- Bea Underwood Elementary School — Grades 2–5 · 390 students
- Grand Valley High School — Grades 9–12 · 293 students
- Grand Valley Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 264 students
- Grand Valley Center for Family Learning — Grades PK–1 · 265 students
- Rodger Quist Middle Parachute — Grades 6–8 · 855 students
- Otho E Stuart Middle Parachute — Grades 6–8 · 794 students
- Prairie View Middle Parachute — Grades 6–8 · 679 students
- Overland Trail Middle Parachute — Grades 6–8 · 581 students
- Vikan Middle Parachute — Grades 6–8 · 528 students
- Prairie View High Parachute — Grades 9–12 · 1,809 students
- Riverdale Ridge High Parachute — Grades 9–12 · 1,784 students
- Brighton High Parachute — Grades 9–12 · 1,733 students
- Eagle Ridge Academy — Grades 9–12 · 593 students
- The STEAD Parachute — Grades 9–12 · 421 students
- Colorado Connections @ 27J — Grades K–12 · 2,042 students
- Bromley East Charter Parachute — Grades PK–8 · 1,214 students
- Foundations Academy — Grades K–8 · 763 students
- Landmark Academy at Reunion — Grades K–8 · 758 students
- Discovery Magnet Parachute — Grades K–8 · 692 students
- Belle Creek Charter Parachute — Grades K–8 · 519 students
- Northeast Elementary Parachute — Grades PK–6 · 470 students
- 27J Online Academy — Grades 6–12 · 336 students
- Innovations & Options — Grades 6–12 · 235 students
- Prairie Vista Youth Services Center — Grades 4–12 · 32 students
| Metric | Garfield County Parachute District 16 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 29 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
About Garfield County School District 16
Garfield County School District 16 serves zip code 81635, covering Parachute, 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.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Garfield County School District 16 spends approximately $11,000 per student per year, placing it near the Colorado state average of approximately $11,000 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. 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
At 5 schools serving grades K–12, Garfield County School District 16 qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 1,198 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Garfield County School District 16 ranks among Colorado’s low-rated-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 the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. 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.
Garfield County School District 16 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Colorado on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 81635
Children in zip code 81635 are assigned to Garfield County School District 16 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 81635, 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 Garfield County School District 16 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 Parachute
For families considering a purchase in the Parachute area, district assignment matters financially. Because Garfield County School District 16 serves zip code 81635, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 81635. 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 Garfield County School District 16 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 81635.
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 Garfield County School District 16 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81635 data.