For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public high schools serving 729 students in Cortez, CO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Cortez, CO are Southwest Open Charter School and Montezuma-cortez High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cortez, CO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Colorado public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 53% statewide average). High schools in Cortez have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public high schools.
Cortez, CO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 69%, which is less than the Colorado average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Montezuma-cortez High School, with 80-84% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Colorado or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public high school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Cortez, CO (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.
Montezuma-cortez High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
418 South Sligo Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3722
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3722
Gr: 9-12 | 598 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Cortez, Colorado Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Adult Education Program (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
P O Box 1420
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-8411
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-8411
Gr: 4-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
400 North Elm
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7974
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7974
Gr: 1-5 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
300 East 4th Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7691
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7691
Gr: K-5 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
400 North Elm Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7282
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7282
Gr: 3-12 | 12 students Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Cortez, CO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Cortez, CO include Southwest Open Charter School and Montezuma-cortez High School.
How many public high schools are located in Cortez?
2 public high schools are located in Cortez.
What is the racial composition of students in Cortez?
Cortez public high schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public high schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
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