Columbine’s public schools outscore 78% of Colorado districts
On the state math tests, 38% of Columbine’s students scored proficient, above the Colorado average (32%). The grade covers the public school district serving Columbine, 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.
Columbine’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 109 Colorado towns with household incomes within a quarter of Columbine’s, its schools beat 39%, 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 ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Ken Caryl Middle School, then Columbine High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Front Range Christian School (private), Shiloh Home Inc. (private) and Littleton Montessori School (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 Columbine’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 Columbine, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Columbine · depends on your address
Ken Caryl Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
Leawood Elementary School
Grades PK–6 · 321 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
7th grade in Columbine
Ken Caryl Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
8th grade in Columbine
Ken Caryl Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 725 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
9th grade in Columbine
Columbine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,710 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
10th grade in Columbine
Columbine High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,710 students · 21:1 students per teacher · in Littleton
Columbine’s public schools are run by Jefferson County School District R-1, which also serves Arvada, Bow Mar, Edgewater and Golden and others. Parts of Columbine (11% of its land) are served by Littleton School District 6 instead. 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
Columbine vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Colorado towns that share Columbine’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Columbine | A− | Jefferson County School District R-1 |
| Littleton | A+ | Littleton School District 6 |
| Columbine Valley | A+ | Littleton School District 6 |
Every school in Columbine
10 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).
Questions about Columbine’s schools
Are Columbine’s schools good?
By Colorado’s own tests, yes: the public schools Columbine 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 39%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Columbine in?
Jefferson County School District R-1, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 73,532 students in 144 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Columbine are served by Littleton School District 6.
Where do Columbine kids go to high school?
Columbine High School in Littleton, with 1,710 students; its own test results earn an A.
What is Columbine’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 Columbine 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 Columbine?
Yes: Front Range Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 559 students), Shiloh Home Inc. (special education · all-boys, grades 4–12, 76 students) and Littleton Montessori School (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 69 students).
Parents talk
What Columbine families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Columbine → 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.