For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,592 students in Chaffee County, CO.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Colorado public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Chaffee County (2025-26)
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.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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%
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 elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
6 public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public elementary schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Chaffeeunty include: Avery/parsons Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School vs. Avery/parsons Elementary School
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