For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 925 students in Buena Vista, CO (there are 2 private schools, serving 117 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Buena Vista, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista, CO are Chaffee County High School, Buena Vista High School and Buena Vista Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Buena Vista, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Buena Vista have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Buena Vista, CO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chaffee County High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
613 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 7-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Buena Vista High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
559 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Gr: 9-12 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Buena Vista Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
549 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Gr: 6-8 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Avery/parsons Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Gr: K-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Gr: PK | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 60:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in Buena Vista, CO include Chaffee County High School, Buena Vista High School and Buena Vista Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Buena Vista?
5 public schools are located in Buena Vista.
What percentage of students in Buena Vista go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Buena Vista are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Buena Vista?
Buena Vista public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Buena Vista are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Buena Vista include: Chaffee County High School vs. Buena Vista High School
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.
