Summary:
Zip code 80466, covering the Nederland, Colorado area, is served by two public schools in the Boulder Valley School District No. Re2: Nederland Elementary School (PK–5) and Nederland Middle-Senior High School (6–12), together enrolling about 431 students. These are small schools with favorable student-teacher ratios (16:1 at the elementary, 13.4:1 at the secondary level), and both consistently outperform state averages on most academic measures.
Both schools are strong performers, but they stand out in different subjects. Nederland Elementary School earned a 4-star ranking (84th percentile statewide) and exceeds state averages in ELA, math, and science. Its math proficiency is particularly solid at 59.2% compared to 37.3% statewide, and 3rd grade ELA reaches 72.7% proficiency. Meanwhile, Nederland Middle-Senior High School earns 5 stars and ranks in the top 8% of Colorado high schools, driven by exceptional literacy results: 92.3% of 6th graders are proficient in CMAS ELA, and 91% of 10th graders meet PSAT reading/writing benchmarks. However, secondary math is a relative weakness—proficiency drops to 39.5%, below the district average of 56.1%—signaling a transition challenge from elementary to secondary math. The high school also saw a dramatic ranking jump from 82nd to 27th in one year, backed by real test-score gains.
Despite strong academics, both schools face elevated chronic absenteeism (28-30%, near the state average and well above the district’s 17.5%). The secondary school also lags on graduation rates at 81.1% versus 93.3% for the district. Roughly a third of students qualify for free/reduced lunch at each school. While small enrollments can cause year-to-year volatility, the overall picture is positive: elementary students arrive at middle school with strong math skills, and literacy remains a standout through high school. With low student-teacher ratios and a clear upward trajectory at the secondary level, these schools offer a strong, personalized education in a mountain community setting.
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