The top reported proficiency rate is 68% in Math. The lowest is 60% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Highlands Elementary School
Highlands Elementary is a regular public school in Erie serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the St. Vrain Valley School District, a large system that spans thirteen communities and recently won voter approval for the largest capital bond in its history, funding construction and renovation across its schools. That district context matters for a family choosing Highlands: the building and program investments ahead may shape the elementary experience in the years to come.
The school’s student body is majority white, with the next largest groups being Hispanic students, Asian students, and students who identify as two or more races. Black students and Indigenous students represent very small shares or none at all. The share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch is modest, well below what many Colorado elementary schools report. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not available, so a parent who wants that picture should ask the school directly.
On state assessments, Highlands posted proficiency rates that place it well above typical elementary schools in Weld County in both math and English language arts. The overall performance across tested subjects and grades lands in the top quartile of the district comparison set, a strong showing. Science proficiency for fifth graders was also solid. These are results families prioritize when looking for a school with a consistently strong academic foundation.
Erie itself is a fast-growing suburban town straddling Weld and Boulder counties, and it has been in active transition from a small mining-town past to a Denver-metro suburb. The population more than doubled between recent censuses, and the town’s planning area is far larger than its current incorporated footprint, signaling that growth is expected to continue. The historic Old Town core along Briggs Street has restaurants and cultural offerings, but for the most part Erie is a car-dependent collection of newer subdivisions. The housing market reflects that demand: home values are high and rents are also elevated, making this an expensive market for families.
For a family considering Highlands, the picture is of a well-regarded elementary school in a high-growth, high-cost suburb with strong academic results. The school itself has a moderate enrollment for its grade band and draws from a relatively advantaged student population. The surrounding community is building rapidly, and the district is investing heavily in facilities. A parent looking for evidence of solid instructional outcomes at the elementary level will find it here, though the broader affordability of the area and the continued pace of development are factors worth weighing in person.
See more original research from School Decision →