For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,608 students in New Castle, CO (there are 2 private schools, serving 216 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in New Castle, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in New Castle, CO are Coal Ridge High School, Kathryn Senor Elementary School and Elk Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Castle, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in New Castle have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in New Castle, CO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Coal Ridge High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
35947 Highway 6
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 625-6700
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 625-6700
Gr: 9-12 | 578 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #22.
Kathryn Senor Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 Alder Avenue
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-7700
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-7700
Gr: PK-5 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Elk Creek Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
804 West Main Street
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-6900
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-6900
Gr: PK-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #44.
Riverside School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
215 Alder Avenue
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-7800
New Castle, CO 81647
(970) 665-7800
Gr: 6-8 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in New Castle, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in New Castle, CO include Coal Ridge High School, Kathryn Senor Elementary School and Elk Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in New Castle?
4 public schools are located in New Castle.
What percentage of students in New Castle go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in New Castle are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in New Castle?
New Castle public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in New Castle are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in New Castle include: Kathryn Senor Elementary School vs. Elk Creek Elementary School, Elk Creek Elementary School vs. Kathryn Senor Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
