Farmlands to Friendly Faces: What Makes Highlands Ranch, Colorado Great

Colorado is fast becoming a favorite state for those who want to settle down in a quiet, relaxing and family friendly place. It has beautiful rolling farmlands, relaxing scenery, fresh air, and sunshine which are just some of the many reasons Colorado is now considered the best state in the country.

Nestled in the capital city of Denver is Highlands Ranch, a newly recognized suburb that offers some of the best views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for most of the year.

But more than the scenery, Highlands Ranch also offers a lifestyle that most people dream of—26 parks, 82,000 acres of land in the Backcountry Wilderness and more than 70 miles of trails.

The beginnings

The Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne Native American tribes first inhabited Highlands Ranch. In 1682, it became part of Louisiana after a French explorer stole this area that’s now known as the Northern Douglas County. It was sold back to the United States in 1803.

In 1859, a vast part of the Denver Metro Area became ranch land, but it took a few years for its first legal settler Curtis H. Field to set up camp on the west side of Santa Fe Drive where he purchased a piece of land.

Colorado became popular because of the Gold Rush that attracted thousands of people to settle down on the state. But areas like Highlands Ranch remained to be ranches and farmlands for many years.

The suburbs

The Mission Viejo Company purchased a huge area of the unincorporated Douglas County in 1978 to be turned into a planned suburb called Highlands Ranch. In 1981, the first homes on Highlands Ranch were built near South Broadways.

Since then, the small community has grown consistently throughout the years.

In 1982, Northridge Elementary because the first public school in Highlands Ranch, the Northridge Recreation Center was built and other educational institutions like the Highlands Ranch Jr./Sr. High School, Highlands Ranch High School and Cresthill Middle School were established.  

By 1991, Highlands Ranch already had 17,000 residents and more than a decade later, it grew to over 86,000 residents. But despite all its developments, Highlands Ranch was able to keep its quaint little town charm.

In fact, it is called “Denver’s bubble” because it still feels like the same community that it was decades ago even if it already has a lot of developments. As of 2019, there are 106,000 residents in Highlands Ranch and it continues to grow every day.

The community

Being located near the Denver-Lakewood-Aurora metro area and very close to the capital city of Denver, Highlands Ranch offers the convenience of living in the city and the comforts of living in a small, picturesque town.

For one, the weather in this part of Colorado is favorable for most of the year with more than 300 sunny days, mild winters and low humidity.

Highlands Ranch is also ideal for outdoor activities, especially because it has a vast unexplored area that was meant for running, biking and other adventures. It boasts of more than 70 miles of natural trails, 16 local parks and more than 2,000 acres of open space for recreation.

The suburb was named the best place to live in Douglas County and it’s also listed as one of the best places to raise a family in America, one of the best suburbs to live in America and one of the best suburbs to raise a family in America.

According to the Business Journal, more than 80% of residents in Highlands Ranch own their homes because it has a good medial home value of $407, 200. The suburb also offers the following conveniences for its residents:

·         It has 19 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools and several public day care facilities.

·         It has 4 state-of-the-art recreations centers.

·         It has an 8,200-care Backcountry Wilderness Area where 7 miles of natural-surface trails were built to promote exploration.

·         It has four neighborhoods: Northridge, Southridge, Eastridge and Westridge.

·         It has more than 1,000 businesses with 6,800 local employees.

·         It has two 18-hole golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants and other recreational and entertainment establishments.

·         It has easy access to Denver’s establishments including the Cherry Creek Shopping Centre, Park Meadows Mall, Denver Tech Center, Coors Field and Pepsi Center.

·         It has more than 22,000 acres of development and it’s also named as one of the most progressive master-planned communities in the United States.

·         It is well divided for recreation (61%), residential (31%) and business (8%) spaces.

·         It has some of the best-priced homes in the country with prices ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000.

·         It has 10 home builders including Berkeley Homes, Beazer, Joyce Homes, Forest Glen, Ryland, Richmond, Writer Homes, Sanford Homes and Virden.

Highlands Ranch also boasts of different attractions that both visitors and residents can enjoy any time of the year. There’s the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion that many esteemed families in Colorado have called their home being one of the first properties built in Highlands Ranch.

The community also has trails for running, biking and walking, and it has areas for bird watching and fishing.

Every May, the community celebrates the Taste of Highlands Ranch where more than 30 local restaurants showcase their delicious offerings to locals.

Here, you can enjoy different dishes, beer, wine and spirits that are favorites of the community’s residents. June also holds the Highlands Ranch Beer Festival featuring more than 250 local breweries and pubs.

The future

Highlands Ranch continues to grow in population and developments, and it will continue to dominate Colorado’s suburbs over the next few years.

Living in this community is definitely a comfort and joy to its residents because it’s not only one of the best places in Colorado to start a family but it also offers great opportunities for those who want to start their careers.

So if you’ve been looking for a place in the country where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, Highlands Ranch is definitely worth a try.

Schools in Highlands Ranch Colorado:

1.     Ben Franklin Academy

The academic program at Ben Franklin Academy is incredible, from kindergarten to grade eight! The teachers challenge the children to make learning interesting and exciting!

·                Location: 555 Southpark Road Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Phone: (303) 387-6525, (303) 387-6526

2.     STEM School Highlands Ranch

Students are making more academic progress at this school than last year compared to similar students in the neighborhood. The significant progress and high test scores mean that students have strong academic skills, and the school supports academic growth better than most other schools.

·                Location: 8773 south ridgeline boulevard, highlands ranch, co 80129

·                Students: 1,816

·                Phone: (303) 683-7836, (303) 683-2099

3.     Northridge Elementary School

"Compassionate teachers, lots of learning opportunities, awareness and appreciation of learning differences, sense of small community, friendly environment. We are so happy that this is our neighborhood school! We couldn't ask for anything better!" Parent’s review:

·                Students: 705

·                Location: 555 Southpark Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Type: Public 

·                Phone: (303) 387-6525, (303) 387-6526

4.     Saddle Ranch Elementary School

This school is ranked above average in school quality compared to other schools in Colorado. Students make above-average academic progress from year to year, and students score above average on state tests.

·                Address: 805 West English Sparrow Trail

·                Phone: (303) 387-6400

5.     Eldorado Elementary School

"We looked at a number of schools in the southern area of the Denver/Highlands Ranch underground system and Eldorado checked all the boxes. The results of the standardized tests were not very good at first glance, but if you scratch below the surface you can see that the climate and culture of the school is exceptional and that it is on its way to outperforming other schools in the area.” Parent review 

·                   Students: 492

·                   White: 78%

·                   Hispanic: 10%

·                   Asian: 4%

·                   Black: 3%

·                   Native American: 1%

·                   1305 West Timbervale Trail, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                   (303) 387-6325

6.     Redstone Elementary School

“We had moved my son from Acres Green to Redstone from KG and he is now in 1st grade. He was a normal pupil at the beginning and now he is doing very well in the special math’s class with a 90% ranking. I can clearly see that the standards are higher here. This is a technology-oriented school. Good teachers who take good care of the children. The school environment is good. I am happy that my daughter will also be enrolled in KG next year. I hold her in high esteem.” Parent’s review. 

·                Location: 9970 Glenstone Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

·                Phone: (303) 387-7300

·                STUDENTS: 555

·                White: 74%

·                Asian: 10%

·                Hispanic: 9%

·                Two or more races: 5%

·                Black: 1%

·                Native American<1%

·                Female: 49%;

·                Male: 51%

7.     SkyView Academy

SkyView offers a research-based, content-rich liberal arts programs with a commitment to foreign language study and community service. Parents, staff, and students are actively involved in a culture of expectation and support where individuals are respected and valued.

·                Location: 6161 Business Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

·                Phones: (303) 471-8439, (303) 470-1903

·                Students: 1,287

8.     Highlands Ranch High School

"We have had two students at HRHS for a total of 7 years and it has been a great experience for our family! Our eldest has just finished her third year of university. Her studies at HRHS definitely prepared her for! Our son has just graduated and we very much appreciate the efforts of his teachers during this unexpected period of distance learning". Parent Review

·                Location: 9375 Cresthill Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Students: 1,745

·                Phone: (303) 387-2500

9.     Ranch View Middle School

"Incredible teamwork has been demonstrated to my husband and I as we go through the precarious years of college for each of our 3 children. We chose Ranch view and there is no reason for us to do anything different. The test results are an indicator". Parent Review

·                Location: 1731 Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                STUDENTS: 863

10.Thunderridge High School

"I am very happy to have had the opportunity to participate in TRHS. In the end, it was an excellent school that gave me many opportunities, and a sense of community throughout my school that I believe is uncommon in many other schools"—student review. 

·                Location: 1991 Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                Students: 2,070

·                (303) 387-2000

11.Sand Creek Elementary School

Sand Creek has a very supportive administration, teachers who care about the students, and a very involved community of parents. Sand creek students’ have experienced significant growth since their enrollment at Sand Creek. It is an excellent neighborhood school!

·                Location: 8898 South Maplewood Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Students: 452

12.Trailblazer Elementary School

Trailblazer is an amazing neighborhood school based on a strong culture and climate. They are proud of their caring community and strive to do what is best for every student who comes to them. Their teachers take the time to get to know every student and use this knowledge to plan meaningful, authentic, and rigorous learning experiences. They offer a comprehensive special education program.

·                Location: 9760 South Hackberry Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                Phone: (303) 387-6250, (303) 387-6251

·                Students: 418

13.Mountain Ridge Middle School

"We are very happy with the MRMS and the way the teachers have prepared our boys for high school. The teachers always do everything in their power to help every student succeed and enjoy learning". Parent Review 

·                10590 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                STUDENTS: 1,151

·                (303) 387-1800

14.Highlands Ranch Learning Center

"This school is first class! We looked at a lot of schools in the area, but the HRLC had everything we were looking for. Like many parents, we did our homework and asked around. We found out that many of our neighbors’ children had graduated from the HRLC and they told us that the teachers at their children's primary school were very impressed with their children's education and social skills when they entered grade one". Parent’s testimonial. 

·                Location: 405 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Phone: (303) 346-7144

15.Primrose School of Highlands Ranch

"My child has been attending this school for more than a year. She is always motivated to get up and go to Primrose in the morning. She has developed strong relationships with her teachers and friends. She is thriving academically. She eats healthily and enjoys the food she is served. I am very grateful to my child for receiving what she needs and I am very happy with this community of excellent administrators, teachers and families"—parent’s review.

·                Location: 9055 South Ridgeline Blvd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129

·                Students: 119

16.St Andrews Children's Learning Center

·                9203 South University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

17.Redstone Kindercare

"I like the staff and the director. The building is clean and everyone is very helpful. " Parent review 

·                9314 Commerce Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                (303) 346-0919

18.Merryhill School Highlands Ranch

The 6-week pre-school facility combines learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe, and stimulating environment - offering more than just childcare or daycare. Kindergarten is the first introduction to a life of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot. Here, children discover, explore, and learn to their fullest potential.

·                Location: 9345 S Colorado Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Tel: (303) 791-2972

19.Arma Dei Academy

The Arma Dei Academy welcomes more than 300 students from kindergarten to grade 8, as well as a programs of collaboration between school and home. They glorify God by offering an excellent classical Christian education based on a biblical worldview that equips students to live a determined and intelligent life in service to God and others. Arma Dei Academy raises the standards by training students in reason, discernment, and aspiration.

·                Location: 341 East Wildcat Reserve Pkwy, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

·                Phone: (303) 346-4523

20.The Goddard School - Highlands Ranch

"Our son loves Goddard. He has been attending this school since he was 7 weeks old. They are constantly finding new ways to teach him and stimulate his emotional and intellectual growth. Every day that I pick him up, he is a happy, satisfied boy, tired of having so much fun! The owners are very receptive to all concerns and are always available for a phone call. The teachers are attentive and kind and rarely have staff turnover". Parent review:

·                Location: 1101 Sergeant Jon Stiles Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                Tel: (303) 470-9899

21.Saddle Ranch Elementary School

"My child has been at this school for five years. We love the feeling you get when you enter the building! You really feel like you belong to a big family. My daughter has had wonderful teachers who have taken the time to understand and appreciate her learning style.” Parent review.

·                   Location: 805 West English Sparrow Trail, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

·                   STUDENTS: 494

·                   Phone: (303) 387-6400