Education in Thornton, CO
Updated 2026 • Schools and education data
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 estimates (Population 25+: 92,533)
Education Levels (Age 25+)
Median Earnings by Education Level
Annual median earnings for full-time workers aged 25+
School Enrollment
Education in Thornton
Thornton, CO is a average educational attainment area where 32% of residents hold bachelor's degrees. This rate is near the national average. Families can choose from 30 schools, each with unique strengths. Discover which schools match your family's needs below.
Schools in Thornton, CO
Showing 30 schools — including public, private, and charter schools with student-teacher ratios and graduation rates.
| School Name | District | Level | Teachers | Students | Ratio | Grad. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Village Academy - North | State Charter School Institute | Elementary | 51 | 832 | 1/16 | — |
| West Ridge Elementary | School District 27J | Elementary | 40 | 827 | 1/20 | — |
| Brantner Elementary School | School District 27J | Elementary | 36 | 682 | 1/18 | — |
| Riverdale Ridge High School | School District 27J | High | 60 | 1463 | 1/24 | 93.58974% |
| Rodger Quist Middle School | School District 27J | Middle | 45 | 923 | 1/20 | — |
| Discovery Magnet School | School District 27J | Elementary | — | — | — | — |
| Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | High | 28 | 478 | 1/16 | — |
| Mapleton Early Career Preparation | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | High | 16 | 319 | 1/18 | — |
| Academy High School | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | High | 22 | 420 | 1/19 | 74.76636% |
| Achieve Academy | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Elementary | 22 | 384 | 1/16 | — |
| Explore Pk-8 | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Elementary | 27 | 556 | 1/20 | — |
| Clayton Partnership School | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Elementary | 23 | 410 | 1/17 | — |
| York International | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Other | 42 | 817 | 1/19 | — |
| Meadow Community School | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Elementary | 18 | 375 | 1/20 | — |
| North Valley School for Young Adults | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | High | 5 | 104 | 1/20 | — |
| Preschool on Poze | Mapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St | Prekindergarten | 8 | 219 | 1/24 | — |
| Stargate Charter School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Other | 77 | 1551 | 1/19 | — |
| Coronado Hills Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 30 | 443 | 1/14 | — |
| Tarver Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 25 | 484 | 1/19 | — |
| McElwain Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 26 | 369 | 1/14 | — |
| Thornton Middle School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Middle | 42 | 732 | 1/17 | — |
| Shadow Ridge Middle School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Middle | 38 | 672 | 1/17 | — |
| Thornton Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 25 | 391 | 1/15 | — |
| Thornton High School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | High | 74 | 1412 | 1/18 | — |
| Woodglen Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 24 | 418 | 1/17 | — |
| Cherry Drive Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 20 | 359 | 1/17 | — |
| Skyview Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 23 | 357 | 1/15 | — |
| Hunters Glen Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 24 | 459 | 1/18 | — |
| Riverdale Elementary School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Elementary | 25 | 408 | 1/16 | — |
| Century Middle School | Adams 12 Five Star Schools | Middle | 47 | 827 | 1/17 | — |
Global Village Academy - North
ElementaryState Charter School Institute
West Ridge Elementary
ElementarySchool District 27J
Brantner Elementary School
ElementarySchool District 27J
Riverdale Ridge High School
HighSchool District 27J
Rodger Quist Middle School
MiddleSchool District 27J
Discovery Magnet School
ElementarySchool District 27J
Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts
HighMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Mapleton Early Career Preparation
HighMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Academy High School
HighMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Achieve Academy
ElementaryMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Explore Pk-8
ElementaryMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Clayton Partnership School
ElementaryMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
York International
OtherMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Meadow Community School
ElementaryMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
North Valley School for Young Adults
HighMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Preschool on Poze
PrekindergartenMapleton School District No. 1 in the county of Adams & St
Stargate Charter School
OtherAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Coronado Hills Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Tarver Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
McElwain Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Thornton Middle School
MiddleAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Shadow Ridge Middle School
MiddleAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Thornton Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Thornton High School
HighAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Woodglen Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Cherry Drive Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Skyview Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Hunters Glen Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Riverdale Elementary School
ElementaryAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Century Middle School
MiddleAdams 12 Five Star Schools
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •Friendly community vibe
- •Growing nightlife options
- •Affordable living costs
- •Vibrant local events
- •Strong schools in area
- •Diverse population
- •Multiple parks for kids
- •Access to nearby mountains
- •Good job opportunities
- •Easy commutes to Denver
Cons
- •Occasional racism issues
- •Some schools underperforming
- •Weather can be unpredictable
- •Economic disparities noted
- •Higher crime rates reported
- •Traffic congestion during rush
- •Limited cultural activities
- •Limited public transport options
- •Less nightlife than Denver
- •Budget constraints in city
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Thornton, CO? ▼
The cost of living in Thornton, CO is 0% equal to the national average, with a cost of living index of 100 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
Is Thornton, CO a safe place to live? ▼
Thornton, CO is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed Thornton crime statistics →
How are the schools in Thornton, CO? ▼
Thornton, CO has 30 schools serving the community, including public, private, and charter options. School quality varies, so we recommend checking specific school ratings and test scores. See Thornton school ratings →
What are the best neighborhoods in Thornton, CO? ▼
The best neighborhoods in Thornton, CO depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods vary in price depending on proximity to amenities and schools.
How are the taxes in Thornton, CO? ▼
Tax rates in Thornton, CO include state and local components. The cost of living index of 100 reflects a moderate cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed Thornton tax information →
How does Thornton, CO compare to nearby cities? ▼
Thornton, CO offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 100, median home prices of $0, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in Thornton, CO? ▼
Weather in Thornton, CO varies by season. Climate data varies by season. View detailed Thornton climate & environment data →
How do schools in Thornton, CO compare to state average? ▼
School quality in Thornton, CO varies by district and individual school. We recommend checking specific school ratings, test scores, and parent reviews for the neighborhoods you're considering.
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), National Center for Education Statistics