Let’s learn about Fort Collins Schools and who services the area’s educational needs. Poudre School District (PSD) services Fort Collins, Timnath, Wellington, Laporte, Red Feather Lakes, parts of Loveland, Windsor and other areas all the way to the Wyoming boarder. That is over 1,800 square miles. During the 2023-2024 school year, 25,967 students were enrolled in the district. There were also 3,134 students that were served by the district authorized charter schools and other programs.

PSD school buildings

The district has fifty four school buildings that span elementary, middle, middle-high, comprehensive high school, and even alternative schools. Alternative schools can be everything from alternative high schools to online, hybrid, and charter schools. PSD is quick to say that your school buildings are aging. There is an estimated one billion needed for capital improvements and maintenance. There are still thirty two school buildings in the district that do not have mechanical cooling. Classroom temperatures in those buildings can reach 85 degrees during classes in August and other hot times of year. But even with the challenges of aging buildings, PSD is succeeding with what they set out to do, educate the children that attend their schools.

PSD Students

The graduation rate demonstrates this. The class of 2023 had a graduation rate of 86.9 percent. That was the second highest rate of graduation, in the district, in more than a decade. Here is some additional information about our students. Eighty percent of PSD high school students participate in career and technical education courses, compared to a state average of seventy two percent. Last year 623 PSD students received career and technical education (CTE) industry certifications, showing that they have real-world, job ready skills for the work place. In addition, sixty six percent of PSD graduates earned free college credits.

PSD Teachers

Attracting and keeping good teachers is important for the success of a school district and the children of that district. The district had a ninety two percent retention rate for its teachers in 2023-2024. Teachers love working for the district and stay, but it is not because of the pay. The average PSD teacher’s salary is nine to twelve percent less than similar districts along the Northern Front Range.

We are Proud of the quality of education that is provided by Poudre School District. The numbers show that they are doing what they set out to do. Providing a successful, inspiring place for every child to think, learn and grow. The district prepares children to be successful in a changing world. Thank you PSD for what you do!