For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 5,054 students in Montrose, CO (there are 4 private schools, serving 304 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Montrose, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Montrose, CO are Peak Virtual Academy, Cottonwood Elementary School and Montrose High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Montrose, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Montrose have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Montrose, CO (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Peak Virtual Academy
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
526 N. 6th Street
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-7726
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-7726
Gr: K-12 | 262 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Cottonwood Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3500 Woodgate Road
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2539
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2539
Gr: K-5 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #33.
Montrose High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 South Selig Avenue
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6636
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6636
Gr: 9-12 | 1,279 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #44.
Columbine Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
600 South 12th Street
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2581
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2581
Gr: 6-8 | 491 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #55.
Centennial Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1100 South 5th Street
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2576
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2576
Gr: 6-8 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #66.
Oak Grove Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
62100 Oak Grove Road
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6867
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6867
Gr: K-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #77.
Johnson Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
13820 6700 Road
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2584
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2584
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #88.
Pomona Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1045 South Cascade
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2514
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2514
Gr: K-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #99.
Vista Charter School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1810 St. Mary Drive
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-4470
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-4470
Gr: 9-12 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 31:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #1010.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
528 North Uncompahgre
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2554
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2554
Gr: K-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: n/an/a
Black Canyon High School
Alternative School
126 South 5th Street
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 964-8597
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 964-8597
Gr: 9-12 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
900 Colorado Avenue
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-5858
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-5858
Gr: PK | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
930 Colorado Ave
Montrose, CO 81403
(970) 249-7726
Montrose, CO 81403
(970) 249-7726
Gr: PK-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Montrose, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in Montrose, CO include Peak Virtual Academy, Cottonwood Elementary School and Montrose High School.
How many public schools are located in Montrose?
13 public schools are located in Montrose.
What percentage of students in Montrose go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Montrose are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Montrose?
Montrose public schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Montrose are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Montrose include: Columbine Middle School vs. Centennial Middle School, Centennial Middle School vs. Columbine Middle School, Oak Grove Elementary School vs. Cottonwood Elementary School
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