Best Public Schools in Thornton, CO

The city of Thornton, Colorado is home to a diverse array of 37 schools, including 20 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, 8 high schools, and 4 alternative schools, spanning two school districts - Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Mapleton School District No. 1. The data reveals a wide range of academic performance, with standout schools like Stargate Charter School and Silver Creek Elementary consistently outperforming district and state averages, while other schools like Thornton Middle School struggle to meet proficiency targets.

The data highlights the importance of school choice and access to high-performing educational options, as the difference in outcomes between the top and bottom schools in Thornton is substantial. For example, in 2023-2024, 75.9% of students at Stargate Charter School were proficient or better in CMAS/Math across all grades, compared to just 3.4% at Thornton Middle School. Additionally, schools in the higher-performing Adams 12 Five Star Schools district generally outperform those in the lower-ranked Mapleton School District No. 1 on test scores.

The data also reveals a correlation between a school's free/reduced lunch rate and its academic performance, with the schools serving the highest percentages of economically disadvantaged students tending to have the lowest test scores. This underscores the need for continued investment and support to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all students in Thornton, regardless of their socioeconomic background.