Colorado Early Colleges (CEC) is proud to announce that multiple campuses have once again been recognized among the best high schools in Colorado and the United States in the U.S. News & World Report 2025–26 rankings.
CEC Douglas County ranked #174 in Colorado and #8,563 nationally, while CEC Fort Collins placed #179 in Colorado and #8,731 nationally. CEC Aurora and CEC Colorado Springs also earned recognition, ranking within the top 249–343 schools in Colorado. Across campuses, graduation rates remain strong, ranging from 70–71%, with students gaining access to Advanced Placement® coursework and early college pathways.
“As Colorado Early Colleges approaches its 20th year, we’ve seen rankings increase across categories,” said Dr. Jill Gildea, CEO of Colorado Early Colleges. “We look forward to celebrating where we were, where we are, and where we’re headed throughout the 2026–27 school year.”
Rankings are determined by six key factors: college readiness; reading, math, and science proficiency and performance; underserved student achievement; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.
Colorado Early Colleges’ continued upward movement in both state and national rankings underscores the network’s mission to provide equitable access to rigorous academics, early college opportunities, and career readiness pathways for students across Colorado.
Visit the Our Schools page to browse campuses across Colorado and learn how to start your CEC journey!
