Best Public Schools in Zip Code 80602

ZIP code 80602, covering the Thornton/Brighton area of Colorado, is home to 9 schools serving 8,529 students from elementary through high school, split between Adams 12 Five Star Schools and School District 27J. The area offers 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools, with a clear performance divide between the two districts: Adams 12 schools generally rank higher across all levels, while 27J schools show more variability. The standout performers are Silver Creek Elementary, ranked in the 77th percentile with the lowest chronic absenteeism (11.2%) and best test scores in the ZIP code, and Horizon High School, ranked 95th in the state with a 96.8% graduation rate and strong SAT scores. Rocky Top Middle School leads at the middle school level, while Discovery Magnet School stands out as a hidden gem in 27J, outperforming its district averages and climbing three years in a row.

Families comparing schools should note that Prairie Hills Elementary and Brantner Elementary both offer solid mid-range performance, though Brantner’s high poverty rate (40.9% free/reduced lunch) does not stop it from beating the state ELA average. West Ridge Elementary sits at the 50th percentile, while Rodger Quist Middle School has shown the most improvement, jumping from the 33rd to 50th percentile in two years. The biggest red flag is high school math: Riverdale Ridge High School has only 18% SAT math proficiency compared to Horizon’s 42%, and its science proficiency lags similarly, despite both high schools having strong graduation rates above 94%.

Chronic absenteeism is notably worse at both high schools (32-34%) compared to elementary and middle schools, where rates mostly fall below the state average. The data suggests that school choice matters greatly in this ZIP code, especially at the high school level, where the gap between Horizon and Riverdale Ridge is dramatic. For younger grades, Silver Creek and Discovery are the strongest options, while Rodger Quist is trending upward from a low base. Overall, 80602 offers bright spots in every grade span, but parents should weigh test proficiency, attendance, and improvement trends carefully when choosing.