low test scores, the district's 90.1% graduation rate exceeds the state's 85.6%. For parents, the data suggests seeking out choice and magnet schools, prioritizing attendance, and understanding that poverty does not prevent success — Early College Academy serves 62% free/reduced lunch students yet ranks among Colorado's best high schools.