For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,345 students in Cortez, CO (there are 3 private schools, serving 79 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Cortez, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Cortez, CO are Lewis-arriola Elementary School, 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Cortez have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cortez, CO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lewis-arriola Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
21434 Road U
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 882-4494
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 882-4494
Gr: K-5 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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%
Rank: #44.
Kemper Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
620 East Montezuma
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3737
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3737
Gr: K-5 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Children's Kiva Montessori School
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
601 North Mildred
Cortez, CO 81312
(970) 564-9377
Cortez, CO 81312
(970) 564-9377
Gr: K-8 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Battle Rock Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
11247 County Road G
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3237
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3237
Gr: K-6 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #77.
Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
703 West 7th Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3858
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3858
Gr: K-5 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #88.
Montezuma-cortez Middle School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
450 West 2nd Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7824
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-7824
Gr: 6-8 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: n/an/a
510 North Beech Street
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3372
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3372
Gr: PK | 70 students Minority enrollment: 44%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Cortez, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in Cortez, CO include Lewis-arriola Elementary School, Southwest Open Charter School and Montezuma-cortez High School.
How many public schools are located in Cortez?
9 public schools are located in Cortez.
What percentage of students in Cortez go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Cortez are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cortez?
Cortez public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cortez are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cortez include: Mesa Elementary School vs. Kemper Elementary School, Lewis-arriola Elementary School vs. Kemper Elementary School, Kemper Elementary School vs. Mesa Elementary School
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