Schools in Thornton

I-25 corridor hub — big city services, suburban price

Education

School Districts

B+
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
#28 Best District in Colorado
  • Stargate Charter K-12 — A+, #1–3 Public HS in Colorado
  • Prospect Ridge Academy — A, charter
  • Covers southwest Thornton

Verify district by address — Thornton splits between Adams 12 and 27J

B
School District 27J
  • Riverdale Ridge HS — #185 CO, newer school
  • Mountain Range HS — #134 CO
  • Horizon HS — long-standing community school
  • Covers northeast Thornton and east Thornton
Early Education

Childcare & Pre-K

Daycare Centers
40+
Avg Monthly Cost
$947–$1,400
Pre-K Availability
Good — Adams 12 and 27J both offer preschool programs
After School
Through school districts and city recreation centers
Summer Camps
City of Thornton rec camps, Trail Winds and Trails centers, private options
Library Branches
Anythink Libraries — Wright Farms and Perl Mack branches
Context

Community Demographics

Households with Children
~38%
Median Household Income
$95,064
Common Questions

FAQ — Thornton

What are the school ratings in Thornton?

Thornton is served by two school districts: Adams 12 Five Star Schools (Niche grade B+, #28 in Colorado) covering southwest Thornton, and School District 27J (B) covering northeast and east Thornton. Stargate Charter K–12 in Adams 12 ranks #1–3 among public high schools in Colorado. In 27J, Riverdale Ridge HS (#185 CO) and Mountain Range HS (#134 CO) are the main high schools. Thornton splits between these two districts, so always verify enrollment by address.