Best High Schools in Zip Code 80905

Zip code 80905 in Colorado Springs contains two high schools—Monument Charter Academy Secondary School (grades 6–12) and The Vanguard School (High) (grades 9–12)—that belong to different districts, Lewis-Palmer Consolidated School District No. 38 and Harrison School District No. 2, and both outperform the state on graduation, dropout, and most standardized tests. The Vanguard School is the clear standout: it has ranked #4 in Colorado for three consecutive years (99th percentile, 5 stars), with 98% of 11th graders proficient in SAT Reading/Writing and 80% in SAT Math, compared to state averages of 60% and 32%. Its favorable 10:1 student-teacher ratio and low chronic absenteeism rate of 14.1% (state: 28.4%) help explain this elite performance.

Monument Charter Academy Secondary School is a strong 4-star school ranked #42 of 338 statewide (88th percentile) in 2025–26, though its position has fluctuated between #37 and #80 over the past three years. It graduates 94.7% of students with a 0.0% dropout rate, and its proficiency rates are solidly above state averages—78% in SAT Reading/Writing and 44% in SAT Math—but trail The Vanguard School (High) by wide margins. Notably, Vanguard achieves more despite serving a higher share of economically disadvantaged students (24.8% free/reduced lunch) than Monument (10.9%), pointing to school culture and instructional quality as key drivers.

The biggest insight is the disconnect between district ratings and school performance. The Vanguard School (High) sits in Harrison School District No. 2, ranked #84 of 115 (1 star), yet is the #4 school in the state. Monument Charter Academy Secondary School sits in Lewis-Palmer Consolidated School District No. 38, ranked #9 of 115 (5 stars), yet is not elite. Both schools graduate around 94% of students—well above the state's 85.6%—and report 0.0% dropout rates. The key takeaway is clear: evaluate school-level data, not district reputation. Vanguard offers a top-tier, college-prep education, while Monument offers a stable, well-rounded experience with a wider grade span, making both excellent options in 80905.