USNWR 2025 High School Rankings Release_2025
Public Charter Schools Dominate U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Rankings of ‘Best High Schools’ in Colorado
DENVER – Aug. 21, 2025 – Six of the 10 “Best High Schools” in Colorado are public charter schools, according to the 2025 rankings by U.S. News & World Report that were released this week.
U.S. News & World Report reviewed nearly 24,000 public schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to identify the best schools. The top schools scored the highest based on their performance on a variety of ranking indicators, including state tests and graduation rates.
Charter schools are public schools that operate with greater flexibility in their curriculum, staffing, and governance, allowing them to adapt more quickly to student needs. Their proven ability to create academic achievement regardless of students’ backgrounds or addresses has been a driving force behind their growing popularity. A recent report by the Keystone Policy Center (January 2025) indicates that charters perform higher than non-charter public schools in English Language, Math, CMAS, and SPF Performance in High Needs Areas and High Needs Areas with students from low-income households.
"These rankings confirm what Colorado families and educators see every day: charter schools are delivering high-quality learning and preparing students to succeed,” Colorado League of Charter Schools President Dan Schaller said. “We’re proud that six of the state’s top 10 public high schools are charters, a tribute to talented teachers, engaged families, and school leaders who innovate to meet students’ needs. The Colorado League will keep supporting policies and partnerships that expand equitable access to these proven options so every student can find the school that helps them thrive."
The charter schools ranked as among the 10 best public schools in Colorado were:
- Liberty Common Charter School in Fort Collins (#2)
- The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs (#3)
- Stargate Charter School in Thornton (#4)
- Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette (#5)
- Prospect Ridge Academy in Broomfield (#9)
- DSST Cedar High School in Denver (#10)
U.S. News & World Report also ranked D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School in Jefferson County as the best public high school in the state, Denver School of the Arts as the sixth best, Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy as the seventh best, Fairview High School in Boulder as the eighth best.
About the Colorado League of Charter Schools
The Colorado League of Charter Schools is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that represents the interests of the state’s 261 charter schools and the families of over 136,000 students who attend them. Our mission is to improve student achievement by supporting Colorado’s charter schools, positively reshaping the public-school landscape, and advancing opportunities for innovation and expanded choice. We want all Colorado students to have access to high-quality, public school options. More information is available at www.coloradoleague.org.
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