- Lake County Elementary School — Grades PK–2 · 248 students
- Cloud City High School — Grades 9–12 · 35 students
- Lake County High School — Grades 7–12 · 389 students
- Lake County Intermediate School — Grades 3–6 · 259 students
| Metric | Lake County School District R-1 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 979 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake County School District R-1 (this district) | 2/10 | 10th | 979 |
| School District 27J | 4/10 | 39th | 22,713 |
| School District 49 | 8/10 | 71st | 24,517 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 rated districts in CO → 10th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Colorado Dept. of Education CMAS, all grades Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025. Full methodology →
About Lake County School District R-1
Lake County School District R-1 serves zip code 81251, covering Twin Lakes, Colorado with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), Lake County School District R-1 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.
Lake County School District R-1 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 81251
Children in zip code 81251 are assigned to Lake County School District R-1 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 81251, 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 Lake County School District R-1 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. 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 Twin Lakes
For families considering a purchase in the Twin Lakes area, district assignment matters financially. Because Lake County School District R-1 serves zip code 81251, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 81251. 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 Lake County School District R-1 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 81251.
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 Lake County School District R-1 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81251 data.