If you’ve ever said, “We want to be near top-rated schools,”—first of all, you’re not alone. As a former teacher, a Realtor, and a mom myself, I completely understand how important schools can be in your home search.
In fact, it’s one of the top questions I get from families relocating to Northern Colorado. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, school districts often drive the decision-making process. You want a home where your kids can thrive, build community, and enjoy the kind of childhood that feels like it’s out of a nostalgic movie.
So, I pulled together a list of highly-rated elementary schools in Northern Colorado that consistently rank 9+ on GreatSchools.org. These are the schools families build their entire move around—and for good reason.
Top-Rated Elementary Schools in Northern Colorado 🌟
Here’s a peek at just a few standout schools across our region:
Carrie Martin Elementary – Loveland
Bethke Elementary – Timnath
Windsor Charter Academy – Windsor
McGraw Elementary – Fort Collins
Beattie Elementary – Fort Collins
Tavelli Elementary – Fort Collins
Traut Core Elementary – Fort Collins
Johnson Elementary – Fort Collins
Zach Elementary – Fort Collins
Why School Ratings Matter in Your Home Search
School zones don’t just impact your child’s education—they influence property values, resale potential, and your day-to-day lifestyle. Think: the walk to drop-off, after-school park playdates, and whether you’re in the know about PTA events or the best playgrounds nearby.
Even if you don’t have school-aged kids, buying in a highly rated school district can be a smart investment decision for future resale appeal. Homes in top-rated districts tend to hold their value and attract strong buyer interest.
How to Find Homes in These School Districts
If one of these schools is at the top of your list, I can help you take the next step. I’ve created curated home searches near each of these districts to make your house hunt easier and more focused.
Just comment “SCHOOL” below or send me an email and I’ll send you a custom list of available homes nearby—no pressure, just helpful info to get you started.
Bonus: What It’s Like to Live Nearby
Beyond the schools themselves, each of these areas offers something a little special:
- Loveland (Carrie Martin) – Family-friendly neighborhoods with a small-town feel and access to numerous nearby reservoirs.
Windsor (Windsor Charter) – A growing town with newer developments and tight-knit community events like Harvest Festival.
Fort Collins (Zach, Beattie, Traut, etc.) – Beautifully shaded neighborhoods, bike trails, and some of the best city parks around.
Timnath (Bethke) – A blend of upscale master-planned communities and peaceful, scenic open space.
Let’s Make School Drop-Off Your New Commute 🚗📚
Whether you’re already here in Northern Colorado or planning a move, I’d love to help you get settled in a community that truly fits. Buying a home is about more than walls and a roof—it’s about the life you build inside (and where your kids go to school!).
Want a list of homes in these top-rated school zones? Just drop the word SCHOOL in the comments or click here to get in touch.