Best Public Schools in Zip Code 80602

The 80602 zip code area is home to 10 schools, including 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools, spread across two school districts - Adams 12 Five Star Schools and School District 27J. While the schools exhibit a wide range of academic performance, a few standouts include Horizon High School, ranked in the top 30% of Colorado high schools, Rocky Top Middle School, ranked in the top 20% of Colorado middle schools, and Silver Creek Elementary, also ranked in the top 20% of Colorado elementary schools.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance, with some schools like Horizon High School and Rocky Top Middle School excelling, while others like Riverdale Ridge High School and Rodger Quist Middle School struggle, performing well below state averages. This trend appears to correlate with the school districts, as the higher-ranked Adams 12 Five Star Schools generally outperform the lower-ranked School District 27J.

Across the schools, there are also notable differences in free/reduced lunch rates, ranging from 22.15% at Discovery Magnet School to 39.43% at Riverdale Ridge High School, suggesting potential socioeconomic disparities that may be impacting student outcomes. Additionally, all schools reported high chronic absenteeism rates around 27-28%, an area of concern that may be contributing to the academic performance gaps observed in the data.