For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public charter schools serving 219 students in 81321, CO.
The top-ranked public charter schools in 81321, CO are Southwest Open Charter School and Battle Rock Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public charter schools in zipcode 81321 have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the Colorado public charter school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 48% statewide average). Charter schools in 81321, CO have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Colorado public charter school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best 81321, CO Public Charter Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Southwest Open Charter School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 North Dolores Road
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-1150
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-1150
Gr: 9-12 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Battle Rock Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
11247 County Road G
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3237
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3237
Gr: K-6 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in 81321, CO?
The top-ranked public charter schools in 81321, CO include Southwest Open Charter School and Battle Rock Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in 81321?
2 public charter schools are located in 81321.
What is the racial composition of students in 81321?
81321 public charter schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the Colorado public charter schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.