For the 2025 school year, there are 41 alternative public elementary schools serving 7,116 students in Colorado.
The top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Colorado are Delta Academy Of Applied Learning, Horizons K-8 School and Polaris Expeditionary Learning School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Colorado alternative public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Colorado public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 38% (versus the 43% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Alternative Public Elementary Schools in Colorado (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Delta Academy Of Applied Learning
Alternative School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
822 Grand Ave
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-0835
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-0835
Gr: 5-8 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Horizons K-8 School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4545 Sioux Drive
Boulder, CO 80303
(720) 561-5580
Boulder, CO 80303
(720) 561-5580
Gr: K-8 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Polaris Expeditionary Learning School
Alternative School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1905 Orchard Place
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 488-8260
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 488-8260
Gr: K-12 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Pueblo Youth Service Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1406 West 17th Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 253-6025
Pueblo, CO 81003
(719) 253-6025
Gr: 4-12 | 18 students Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #55.
North Conejos Alternative Program
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
635 Main Street
La Jara, CO 81140
(719) 274-4220
La Jara, CO 81140
(719) 274-4220
Gr: K-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #66.
Prairie Vista Youth Service Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
192 Bromley Business Parkway
Brighton, CO 80603
(303) 659-4450
Brighton, CO 80603
(303) 659-4450
Gr: 4-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #7 - 107. - 10.
Justice High Charter School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
805 Excalibur
Lafayette, CO 80026
(720) 935-1337
Lafayette, CO 80026
(720) 935-1337
Gr: 6-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #7 - 107. - 10.
Lookout Mountain
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2901 Ford Street
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-2600
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 273-2600
Gr: 5-12
Rank: #7 - 107. - 10.
Mount View Youth Services Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
7862 West Mansfield Parkway
Denver, CO 80235
(303) 987-4525
Denver, CO 80235
(303) 987-4525
Gr: 5-12
Rank: #7 - 107. - 10.
Prep Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2727 Columbine Street
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 424-8451
Denver, CO 80205
(720) 424-8451
Gr: 6-12 | 41 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Rank: #1111.
Spring Creek Youth Services Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3190 East Las Vegas
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 329-6924
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 329-6924
Gr: 5-12
Rank: #1212.
Vail Ski And Snowboard Academy (Vssa)
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1 Academy Loop
Minturn, CO 81645
(970) 328-2832
Minturn, CO 81645
(970) 328-2832
Gr: 5-12 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #1313.
Dual Immersion Academy School
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
552 A West Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 254-6070
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 254-6070
Gr: PK-5 | 303 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1414.
Marvin W Foote Youth Services
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
13500 East Fremont Place
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 768-7596
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 768-7596
Gr: 5-12 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #1515.
Monte Vista On-line Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
345 East Prospect
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719) 852-2212
Monte Vista, CO 81144
(719) 852-2212
Gr: 4-12 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1616.
Tiger Trades Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1401 East 6th Stree
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 363-1504
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 363-1504
Gr: 5-12 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1717.
Destinations Career Academy Of Colorado
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8601 Turnpike Dr. Suite 100
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 128-6266
Westminster, CO 80031
(303) 128-6266
Gr: 4-12 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1818.
Jeffco Virtual Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1829 Denver West Drive Bldg #2
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 982-6770
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 982-6770
Gr: 6-12 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #1919.
Pathways Future Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
550 E. 124th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80241
(720) 972-4723
Thornton, CO 80241
(720) 972-4723
Gr: 6-12 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
Connections Learning Center On The Earle Johnson C
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1200 Johnson Road
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 982-7004
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 982-7004
Gr: 6-9 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
Innovations & Options
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
830 Bridge Street
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 655-2850
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 655-2850
Gr: 6-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #2222.
Poudre Community Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2540 Laporte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 490-3295
Fort Collins, CO 80521
(970) 490-3295
Gr: 6-12 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #2323.
Achieve Online
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2115 Afton Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 328-3000
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 328-3000
Gr: 6-12 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #2424.
Academy Of Las Animas Online School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2001 Lake Ave
Pueblo, CO 81004
(800) 808-0718
Pueblo, CO 81004
(800) 808-0718
Gr: 6-12 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 43:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #2525.
70 Online
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
301 Lane 28
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 295-6518
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 295-6518
Gr: K-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #2626.
Summit Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5590 W Evans Ave.
Denver, CO 80227
(720) 424-2400
Denver, CO 80227
(720) 424-2400
Gr: 6-12 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #2727.
Denver Center For 21st-century Learning At Wyman
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1690 Williams Street
Denver, CO 80218
(720) 424-2980
Denver, CO 80218
(720) 424-2980
Gr: 6-12 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #2828.
Allies
Alternative School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6275 Bridlespur Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80922
(719) 495-1100
Colorado Springs, CO 80922
(719) 495-1100
Gr: 2-5 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
Nikola Tesla Education Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3302 Alpine Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 328-3100
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 328-3100
Gr: 6-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
Vantage Point
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
10900 Huron Street
Denver, CO 80234
(720) 972-5800
Denver, CO 80234
(720) 972-5800
Gr: 6-12 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #29 - 3129. - 31.
Vista Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4800 Telluride Street Bldg. 6
Denver, CO 80249
(720) 423-7650
Denver, CO 80249
(720) 423-7650
Gr: 6-12 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
Alamosa Alternative Education School
Alternative School
209 Victoria Ave
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 587-7640
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 587-7640
Gr: 6-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: n/an/a
Betty K Marler Youth Services Center
Alternative School
7862 West Mansfield Parkway
Denver, CO 80235
(720) 220-1246
Denver, CO 80235
(720) 220-1246
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Cloverleaf Home Education
Alternative School
312 Cantril Street Ste 101
Castle Rock, CO 80104
(303) 387-0100
Castle Rock, CO 80104
(303) 387-0100
Gr: K-12 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
Estes Park Options School
Alternative School
1575 South St. Vrain Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-2361
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-2361
Gr: K-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
Show 6 more Alternative public schools in Colorado (out of 41 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Colorado?
The top ranked alternative public elementary schools in Colorado include Delta Academy Of Applied Learning, Horizons K-8 School and Polaris Expeditionary Learning School.
How many alternative public elementary schools are located in Colorado?
41 alternative public elementary schools are located in Colorado.
What is the racial composition of students in Colorado?
Colorado alternative public elementary schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
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