Montezuma-Cortez High School is a public senior high school located in Cortez, Colorado, United States, serving 721 students in grades 9–12. It is part of the Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1. The first high school was constructed in Cortez in 1909.
Serving 598 students in grades 9-12, Montezuma-cortez High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is higher than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 598 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Montezuma-Cortez High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Cortez, CO, covering an area of approximately 1,308.1 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 17.8 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 34.3 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Montezuma-cortez High School's student population of 598 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
598 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Montezuma-cortez High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Montezuma-cortez High School is 0.67, which is more 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
#1012 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)15-19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
American Indian
22%
1%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
22%
37%
Black
n/a
5%
White
48%
49%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
82%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)63.2%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montezuma-cortez High School's ranking?
Montezuma-cortez High School is ranked #1012 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are Montezuma-cortez High School often compared to?
Montezuma-cortez High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mancos High School, Dolores High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Montezuma-cortez High School?
The graduation rate of Montezuma-cortez High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Montezuma-cortez High School?
598 students attend Montezuma-cortez High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Montezuma-cortez High School students are White, 22% of students are American Indian, 22% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Montezuma-cortez High School?
Montezuma-cortez High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Montezuma-cortez High School offer ?
Montezuma-cortez High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Montezuma-cortez High School part of?
Montezuma-cortez High School is part of Montezuma-Cortez School District No. Re-1.
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