Summary:
ZIP code 80902 in Fort Carson, Colorado, is served by a single middle school, Carson Middle School, which enrolls 657 students in grades 6–8 and operates as part of Fountain School District No. 8. As the only middle school option for families in this area, Carson's performance sets the baseline for the entire community, and it currently sits below state averages in most subjects while showing a promising upward trajectory.
Carson Middle School rebounded strongly in the most recent school year, improving its state ranking from the 17th percentile (2024–2025) to the 32nd percentile (2025–2026) and earning two stars. Proficiency rates improved across every subject, with math jumping from 14.9% to 21.9%, ELA from 26.8% to 29.6%, and science nearly doubling from 15.9% to 28.8%. Still, the school trails Colorado state averages by 15.1 points in ELA and 15.4 points in math, with 7th grade math being a particular concern at just 15.5% proficiency, less than half the state rate of 32.9%. By contrast, 8th grade science matches the district average exactly, and the school outperforms both its district and the state on chronic absenteeism, with 26.7% of students chronically absent compared to 30.2% districtwide and 28.4% statewide.
Families in this ZIP code should recognize that Carson Middle School is improving but still has ground to cover. The remarkable gains in science and the overall rebound from last year's slump suggest that recent interventions may be working, and the school's attendance record is comparatively healthy. However, persistent gaps in ELA and math—particularly the very weak 7th grade math scores—highlight areas where the school will need sustained focus. Since Carson is the only middle school in 80902, parents considering their options will want to watch whether these positive trends continue and whether the school can narrow the gap to state proficiency averages in the coming years.
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