Photo: Mvanderkolk · CC BY-SA 4.0Arvada’s public schools outscore 78% of Colorado districts
On the state math tests, 38% of Arvada’s students scored proficient, above the Colorado average (32%). The grade covers the public school district serving Arvada, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Colorado, not nationally.
From Colorado state tests taken in spring 2022, when 91% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Arvada’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 125 Colorado towns with household incomes within a quarter of Arvada’s, its schools beat 50%, lower than their 78% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 52% and math 38% in spring 2022, against 45% and 32% statewide; 84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 83%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,276 per student, against $15,889 across Colorado (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
16 elementary schools, then five middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Prospect Academy, Excel Academy Charter School, Lincoln Charter Academy, Two Roads Charter School, Faith Christian Academy (private), Forge Christian High School (private), Shrine of St. Anne School (private), St. Joan of Arc Early Learning Center (private) and Peace Lutheran Early Learning Center (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Arvada’s grade
A−: better than 78% of Colorado school districts, #55 of 159 Colorado towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Colorado average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Arvada, with each school’s own grade.
Arvada’s public schools are run by Jefferson County School District R-1, which also serves Bow Mar, Edgewater, Golden and Lakeside and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Arvada vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Colorado towns that share Arvada’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Arvada | A− | Jefferson County School District R-1 |
| Wheat Ridge | A− | Jefferson County School District R-1 |
| Westminster | A− | Jefferson County School District R-1 PK–12 · Adams 12 Five Star Schools PK–12 |
All 2 neighbors share Jefferson County School District R-1 with Arvada, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Arvada
32 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Colorado’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Arvada’s schools
Are Arvada’s schools good?
By Colorado’s own tests, yes: the public schools Arvada children attend outscore 78% of Colorado’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #55 of 159 Colorado towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 50%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Arvada in?
Jefferson County School District R-1, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 73,532 students in 144 schools (2024–25).
Where do Arvada kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Arvada West High School, Ralston Valley Senior High School, Pomona Junior/Senior High School and Arvada High School.
What is Arvada’s graduation rate?
84% of the class of 2023 in Jefferson County School District R-1 graduated in four years, against 83% across Colorado.
How much does Arvada spend per student?
$15,276 in Jefferson County School District R-1 (FY2024), against $15,889 across Colorado. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Arvada?
Yes: Faith Christian Academy (religious, grades K–8, 560 students), Forge Christian High School (religious, grades 9–12, 257 students), Shrine of St. Anne School (Catholic, grades K–8, 216 students), St. Joan of Arc Early Learning Center (Catholic, grades PK–K, 108 students) and Peace Lutheran Early Learning Center (religious, grades PK–K, 70 students). Arvada also has 4 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Arvada families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Arvada → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Colorado. Stars are from neighbors.