- Meadow Ridge Elementary School — Grades PK–3 · 440 students
- Hoff Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 338 students
- Hudson Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 303 students
- Weld Central Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 403 students
- Weld Central Senior High School — Grades 9–12 · 651 students
- Lochbuie Elementary School — Grades 4–6 · 239 students
- Cardinal Community Academy Charter School — Grades K–8 · 182 students
- Weld Re-3J Online Innovations — Grades K–12 · 110 students
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| Metric | Weld County School District RE-3J | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,785 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,800/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weld County School District RE-3J (this district) | 4/10 | 35th | 2,785 |
| Weld County School District No. RE-2 | 9/10 | 84th | 1,977 |
| Weld County School District RE-8 | 3/10 | 23rd | 2,522 |
| Weld County School District RE-1 | 4/10 | 30th | 1,837 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 rated districts in CO → 35th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Colorado Dept. of Education CMAS, all grades Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025. Full methodology →
About Weld County School District RE-3J
Families in zip code 80642 (Weld, Colorado) are assigned to Weld County School District RE-3J for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Colorado spend approximately $12,800 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), near the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 8 schools serving approximately 2,785 students across grades Pre-K – 12th, Weld County School District RE-3J is a mid-sized district. Contact Weld County School District RE-3J to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Weld County School District RE-3J ranks among Colorado’s below-average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Colorado’s CMAS assessments (2025 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Colorado is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Weld County School District RE-3J carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Colorado benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 80642
Children in zip code 80642 are assigned to Weld County School District RE-3J for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 80642, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Weld County School District RE-3J at (303)536-2000 or visit www.re3j.com/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Colorado districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Weld
For families considering a purchase in the Weld area, district assignment matters financially. Because Weld County School District RE-3J serves zip code 80642, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 80642. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Colorado, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Weld County School District RE-3J programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 80642.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Weld County School District RE-3J before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 80642 data.