For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 2,458 students in Chaffee County, CO (there are 2 private schools, serving 117 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Chaffee County, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Salida High School and Longfellow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chaffee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Crest Academy
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
220 12th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Gr: 5-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Salida High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
26 Jones Avenue
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Gr: 9-12 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 West 7th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Gr: K-4 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
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 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Horizons Exploratory Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E 9th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Gr: 9-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #66.
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 | 271 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #77.
Salida Montessori Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1040 I Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Gr: PK-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #88.
Salida Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 Milford Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Gr: 5-8 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #99.
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 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: n/an/a
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Gr: PK | 75 students Student-teacher ratio: 75:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: n/an/a
516 Teller Ave
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Gr: PK | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Chaffee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Arrowhead Learning Center (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
P O Box 1199
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Gr: 5-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
613 East Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 3-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Salida High School and Longfellow Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
12 public schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What percentage of students in Chaffeeunty go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Chaffeeunty are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chaffeeunty include: Salida High School vs. Buena Vista High School, Buena Vista High School vs. Salida High School, Avery/parsons Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School
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