Liberty Common School State's Top Open-Enrollment School

Given Colorado is named No. 1 in the nation in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best States education rankings recognizing the state's investment in student achievement, educational opportunity, and strong academic outcomes, Colorado's top-ranked open-enrollment public school, Liberty Common School, is celebrating leading the state’s public, open-enrollment schools contributing to this statewide accomplishment.  

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, Liberty Common School earned the following distinctions:

• #1 Open-Enrollment Public High School in Colorado
• #1 High School in Poudre School District
• #1 High School in the Fort Collins–Loveland Metropolitan Area
• #173 Nationally

Colorado earned U.S. News’ top national education ranking through exceptional performance in both k–12 and higher education.  The state ranked No. 3 nationally in higher education and No. 9 in preschool through 12th-grade education in the U.S. News ranking.

"Colorado's top ranking affirms the value of a well-ordered, classical curriculum, and an academic culture of serious learning." said Bob Schaffer, Headmaster of Liberty Common School.  "Liberty Common School’s three-decade mission is to play a leading role in Colorado's efforts to demonstrate best classroom practices, close student learning gaps quickly, and elevate professional-development of the public-school teaching corps."

Liberty Common School attributes its students’ success to a classical, accelerated curriculum, performance-compensated faculty, engaged families, and a culture emphasizing personal responsibility, properly formed character, and intellectual curiosity.  The school's accomplishments also reflect Colorado's decades-long commitment to charter-public schools and parental choice in education giving families access to high-quality educational options.

LCS parent Elizabeth Timpe, President of Liberty Common School's Board of Directors, added, "We are honored to be part of Colorado's recognition as the nation's top state for education.  Student achievement at Liberty Common School reflects the dedication of classically trained faculty, involved families, hardworking students, and expert administrators.  While we remain committed to our mission of excellence and fairness in education, our greatest measure of success will always be our graduates and the positive leadership they provide for their families, their communities, and the nation."

While Colorado's high U.S. News & World Report ranking may be cause for celebration, Liberty Common School views the national recognition as a challenge to continue raising expectations and expanding opportunities for every student.

"We congratulate the students and teachers of Colorado on this noteworthy recognition," Schaffer said. "We commend fellow educators across the state who are helping make Colorado the national model for educational excellence."