For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 1,941 students in Otero County, CO.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Otero County, CO are Swink Elementary School, Swink Junior-senior High School and Cheraw School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otero County, CO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Colorado public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Otero County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public elementary school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Otero County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swink Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
610 Columbia Street
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Gr: K-5 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Swink Junior-senior High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
610 Columbia Street
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Gr: 6-12 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Cheraw School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
110 Lakeview Avenue
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Gr: PK-12 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Fowler Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
601 West Grant
Fowler, CO 81093
(719) 263-4364
Fowler, CO 81093
(719) 263-4364
Gr: K-6 | 183 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Rocky Ford Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
901 South 11th Street
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Gr: K-6 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #66.
Tiger Trades Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1401 East 6th Stree
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 363-1504
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 363-1504
Gr: 5-12 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #77.
Manzanola Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
32475 County Road 11.5
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5578
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5578
Gr: PK-5 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #88.
Manzanola Junior-senior High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
32475 County Road 11.5
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5528
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5528
Gr: 6-12 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #99.
La Junta Intermediate School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
901 Smithland Ave.
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-9151
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-9151
Gr: 3-6 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
601 Topeka Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-2991
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-2991
Gr: K-2 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Otero County, CO?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Otero County, CO include Swink Elementary School, Swink Junior-senior High School and Cheraw School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Oterounty?
10 public elementary schools are located in Oterounty.
What is the racial composition of students in Oterounty?
Oterounty public elementary schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public elementary schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Oterounty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Oterounty include: La Junta Primary School vs. La Junta Intermediate School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.