High Plains School

Summary:

High Plains School is an elementary and middle school (grades PK-8) located in Loveland, Colorado, with a student population of 473 as of the 2022-2023 school year. This school is part of the Thompson School District R-2j, which is ranked 46 out of 116 school districts in Colorado and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

High Plains School stands out for its strong academic performance, consistently outperforming the Thompson School District and the state of Colorado in CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) test scores across various grade levels and subjects. For example, in 2023-2024, 50.7% of High Plains students were proficient or better in CMAS English Language Arts, compared to 42.9% for the district and 44.1% for the state. In CMAS Math, 40.3% of High Plains students were proficient or better, compared to 33.3% for the district and 34.2% for the state. Additionally, High Plains School has consistently ranked in the top half of Colorado elementary schools, with a statewide ranking between 292 and 461 out of 710-965 schools over the past several years.

While High Plains School's academic performance is impressive, the school also has some areas of concern. The racial makeup of the school is notably different from some nearby schools, with a higher percentage of White students (70.82%) and a lower percentage of Hispanic students (18.82%) compared to schools like Laurene Edmondson Elementary (36.02% Hispanic) and Truscott Elementary (53.37% Hispanic). Additionally, there are disparities in performance between student subgroups, such as gender and socioeconomic status, suggesting that High Plains School may need to address equity issues to ensure that all students are receiving the support they need to succeed.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-8

 4255 Buffalo Mountain Drive
       Loveland, CO  80538-8660


(970) 679-9800

District: Thompson School District R-2j

SchoolDigger Rank:
416th of 943 Colorado Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $13,502 Help


Students who attend High Plains School usually attend:

High:    Mountain View High School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.7 Help
Number of students:  491

Racial breakdown:

White:
71.5%
Hispanic:
17.1%
Two or more races:
5.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  36.3% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details High Plains School ranks better than 55.9% of elementary schools in Colorado. It also ranks 9th among 19 ranked elementary schools in the Thompson School District R-2j. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 53.8. (See more...)
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Compare Details High Plains School ranks better than 74.6% of middle schools in Colorado. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 70.15. (See more...)
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a 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
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (71.5%), Hispanic (17.1%), two or more races (5.5%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 36.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at High Plains School is 18.7. 19 elementary schools in the Thompson School District R-2j have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare High Plains School employs 26.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at High Plains School is $13,502. 16 elementary schools in the Thompson School District R-2j spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

High Plains School:

SchoolDigger ranks High Plains School 416th of 943 Colorado public elementary schools. (See High Plains School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks High Plains School 123rd of 485 Colorado public middle schools. (See High Plains School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:


Thompson School District R-2j:

SchoolDigger ranks Thompson School District R-2j 46th of 116 Colorado school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for High Plains School.

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Rank History for High Plains School

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Rank History for all elementary school students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 48.65 461st 965 52.2%
2021 61.93 292nd 710 58.9%
2022 61.90 324th 921 64.8%
2023 55.03 389th 933 58.3%
2024 53.80 416th 943 55.9%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Low Socio Economic Status students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 46.17 193rd 365 47.1%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 36.89 415th 690 39.9%
2019 31.32 501st 758 33.9%
2021 49.47 218th 351 37.9%
2022 66.41 185th 595 68.9%
2023 50.45 299th 642 53.4%
2024 47.95 335th 684 51.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.20 306th 693 55.8%
2019 54.70 309th 764 59.6%
2021 54.69 189th 352 46.3%
2022 32.74 385th 594 35.2%
2023 43.30 354th 649 45.5%
2024 48.46 336th 683 50.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 28.91 440th 596 26.2%
2022 47.29 253rd 454 44.3%
2023 28.08 409th 525 22.1%
2024 53.46 254th 539 52.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for White Students!

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

Rank History for High Plains School

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Rank History for all middle school students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 40.77 260th 458 43.2%
2021 41.56 196th 369 46.9%
2022 61.41 146th 448 67.4%
2023 71.95 114th 480 76.3%
2024 70.15 123rd 485 74.6%
See the entire list of Colorado Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 52.37 161st 352 54.3%
2021 18.77 225th 254 11.4%
2022 50.60 142nd 326 56.4%
2023 63.21 115th 363 68.3%
2024 62.02 116th 350 66.9%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 52.55 128th 317 59.6%
2019 28.60 229th 343 33.2%
2021 34.30 157th 249 36.9%
2022 76.72 56th 328 82.9%
2023 69.69 86th 356 75.8%
2024 74.02 75th 357 79.0%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at High Plains School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools CO State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 20.38 231st 283 18.4%
2022 46.63 137th 265 48.3%
2023 60.55 95th 286 66.8%
See the entire list of Best Colorado Elementary 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.

High Plains School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 









Data source: Colorado Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, September 9, 2022

Open Quote It’s disappointing to have to leave a review so low but sometimes the truth is needed in hopes that the individuals that operate this school will look in the mirror and make it a great school again. The communication is non existent, bias opinions to make decisions, the engagement of teachers is below average this is a direct reflection of leadership within the organization. Teaching is done by chrome books not by teachers this method of teaching our students does not give our children the tools they needs to interact and learn structure. There is no mentorship as a teacher should. Parents are not included in the education of their children, the curriculum is almost secretive. Makes you wonder what is my children are being taught. This is an environment to create sheep not leaders that our community will need in the future. Thompson school district should be ashamed this school was great when it first opened but a change in leadership has made this school below average. Our child was given a transgender hand out and when I called the school it they denied ever doing so, this was the final straw. Our kids were pulled out this school and moved into a wholesome school that parents are included in their child’s education and taught skills that will help support them as they grow. Our children are not mature enough to handle sexuality situations like this it is our responsibility as parents to teach this not a school. Close Quote



Enrollment information for High Plains School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2017 295 6 5 63 3 1 18 0 391
2018 367 5 5 70 1 1 24 0 473
2019 406 14 5 76 1 0 31 0 533
2020 433 7 11 86 1 0 30 0 568
2021 372 7 12 82 0 1 29 0 503
2022 320 10 7 87 0 1 25 0 450
2023 335 13 10 89 0 1 25 0 473
2024 351 13 15 84 0 1 27 0 491

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 High Plains School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2017 391 20.2 19.3 30.9
2018 473 23.8 19.8 31.5
2019 533 23.8 22.3 28.1
2020 568 26.0 21.8 27.5
2021 503 29.1 17.2 21.5
2022 450 23.8 18.8 21.1
2023 473 25.3 18.6 30.7
2024 491 26.1 18.7 36.3

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 High Plains School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2017 391 20.2 19.3 30.9
2018 473 23.8 19.8 31.5
2019 533 23.8 22.3 28.1
2020 568 26.0 21.8 27.5
2021 503 29.1 17.2 21.5
2022 450 23.8 18.8 21.1
2023 473 25.3 18.6 30.7
2024 491 26.1 18.7 36.3

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 High Plains School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $9,260
2020 $10,569
2021 $11,670
2022 $12,670
2023 $13,502

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

Impact of COVID-19 on High Plains 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 461st of 965 Elementary schoolsRanks 389th of 933 Elementary schools
 6.1%
Ranks 260th of 458 Middle schoolsRanks 114th of 480 Middle schools
 33%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)55.248.3
 6.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)46.139.3
 6.8%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)41.339.9
 1.4%
3rd Grade Math (High Plains School)56.939.3
 17.6%
   3rd Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)48.242
 6.2%
   3rd Grade Math (Colorado)4140.4
 0.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)45.342.6
 2.7%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)5246.2
 5.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)4843.8
 4.2%
4th Grade Math (High Plains School)28.631.9
 3.3%
   4th Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)37.230.7
 6.5%
   4th Grade Math (Colorado)33.632.7
 0.9%
5th Grade Science (High Plains School)34.434
 0.4%
   5th Grade Science (Thompson School District R-2j)35.433.8
 1.6%
   5th Grade Science (Colorado)35.933.9
 2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)54.143.4
 10.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)49.450.1
 0.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)48.447.8
 0.6%
5th Grade Math (High Plains School)37.737.7
   5th Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)37.733.1
 4.6%
   5th Grade Math (Colorado)35.736.5
 0.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)27.954.7
 26.8%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)37.440
 2.6%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)43.643.4
 0.2%
6th Grade Math (High Plains School)19.145.3
 26.2%
   6th Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)26.325.3
 1%
   6th Grade Math (Colorado)29.528.2
 1.3%
7th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)41.470
 28.6%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)45.144.2
 0.9%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.545
 1.5%
7th Grade Math (High Plains School)32.850
 17.2%
   7th Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)29.526.6
 2.9%
   7th Grade Math (Colorado)31.626.3
 5.3%
8th Grade Science (High Plains School)37.232.4
 4.8%
   8th Grade Science (Thompson School District R-2j)31.826.2
 5.6%
   8th Grade Science (Colorado)31.531.3
 0.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (High Plains School)51.244.1
 7.1%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)44.433.7
 10.7%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Colorado)46.942.4
 4.5%
8th Grade Math (High Plains School)37.244.1
 6.9%
   8th Grade Math (Thompson School District R-2j)35.227.7
 7.5%
   8th Grade Math (Colorado)36.932.7
 4.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (High Plains School)45.250.2
 5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Thompson School District R-2j)45.842.4
 3.4%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Colorado)45.843.7
 2.1%
All Grades Math (High Plains School)34.841
 6.2%
   All Grades Math (Thompson School District R-2j)35.731.2
 4.5%
   All Grades Math (Colorado)34.732.9
 1.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students533473
 11.3%
African American1413
 7.1%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian510
 100%
Hispanic7689
 17.1%
Pacific Islander01
White406335
 17.5%
Two or More Races3125
 19.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients28.1%30.7%
 2.5%


Schools Near High Plains School









Frequently Asked Questions about High Plains School

Students who attend High Plains School usually go on to attend:

High : Mountain View High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 491 students attended High Plains School.

High Plains School ranks 416th of 943 Colorado elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at High Plains School are 71% White, 17% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 3% African American.


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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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