Southwest Open Charter School

401 North Dolores Road
Cortez, CO 81321
8/
10
Top 30%
Serving 134 students in grades 9-12, Southwest Open Charter School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 134 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : 20-29% (Btm 50% in CO)
  • : Top 30%
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <50% (Top 50%)
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Southwest Open Charter School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:

School Overview

Southwest Open Charter School's student population of 134 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
134 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Calendar

School Rankings

Southwest Open Charter School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,779 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Open Charter School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (CO)
#471 out of 1779 schools
(Top 30%)
<50%
32%
<50%
45%
(20-21)
≤20%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
21%
1%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
22%
36%
Black
n/a
5%
White
55%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.61
20-29%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southwest Open Charter School's ranking?
Southwest Open Charter School is ranked #471 out of 1,779 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Colorado.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% CO state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwest Open Charter School?
The graduation rate of Southwest Open Charter School is 20-29%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Southwest Open Charter School?
134 students attend Southwest Open Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Southwest Open Charter School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are American Indian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southwest Open Charter School?
Southwest Open Charter School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwest Open Charter School offer ?
Southwest Open Charter School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Open Charter School part of?
Southwest Open Charter School is part of Montezuma-Cortez School District No. Re-1.

School Reviews

5   7/27/2012
I always believe innovation that best fit student ability to learn should be the standard, and SW Open High School is such a school. It does not fit all students, but those that need alternative method of learning.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - ray.b

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 134 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 45%
  • : 20-29% (Btm 50%)
  • : Top 30%
  • : <50% (Top 20%)
  • : <50% (Top 50%)
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education

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