Ralston Valley Senior High School

Summary:

Ralston Valley Senior High School is a public high school located in Arvada, Colorado, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,843 students. The school is part of the Jefferson County School District No. R-1, which is ranked 35 out of 116 districts in Colorado and has a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Ralston Valley consistently ranks among the top high schools in Colorado, ranking 28th out of 349 schools in the state for the 2023-2024 school year and receiving a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's performance on standardized tests is significantly higher than the district and state averages across various subjects and grade levels. Additionally, Ralston Valley excels in the performance of specific student subgroups, such as Hispanic students (ranked 9th out of 199 Colorado high schools) and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds (ranked 16th out of 200 Colorado high schools). Compared to nearby schools like Jefferson Academy High School and Westminster High School, Ralston Valley stands out as a high-performing institution with significantly higher test scores and a stronger overall academic profile.

However, Ralston Valley's predominantly white student population, at 81.06% in the 2022-2023 school year, is noteworthy as it differs significantly from the more diverse student demographics of the surrounding schools. This may indicate the need to further investigate factors contributing to this racial imbalance and explore ways to promote greater diversity and inclusion. Despite this, the school's exceptional performance among specific student subgroups, such as Hispanic students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, is a positive finding that suggests Ralston Valley is effectively supporting the academic achievement of these traditionally underserved populations.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 13355 West 80th Avenue
       Arvada, CO  80005-2935


(303) 982-5600

District: Jefferson County School District No. R-1

SchoolDigger Rank:
28th of 349 Colorado High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,490 Help


Feeder schools for Ralston Valley Senior High School:

Elementary:    Coal Creek Canyon K-8 Elementary School
    Meiklejohn Elementary
    Sierra Elementary School
    Three Creeks K-8
    More...
Middle:    Oberon Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  21.0 Help
Number of students:  1,843

Racial breakdown:

White:
81.1%
Hispanic:
11.5%
Two or more races:
3.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  11.2% Help


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 Compare Ralston Valley Senior High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Ralston Valley Senior High School ranks better than 92% of high schools in Colorado. It also ranks 4th among 24 ranked high schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 89.39. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Ralston Valley Senior High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Ralston Valley Senior High School has the largest high school student body size in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1.  (See more...)
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Ralston Valley Senior High School is $13,490. 24 high schools in the Jefferson County School District No. R-1 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Ralston Valley Senior High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Ralston Valley Senior High School 28th of 349 Colorado public high schools. (See Ralston Valley Senior High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Jefferson County School District No. R-1:

SchoolDigger ranks Jefferson County School District No. R-1 35th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Ralston Valley Senior High School?

Rank History for Ralston Valley Senior High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 86.17 34th 279 87.8%
2005 87.34 26th 280 90.7%
2006 89.10 19th 286 93.4%
2007 90.25 17th 298 94.3%
2008 91.68 11th 301 96.3%
2009 92.01 12th 310 96.1%
2010 91.50 15th 327 95.4%
2011 91.37 15th 337 95.5%
2012 92.25 11th 334 96.7%
2013 91.38 13th 349 96.3%
2014 93.05 13th 369 96.5%
2015 89.85 12th 292 95.9%
2016 79.52 14th 255 94.5%
2017 68.49 35th 256 86.3%
2018 91.90 20th 388 94.8%
2019 93.00 23rd 411 94.4%
2021 83.19 29th 210 86.2%
2022 87.03 22nd 221 90.0%
2023 89.46 28th 349 92.0%
2024 89.39 28th 349 92.0%
See the entire list of Colorado High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 56.87 19th 48 60.4%
2022 76.86 11th 56 80.4%
2023 70.11 14th 62 77.4%
2024 74.22 12th 61 80.3%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 60.20 19th 60 68.3%
2022 75.05 9th 77 88.3%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 96.99 5th 188 97.3%
2022 87.78 18th 203 91.1%
2023 87.81 16th 200 92.0%
2024 83.96 24th 211 88.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 86.17 28th 239 88.3%
2022 90.05 19th 257 92.6%
2023 89.14 22nd 254 91.3%
2024 89.63 22nd 257 91.4%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 61.53 21st 74 71.6%
2024 45.71 37th 84 56.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 63.99 37th 118 68.6%
2022 56.24 55th 108 49.1%
2023 58.83 65th 135 51.9%
2024 69.57 37th 140 73.6%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 88.53 24th 240 90.0%
2022 90.69 22nd 253 91.3%
2023 87.02 31st 252 87.7%
2024 86.18 29th 256 88.7%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 93.12 9th 181 95.0%
2022 95.41 10th 205 95.1%
2023 96.34 9th 198 95.5%
2024 96.45 9th 199 95.5%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Ralston Valley Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 79.11 39th 225 82.7%
2022 83.56 32nd 228 86.0%
2023 78.07 45th 234 80.8%
2024 77.58 39th 229 83.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Colorado Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Ralston Valley Senior High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
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District Scores:
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Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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by a parent on FaceBook
Monday, October 13, 2014

Open Quote My daughter is a freshman at RVHS and has only been attending for about 2 months, but so far,I ADORE this school!!! There is a reason why they have such high test scores! It's not just because their student body happens to come from more well off means (although that certainly helps). It's because they refuse to allow these kids to fail! There are so many different things in place to keep these kids on track and make sure that even if they fall behind, they'll be able to catch up no matter what. The teachers are extremely engaged and available to the students, and they stay in contact with the parents to make sure everyone is working as a team to help each individual child succeed. I'm super impressed! My daughter's high school experience so far has been a zillion times better than her last 2 years of middle school was! Close Quote


by a student
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Open Quote ralston valley is amazing, I loved going there and I learned so much. They not only prepare you for adult hood from an early age, but they also make it fun!The curriculmn is challeging but they have great teachers who are willing to give up their free time to help you. Ralston valley is very technogically advanced in their classrooms alsowhich helps students prepare for the future. Ralston valley has outstanding standards and meets almost every reqirement of a great high school which is evident in their state testing scores and their ranking in the state of colorado which is 7th! High school life at Raslton is so fun! The administartion treats the kids with respect. you are allowed to go off campus as freshmen and the dress code is great , it's not to strict yet not too free neely.School spirit is amazing , we have a 5a program. Homecomings, Proms and any other school events are so fun and very well thought out by student council.I recomend sending your child there and that is coming from a former student. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Ralston Valley Senior High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2001 797 5 16 46 3 n/a n/a 0 867
2002 1175 5 32 74 5 n/a n/a 0 1291
2003 1175 5 32 74 5 n/a n/a 0 1291
2004 1202 5 30 77 11 n/a n/a 0 1325
2005 1267 6 26 92 14 n/a n/a 0 1405
2006 1276 8 29 85 14 n/a n/a 0 1412
2007 1383 5 26 95 11 n/a n/a 0 1520
2008 1442 8 28 112 14 n/a n/a 0 1604
2009 1445 12 40 115 12 n/a n/a 0 1624
2010 1475 19 46 122 13 n/a n/a 0 1675
2011 1395 11 35 169 7 2 47 0 1666
2012 1389 13 40 179 8 1 45 0 1675
2013 1409 16 48 186 13 0 51 0 1723
2014 1421 18 43 207 7 1 51 0 1748
2015 1496 16 46 205 8 1 55 0 1827
2016 1502 9 46 209 7 0 55 0 1828
2017 1504 3 50 203 5 0 56 0 1821
2018 1535 2 59 196 5 2 51 0 1850
2019 1511 4 54 198 5 3 48 0 1823
2020 1490 3 58 224 7 4 57 0 1843
2021 1528 6 57 222 7 4 67 0 1891
2022 1482 9 47 203 4 3 65 0 1813
2023 1494 10 51 212 4 2 70 0 1843

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Ralston Valley Senior High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 867 42.2 20.5 2.7
2002 1291 63.6 20.3 2.8
2003 1291 63.6 20.3 2.8
2004 1325 62.9 21.1 2.6
2005 1405 62.7 22.4 3.1
2006 1412 66.0 21.4 4.7
2007 1520 74.0 20.5 5.3
2008 1604 76.4 21.0 4.4
2009 1624 78.0 20.8 4.4
2010 1675 82.4 20.3 7.4
2011 1666 90.2 18.4 7.9
2012 1675 77.4 21.6 8.4
2013 1723 79.1 21.7 10.7
2014 1748 84.8 20.6 9.8
2015 1827 84.0 21.7 8.3
2016 1828 88.0 20.7 8.3
2017 1821 88.8 20.4 8.3
2018 1850 91.2 20.2 8.2
2019 1823 91.3 19.9 7.1
2020 1843 87.8 20.9 8.5
2021 1891 86.0 21.9 7.9
2022 1813 88.8 20.3 8.2
2023 1843 87.5 21.0 11.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Ralston Valley Senior High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2001 867 42.2 20.5 2.7
2002 1291 63.6 20.3 2.8
2003 1291 63.6 20.3 2.8
2004 1325 62.9 21.1 2.6
2005 1405 62.7 22.4 3.1
2006 1412 66.0 21.4 4.7
2007 1520 74.0 20.5 5.3
2008 1604 76.4 21.0 4.4
2009 1624 78.0 20.8 4.4
2010 1675 82.4 20.3 7.4
2011 1666 90.2 18.4 7.9
2012 1675 77.4 21.6 8.4
2013 1723 79.1 21.7 10.7
2014 1748 84.8 20.6 9.8
2015 1827 84.0 21.7 8.3
2016 1828 88.0 20.7 8.3
2017 1821 88.8 20.4 8.3
2018 1850 91.2 20.2 8.2
2019 1823 91.3 19.9 7.1
2020 1843 87.8 20.9 8.5
2021 1891 86.0 21.9 7.9
2022 1813 88.8 20.3 8.2
2023 1843 87.5 21.0 11.2

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Ralston Valley Senior High School

Help

YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $10,768
2020 $10,981
2021 $10,565
2022 $12,110
2023 $13,490

Data source: Colorado Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Ralston Valley Senior High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 23rd of 411 High schoolsRanks 28th of 349 High schools
 2.4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students18231843
 1.1%
African American410
 150%
American Indian54
 20%
Asian5451
 5.6%
Hispanic198212
 7.1%
Pacific Islander32
 33.3%
White15111494
 1.1%
Two or More Races4870
 45.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients7.1%11.2%
 4.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Ralston Valley Senior High School

Students at Ralston Valley Senior High School are 81% White, 12% Hispanic, 4% Two or more races, 3% Asian.

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,843 students attended Ralston Valley Senior High School.

Yes. Ralston Valley Senior High School ranks in the top 8.0% of Colorado high schools.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Colorado Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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