Serving 116 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-39% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 116 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CO
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School serves the southwest part of Hesperus, CO, covering an approximate area of 452.8 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a 20-30 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge being nearly 28 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School's student population of 116 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 57% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
116 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Rankings
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#812 out of 1748 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
3%
1%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
22%
37%
Black
1%
5%
White
72%
49%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.9%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School's ranking?
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School is ranked #812 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 30-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
How many students attend Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School?
116 students attend Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School?
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School offer ?
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School part of?
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School is part of Durango School District No. 9-R.
School Calendar
View the Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break (No School)
October 09, 2026 (Friday)
Fall Break (No School)
October 12, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break (No School)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break (No School)
March 15, 2027 (Monday)
Last Day of School / End of Grading Period
May 28, 2027 (Friday)
School Reviews
4 2/20/2026
Students from this school attend middle school (escalante middle) and high school (durango high) in Durango, co, not mancos. Mancos is in Montezuma county, not LA plata county. The number of teachers at this school is deceptive. There is a staff of between 30 and 40 and the school has resources you wouldn''t expect in a school this small, like a large, well-stocked library, music wing, cafeteria, gym, and about 20 classrooms, many of which are used for enrichment activities. They recently replaced their playground equipment and did significant work on the school playing fields.
Review Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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