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2020 Best Public High Schools in Adams CountyAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and high school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 34
Best Schools
34 results

  1. Legacy High School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 495 reviews
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: Legacy High School brings an extra depth into the academic field by preparing students for a career in the future which mainly focuses on math, science, and technology. The teachers connect with each individual student in a variety of ways to help them achieve what they want to prosper in life. Legacy brings students and staff closer to become one big family with the kindness we bring to the school and to our community. The school cares about every student's and staff's safety while attending every day by making sure doors are secured and only people who have IDs can access into the school which helps students and staff understand and feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Our sports team, especially football, is a 4A sports team and is one of the best football teams in the Adams 12 District because they bring determination, integrity, and high excellence into their play. Overall, Legacy High school, as I can say has been the four years of high school worth having.
    Read 495 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,285 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Prospect Ridge Academy

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • K-12
    • 34 reviews
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Alum: As someone who has been going to this school since the beginning, I can say with confidence it has grown a lot. Many of the students here are dedicated to academics, but we also aren't bad at sports (many of our teams advanced to state this year). Also, because so many of us are invested in academics, I have never witnessed any bullying due to people being "nerds." However, we have had some serious problems regarding racism.
    The teachers here are a little hit or miss, you could get a really good or a really bad teacher, however, we seem to have strong English and science teachers, and not so great math teachers.
    Seniors also have to do a capstone project, which is a great experience, even though it is really stressful. The support for that gets better and better each year. There is also a focus on getting into college, and we have a couple resident adults to help us with the college process.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,252 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Academy of Charter Schools

    • Public School
    • Westminster, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 17 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: I've attended The Academy ever since I was in kindergarten. Granted, everyone you will speak to has their own story at The Academy. Speaking from a point of view that is the most general, this school is great. I felt safe attending my school, the academics are average. There are some very exceptional teachers and some that are plainly ok. Students are encouraged to move ahead in studies by taking AP or dual enrollment at the local Front Range community college, or if they need help teachers are obligated to stay with after school office hours and study halls. A small school, a more secure environment.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,830 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Eagle Ridge Academy

    • Brighton School District No. 27J, CO
    • 9-12
    • 131 reviews
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Junior: Eagle Ridge Academy is a school that is very supportive of its students, focused on academics, and an all-around amazing school. There are plenty of clubs for students, from gaming, math, and Interact club, National Honors Society...the list goes on and on! Also, they have a fair selection such as: volleyball, baseball, soccer and basketball (boys and girls) or you can play sports at a different school. The teachers are very supportive, always available for help, and are pretty great at teaching. Since it is a smaller school, you get good relationships with the teachers, students, and staff. The only drawback about this school is that there are no honors classes or AP/CP classes. There are college classes that you can take as a current enrollment student, which is an awesome opportunity! The professors come to Eagle Ridge to teach and you gain college credit. Eagle Ridge Academy is a great school and if I were to do high school all over again, I would pick Eagle Ridge Academy again.
    Read 131 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 500 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Academy of Charter Schools

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 95 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Alum: I really enjoyed the staff and the classes. The teachers were all very knowledgable, kind, and willing to help. I also enjoyed the small school atmosphere. I transferred here my senior year and they had amazing programs to get me acquainted. Everyone knew that I was new and tried to help out, or tried to be my friends. The school also had a large number of foreign exchange students, making for great diversity. The sports teams, and the culture around them could have been better.
    Read 95 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,866 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Horizon High School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 309 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: Just like any other High school, your experience depends on the circles you run in. My experience was pretty great as far as getting the help I need and being presented with opportunities which enrich the ability to grow. Now, I wouldn't say growing always=happiness because overcoming challenges makes you grow. Horizon gives so many opportunities to be a part of the community as well as be challenged to go above ourselves and what we thought we could do. I still have not met a teacher I didn't absolutely enjoy being in their class and I'm in my senior year!
    Read 309 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,979 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Mountain Range High School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 288 reviews
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: Mountain Range has provided me with an ample amount of opportunities. With the High School of Business I will have earned 16 college credits, not including AP scores. I made my resume as a Freshman, learned about personal finance as a Sophomore, explored my options after high school Junior year, and am perfecting presentations in a CU Denver class as a Senior. The teachers are great too. They genuinely ask how our days are going before starting work, and respectfully talk about maintaining a healthy mental health which has helped me through high school! I have been in student leadership all four years, joined NHS, compete in DECA, recently joined the National Art Honor Society, participate in the swim and tennis team, and link crew! Mountain Range is unique in that we organize a 4-Square tournament, Day Without Hate, Blood Drives, carnivals, a color run, and much more! I wholeheartedly urge you to check out Mountain Range as a place to consider going to high school.
    Read 288 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,979 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. York International

    • Mapleton Public Schools, CO
    • K-12
    • 94 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: York students are highly active learners and well-rounded students with a strong commitment to academics and the York community. York students are encouraged to participate in clubs, sports, and community service activities. Successful students at York have a high level of respect for themselves, other students and all school staff. Parent involvement in York is strongly encouraged. Parents can volunteer in classrooms, on field trips, through fundraisers, and various school activities throughout the year.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 757 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Victory Preparatory Academy High State Charter School

    • Public School
    • Commerce City, CO
    • 9-12
    • 11 reviews
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Junior: I was a student at Adams City High School before I transferred my sophomore year. What intrigued me about Victory Prep was the academics. I wanted to strive better academically to be able to have a better chance to get into college. But, what Victory Prep should change is the ability of more freedom to express your inner self . In this school we need to develop a better culture and spirit.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 185 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Northglenn High School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 200 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Senior: Northglenn High offers opportunies you literally won't ffind anywhere else! For example, I am the co-director of the Paleontology Club. In this club we handle actual prehistoric materials sent to us by the Denver Mueseum! We do all sorts of stuff, such as assemble broken bones as large as a human torso, make molds and casts of footprints, or even attempt to germinate seeds as old as 100,000 years old! This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are engineering and coding and biology classes, a club for every activity or group! There is just so much here, anyone can have amazing chances to do anything that other people never have.
    Read 200 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,021 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Westgate Charter School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • K-12
    • 9 reviews
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Adams County

    Freshman: What I myself personally like about Westgate Charter School is the fact that with the high school program it has. The program offers students to take college courses and get the necessary credits for an associate degree! You will have to a placement test called the Accuplacer test which would determine what college classes to put you in. You will need a total of 60 College credits to earn your associate degree which is a huge thing! The community is very valuable as well, I say so because of the Students, Teachers, Administration; all of this makes this such a wonderful school! Everyone is so polite and even with Colorado being at the flowchart of having the lowest school funding, this school is surpassing that flowchart. With the supplies, laptops, programs, electives, clubs, food, field trips, and much more this school has to offer! In conclusion, this is what I like about Westgate and I don't believe there are any necessary changes need to this school.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 492 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Early College of Arvada

    • Public School
    • Arvada, CO
    • 6-12
    • 7 reviews

    Alum: A lovely school, great place for those that require a bit more attention than you would receive in public school. Great faculty and a great place for college prep!
    Read 7 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 351 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. The Pinnacle Charter School High School

    • Public School
    • Federal Heights, CO
    • 9-12
    • 214 reviews

    Junior: The Pinnacle Charter School is the best school there can ever be! The staff and students there are amazing, I learn a lot in every subject there is! They have Frong Range Community College there at school as well, so we can get college credits. They have many offers and they teach us to be prepared for college and when we become an adult.
    Read 214 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 515 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Strasburg High School

    • Strasburg School District No. 31-J, CO
    • 9-12
    • 80 reviews

    Senior: The Strasburg High School is, overall, a very good school. It does have its faults. One of the more glaring ones in fund allocation. Sizable portions of the funds are put towards athletics, as some things that would greatly help the school are put off for later. Most of the teachers are passionate about their jobs and are fantastic teachers, with one or two exceptions. The administration is effective for the most part. The school does lack some facilities, though several of these may be addressed very soon. The High School lacks its own cafeteria. Students who get lunch from the district go to the elementary school.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 320 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Pathways Future Center

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • K-12
    • 5 reviews

    Alum: My experience was a transcending a life changing experience as pathways gave me a second chance at life. Coming from a public school where my life was constant clutter pathways showed me that taking your time and working on things alone is okay. I was able to graduate early ahead of my original graduation date despite me battling from mental issues
    Read 5 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 387 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Prairie View High School

    • Brighton School District No. 27J, CO
    • 9-12
    • 481 reviews

    Senior: Prairie View High is quite a diverse school consisting of students from all sorts of ethnical backgrounds and areas. I enjoy the activities offered here as there is mostly an activity or group for any subject group (science, math, music, art, etc.). However, some things that could be changed is the environment. Many students often don’t value their education or those who are trying to help them (teachers, administrators, and other students as well). Additionally, the higher level classes should not be forced upon everyone because not everyone wants to pursue that part of their education and forcing everyone to take the same level classes is devaluing the subject for those who want to pursue a higher education.
    Read 481 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,968 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Bennett High School

    • Bennett School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 42 reviews

    Senior: I got the amazing opportunity to grow up with amazing people since we are a small school we are all really close. I had good relationships with the teachers and other staff as well. You get more one on one with the teachers and they are always more than willing to help. I enjoy going to school here because of the chances to do different things. For example, we have an excellent FFA department and the teachers are the sweetest people you will ever meet. FFA week is my favorite spirit week because living in the country we have ride your horse to school day. This school has given me many fun and memorable experiences that I wouldn't get anywhere else.
    Read 42 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 358 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Brighton High School

    • Brighton School District No. 27J, CO
    • 9-12
    • 239 reviews

    Senior: My Brighton High School experience has been a pleasure. I have been given so many opportunities, like taking the CNA class and getting my certification, as well as other classes that will help me follow my career. I have been apart of many programs, such as playing sports. I have had so much fun cheering on our sports teams, and making so many new friends. Although, I do wish that BHS gave more information about apply for colleges, scholarships, and grants. Other than that, I do highly recommend getting enrolled into BHS!
    Read 239 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,758 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Mapleton Early College High School

    • Mapleton Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 59 reviews

    Alum: This school was my home way from home. The small school size made my peers like family to me, and I loved all four years that I was in there. Honestly, if I could choose between continuing with college, or reliving my entire four hears of high school, I would choose the chance to come back here again in a heartbeat! I miss this school so much, all of the teachers were so kind and motivating, while still being tough enough to have your respect. I became a better, stronger, and more courageous person because of the environment this school has. This was my home, and I wish every day that I could go back to it.
    Read 59 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 245 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Thornton High School

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 343 reviews

    Senior: I just recently graduated from THS and I will say that I am so glad that I attended this school. The teachers were always helpful and cared about the students as an individual. The students were so diverse and came from different backgrounds that you never had a bland class. The school had amazing school spirit and always did a great job at celebrating and having fun during our Pep rally’s and spirit weeks. The campus security was always kind and helped students out when they were lost or just needed a friend to talk to. The brand new clinic is amazing! Everyone in there is very helpful and cares about the wellbeing of everyone. I personally loved this school and this school deserves so much recognition for how much they work to help prepare students for the rest of their lives.
    Read 343 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,734 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Academy High School

    • Mapleton Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 33 reviews

    Senior: Great school! Teachers are focused in helping students reach their goals and graduate. Parents should be more involved with their student since its their last years and students really would need their support.
    Read 33 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 435 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Vantage Point

    • Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO
    • 6-12
    • 10 reviews

    High School Senior: Vantage Point treats everyone like family. Walking in makes you feel welcomed and appreciated. I would choose to attend this school over again because the teachers and staff helped me to succeed greatly. They opened my mind to many new things and helped me gain the knowledge I need to continue my education. The experience I received from this school is definitely one to remember.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 357 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Westminster High School

    • Adams County School District 50, CO
    • 9-12
    • 276 reviews

    Junior: I love the wide variety of clubs and extra curricular options. The teachers I have had so far have all been wonderful, and the overall environment is very welcoming and supportive! The only reason my rating wasn’t a 5 was because of the handful of students who disrespect the school’s classrooms, bathrooms, and educators and staff. The students disrespect the rules more often than not, which saddens me greatly.
    Read 276 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,511 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Global Leadership Academy

    • Mapleton Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 10 reviews

    Alum: Global Leadership Academy in the Mapleton school district is a small school with lots of heart. The teachers care about seeing you succeed in high school and beyond. The facilities and extra curricular activities are not the best but there are other great ways to get a head start on life. I especially liked the opportunity for students to take community college courses during high school hours or after school, completely paid for with books. Overall it is a great school and proud to have graduated from here.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 199 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts

    • Mapleton Public Schools, CO
    • 7-12
    • 77 reviews

    Senior: Switching from Rock Canyon High School to Mesa was the best decision i've made. Coming from a school with zero support, and treated different if you were considered a low student gave me no motivation to do my best throughout my Freshman and sophomore year.
    My beginning of Junior year in mesa was automatically different and I enjoyed it, I enjoyed the amount of support I was gaining from the first moment I walked in. They helped me realize how much I could actually achieve and that I was smart, I wasn't a low student. I went from D's and F's at Rock Canyon to A's and B's at Mesa.
    Read 77 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 638 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Chamberlain International School

    • Private School
    • Middleboro, MA
    • 6-12
    • 8 reviews

    Senior: I like how the staff treat me at the residence. I really enjoy the summer activities, we go to the beach and BBQ. During the week we go out at night to the movies and stuff. People in general have my best interest in mind here. I have solid relationships with the administration and supervisors, they seem to really care. And the food is good.
    Read 8 Reviews

    • 77 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    The Colorado Springs School

    • Private School
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 38 reviews

    Works Here: I’ve been at CSS in several capacities for 18 years, the longest tenure of my career. I appreciate the administration, staff, culture, students, facilities, programs, and parent support. I’m proud to represent Kodiak Athletics and how our athletes compete on every level. We prepare and play to win, but not at the expense of life lessons and character. CSS is committed to developing the whole child and athletics is one of our conduits for this personal growth. Every MS and HS student is encouraged to play a sport, and we have 98 percent of students in at least one sport. We have one State Championship in boys basketball (2007) and many Regional and State appearances. We compete in highly respected and competitive MS and HS conferences. Our facilities are impressive and well maintained. I am fortunate to be employed by such a healthy and impactful institution.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 330 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Noble and Greenough School

    • Private School
    • Dedham, MA
    • 7-12
    • 35 reviews

    Alum: Nobles is a special place rich with tradition, oozing with school pride, and steadfast in strong community principles. I feel so fortunate to have spent my high school life in such a place where I was accepted, encouraged and challenged all in perfect harmony. The teachers are happy to be there too--they are also encouraged to challenge themselves and develop as educators and that is clear in the way they immerse themselves in their curriculum and their afternoon program duties. I love nobles more than words can share--could not recommend it more!
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 614 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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