For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 2,458 students in Chaffee County, CO (there are 2 private schools, serving 117 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Chaffee County, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Buena Vista High School and Salida High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Colorado public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chaffee County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Crest Academy
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
220 12th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Grades: 5-8
| 56 students
Rank: #22.
Buena Vista High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
559 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Grades: 9-12
| 271 students
Rank: #33.
Salida High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
26 Jones Avenue
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Grades: 9-12
| 404 students
Rank: #44.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 West 7th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Grades: K-4
| 447 students
Rank: #55.
Salida Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
520 Milford Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Grades: 5-8
| 311 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Chaffee County High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
613 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Grades: 7-12
| 12 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Horizons Exploratory Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E 9th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Grades: 9-12
| 38 students
Rank: #88.
Salida Montessori Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1040 I Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Grades: PK-8
| 151 students
Rank: #99.
Buena Vista Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
549 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Grades: 6-8
| 229 students
Rank: #1010.
Avery/parsons Elementary School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Grades: K-5
| 398 students
Rank: n/an/a
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Grades: PK
| 75 students
Rank: n/an/a
516 Teller Ave
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Grades: PK
| 66 students
Chaffee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Arrowhead Learning Center (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
P O Box 1199
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Grades: 5-12
| 22 students
613 East Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Grades: 3-12
| 7 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top ranked public schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Buena Vista High School and Salida High School.
How many public schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
12 public schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What percentage of students in Chaffeeunty go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Chaffeeunty are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Chaffeeunty include: Salida High School vs. Buena Vista High School, Buena Vista High School vs. Salida High School, Avery/parsons Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School
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