Southwest Open Charter School

401 North Dolores Road
Cortez, CO 81321
: 
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 131 students in grades 9-12, Southwest Open Charter 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%). 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 13:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 131 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 53%
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50% in CO)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • : <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:

Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools

School Overview

Southwest Open Charter School's student population of 131 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
131 students

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1986
School Calendar

School Rankings

Southwest Open Charter 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 Southwest Open Charter School is 0.66, 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.
This School
State Level (CO)
#926 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

≤20%
33%

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

<50%
45%

Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(20-21)
≤20%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
28%
1%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
20%
37%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

White
47%
49%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
5%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
53%
0.66

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

11-19%
82.7%

Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
77.9%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
39%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southwest Open Charter School's ranking?
Southwest Open Charter School is ranked #926 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% 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 11-19%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82.7%.
How many students attend Southwest Open Charter School?
131 students attend Southwest Open Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Southwest Open Charter School students are White, 28% of students are American Indian, 20% of students are Hispanic, and 5% 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 13:1, 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   10/10/2025
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 Facts (26-27)

  • School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 131 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 53%
  • : 11-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • : <50% (Top 50%)
  • : ≤20% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education

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