Summary:
Zip code 80836 serves the small rural community of Stratton, Colorado, and is home to School District No. R-4, which operates three schools — Stratton Elementary School (PK–5, 101 students), Stratton Middle School (6–8, 54 students), and Stratton Senior High School (9–12, 64 students) — with a combined enrollment of roughly 219 students.
Stratton Senior High School is the district's clear standout, ranking in the top 10% of Colorado high schools (34th out of 338, 5 stars) and dramatically improving from a 3-star mid-pack ranking in just two years. Its PSAT scores far exceed state averages — for example, 71% of 10th graders are proficient in math versus 39% statewide — and it reports a 0% dropout rate, an 89.5% graduation rate, and a favorable 9.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Stratton Elementary School also stands out in math, with 40.8% proficiency that beats both the district (31.6%) and state (37.3%), though its ELA proficiency (38.8%) trails the state (44.7%).
The biggest concern is Stratton Middle School, which lags state averages in both subjects and posts the district's weakest metric, a math proficiency rate of just 21.7%. The middle school also has the largest class sizes (19:1) despite its smallest enrollment, while the high school serves a less economically disadvantaged population (25% free/reduced lunch vs. roughly 41–43% in lower grades) and the elementary school reports elevated chronic absenteeism at 16.4%. Overall, the district's greatest opportunity is addressing middle school math, as the high school's success proves the potential for strong academic outcomes in this small rural community.
Thank you for your feedback!