Best Public Schools in Arvada, CO

The city of Arvada, Colorado is home to 32 schools serving students from elementary through high school, all part of the Jefferson County School District No. R-1. The district is ranked 35 out of 116 in the state and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. Several schools in Arvada stand out for their exceptional academic performance, including West Woods Elementary School, Meiklejohn Elementary, and Ralston Valley Senior High School, all of which have earned 5 out of 5 stars from SchoolDigger.

The schools in Arvada serve a diverse student population, with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. There is a significant performance gap between the highest and lowest-performing schools, which appears to be correlated with the percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. For example, Ralston Valley Senior High School has 83-86% proficiency in Reading/Writing and 60-64% proficiency in Math, while Arvada High School has only 34% proficiency in Reading/Writing. The schools with the highest poverty rates, such as Arvada K-8 and Tennyson Knolls Preparatory School, face significant challenges in academic achievement.

Overall, the Arvada school district offers a diverse educational landscape, with a mix of traditional public schools, public charter schools, and alternative schools. While some schools, like Ralston Valley Senior High School and West Woods Elementary School, have consistently maintained excellent performance, the data highlights the need for continued efforts to address the achievement gaps and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in the Arvada community.