The top reported proficiency rate is 95% in English language arts. The lowest is 81% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on High Peaks Elementary School
High Peaks Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Boulder, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Boulder Valley School District, the same district that serves most of the city and surrounding communities. The school sits in a residential neighborhood on the east side of Boulder, near the intersection of Aurora Avenue and area streets that connect to the broader city. Boulder itself is a college town anchored by the University of Colorado Boulder, federal research institutes, and a walkable downtown centered on the Pearl Street Mall. The city manages growth through building height limits and open space preservation, and its population has seen a slight decline in recent years. The school's housing market is expensive: the local area carries home values well above state and national benchmarks, and rents are high relative to incomes, making it a costly place to live.
Academically, High Peaks performs at a very high level. In state testing for math and English language arts across grades three through five, the large majority of students scored at proficient or above. Science testing in fifth grade also showed strong results, though the share of students reaching proficiency, while still high, was slightly lower than in the other subjects. Measured against other districts in Boulder County, the school's overall proficiency across subjects placed it among the top performers in the county. The school serves all elementary grades in a single building with a moderate enrollment for that grade band. The student body is predominantly white and Asian, with a smaller share of students who are Hispanic or identify as two or more races. A low share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the area's general affluence. Data on students with disabilities and English learners were not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those programs and services.
The district context matters for this school. In recent years, the Boulder Valley School District has invested heavily in facilities and staff. Voters approved a large bond issue for safety upgrades, mental health spaces, classroom additions, and technology improvements across all schools, with construction phased through 2026. Voters also approved a property-tax-funded mill levy override to increase teacher and support staff compensation. At the same time, the district has seen declining enrollment overall over the past decade and has closed two small elementary schools due to low attendance and high per-pupil costs. High Peaks does not appear to be in an area of declining enrollment; its enrollment figures by grade are relatively balanced. The school has not been mentioned in closure discussions. No data was available on programs such as gifted offerings, art, music, or after-school activities, so families should consult the school's own materials to get a full picture of what is offered.
For a family considering High Peaks, the academic profile is a clear strength. The school delivers very strong results in core subjects, and the neighborhood is stable and well-resourced. The trade-offs are the high cost of housing in the area and the lack of published data on some student support categories. Families who value a high-performing elementary school in an affluent, university-oriented community will find this school fits. Those concerned about economic diversity or who need specific special education or English learner services should follow up directly with the school.
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