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| Metric | Hi-Plains School District R-23 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 129 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 1 | 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 | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Plains School District R-23 (this district) | 1/10 | 7th | 129 |
| Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1 | 1/10 | 6th | 313 |
| Kit Carson School District R-1 | 10/10 | 90th | 100 |
| Woodland Park School District RE-2 | 8/10 | 79th | 2,010 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 rated districts in CO → 7th percentile → 1/10.
Source: Colorado Dept. of Education CMAS, all grades Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025. Full methodology →
About Hi-Plains School District R-23
Zip code 80861 in Hi-Plains, Colorado is served by Hi-Plains School District R-23 for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Hi-Plains School District R-23’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
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 1 schools serving approximately 129 students across grades Pre-K – 12th, Hi-Plains School District R-23 is a small district. Contact Hi-Plains School District R-23 to learn about available programs and services.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (poor), Hi-Plains School District R-23 ranks among Colorado’s 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.
Hi-Plains School District R-23 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 80861
Children in zip code 80861 are assigned to Hi-Plains School District R-23 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 80861, 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 Hi-Plains School District R-23 at (970)664-2636 or visit www.hp-patriots.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 Hi-Plains
For families considering a purchase in the Hi-Plains area, district assignment matters financially. Because Hi-Plains School District R-23 serves zip code 80861, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 80861. 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 Hi-Plains School District R-23 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 80861.
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 Hi-Plains School District R-23 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 80861 data.