Schools in Boulder
Premium lifestyle anchor · Independent city
School Districts
- Fairview HS — A+, #5 Best Public HS in Colorado
- Boulder High School — A, #12 CO; strong arts & AP
- Peak to Peak Charter — A+, #2 CO (Lafayette)
- Avg ACT: 29 · Avg SAT: 1280
- Average teacher salary: $97,716 · 17:1 ratio
Childcare & Pre-K
- Daycare Centers
- 40+
- Avg Monthly Cost
- $1,500–$2,800/mo (infant care at high end)
- Pre-K Availability
- Universal Preschool — 15 hrs/wk tuition-free for eligible 4-year-olds
- After School
- BVSD before/after-school care, EXPAND program, city rec programs
- Summer Camps
- Extensive — CU Science Discovery, city rec, private outdoor camps
- Library Branches
- Boulder Public Library (main + 2 branches)
FAQ — Boulder
What are the school ratings in Boulder?
Boulder is served by Boulder Valley School District, rated A by Niche and ranked #2 Best School District in Colorado. Fairview HS is rated A+ and ranked #5 Best Public High School in CO, while Boulder High School holds an A rating at #12 in CO. The district’s average ACT is 29, average SAT is 1280, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 17:1. Enrollment zones vary — always verify by address before purchasing.
What is the median home price in Boulder?
Boulder’s median home price is approximately $940K or higher as of 2026. Entry-level single-family homes often start at $1M+. The premium reflects proximity to CU Boulder, the Flatirons, and access to Boulder Valley School District (#2 in CO).
What is the cost of living in Boulder?
Boulder’s cost of living index is 141, or 41% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. The property tax rate ranges from 0.55% to 0.60% depending on taxing district, and the combined sales tax rate is 8.845%. Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax rate.