Byers Elementary School

Byers Elementary School is a small, rural school in Byers, Colorado, serving 275 students in grades PK through 6 as part of Byers School District No. 32J, and it stands out as a strong academic performer despite its district's overall low ranking. The school ranks in the 62nd percentile of Colorado elementary schools with a 3-star rating, and it is the clear academic anchor of a district whose averages are heavily dragged down by its two virtual schools, Colorado Virtual Academy and Astravo Online Academy Elementary School.

In 2025-2026, Byers Elementary exceeded both state and district proficiency averages in every core subject. The school posted 49.2% proficiency in English Language Arts versus 44.7% statewide, 40.9% in math versus 37.3% statewide, and 50.0% in 5th grade science versus 36.1% statewide. The contrast with the district's virtual schools is dramatic — in math, Byers' proficiency rate is more than four times that of Colorado Virtual Academy. Fifth grade ELA is a standout at 75.0% proficiency. Science is another clear advantage, with Byers outperforming nearby physical schools like Strasburg Elementary School at 31.8% and Bennett Intermediate School at 27.4%.

Attendance is a relative strength: Byers' chronic absenteeism rate of 14.8% is well below the state rate of 28.4% and much better than Deer Trail Elementary School at 34.0% and Bennett Elementary School at 29.3%. The school also has the lowest rate of economic disadvantage among nearby brick-and-mortar schools, with 37.82% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. However, challenges remain: the student-teacher ratio has risen to 18.0, math proficiency has declined recently from 48.1% to 40.9%, and grade-level performance is uneven — strong in 5th grade but below state averages in 3rd and 4th grade ELA. Still, Byers has improved dramatically over the past decade, moving from the 35th percentile in 2013-2014 to its current standing in the 62nd percentile.