Boulder High School is a high school in Boulder, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Boulder Valley School District. Boulder High School was founded in 1875 as a preparatory school to the University of Colorado. In 1876, it was the first high school in Colorado to graduate a class.
Serving 1,939 students in grades 9-12, Boulder High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 62% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,939 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 20% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 62% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Top 5%)
- Attendance Zone: Boulder High School serves the northeast part of its school district in Boulder, CO, covering an area of approximately 125.6 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 13.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Boulder High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Boulder High School's student population of 1,939 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,939 students
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Year Founded
1875
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Rankings
Boulder High School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Boulder High School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#55 out of 1748 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)57%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
29%
37%
Black
1%
5%
White
62%
49%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
92%
82%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.6%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boulder High School's ranking?
Boulder High School is ranked #55 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are Boulder High School often compared to?
Boulder High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairview High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
62% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Boulder High School?
The graduation rate of Boulder High School is 92%, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Boulder High School?
1,939 students attend Boulder High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Boulder High School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Boulder High School?
Boulder High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Boulder High School offer ?
Boulder High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Boulder High School part of?
Boulder High School is part of Boulder Valley School District No. Re2.
School Calendar
View the Boulder High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
No School - Fall Break
October 12, 2026 (Monday)
No School - Fall Break
October 13, 2026 (Tuesday)
No School - Thanksgiving break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
No School - Thanksgiving break
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
No School - Thanksgiving break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
Review Boulder High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
