For the 2025 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 3,000 students in Otero County, CO (there are 1 private school, serving 29 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Otero County, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Otero County, CO are Fowler High School, Swink Elementary School and Swink Junior-senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Otero County, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Colorado public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Otero County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Otero County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Fowler High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
600 West Grant
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4279
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4279
Grades: 9-12
| 98 students
Rank: #22.
Swink Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
610 Columbia Street
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Grades: K-6
| 169 students
Rank: #33.
Swink Junior-senior High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
610 Columbia Street
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Swink, CO 81077
(719) 384-8103
Grades: 7-12
| 133 students
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Intermediate School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
901 South 11th Street
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Grades: 3-6
| 199 students
Rank: #55.
Fowler Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 West Grant
Fowler, CO 81093
(719) 263-4364
Fowler, CO 81093
(719) 263-4364
Grades: K-6
| 198 students
Rank: #66.
Fowler Junior High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 West Eugene Avenue
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4224
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4224
Grades: 7-8
| 59 students
Rank: #77.
Cheraw School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
110 Lakeview Avenue
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Grades: PK-12
| 221 students
Rank: #88.
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
Grades: 5-12
| 124 students
Rank: #99.
Manzanola Elementary School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
32475 County Road 11.5
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5578
Manzanola, CO 80158
(719) 462-5578
Grades: PK-5
| 70 students
Rank: #1010.
Rocky Ford Junior/senior High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
100 West Washington
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7431
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7431
Grades: 7-12
| 265 students
Rank: #1111.
Manzanola Junior-senior High School
(Math: 11-19% | 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
Grades: 6-12
| 110 students
Rank: #1212.
La Junta Intermediate School
(Math: 8% | 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
Grades: 3-6
| 405 students
Rank: #1313.
La Junta Jr/sr High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1817 Smithland Ave
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4467
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4467
Grades: 7-12
| 504 students
Rank: n/an/a
601 Topeka Avenue
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-2991
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-2991
Grades: K-2
| 293 students
Rank: n/an/a
709 South 11th Street
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7681
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7681
Grades: PK-2
| 152 students
Otero County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
110 Lakeview Avenue
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Grades: PK-5
| 117 students
110 Lakeview Avenue
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Cheraw, CO 81030
(719) 853-6655
Grades: 6-8
| 52 students
901 South 11 St
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
(719) 254-7669
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
1817 Smithland
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4467
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4467
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
901 Smithland
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4371
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4371
Grades: 6-8
| n/a students
P O Box 218
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-5251
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-5251
Grades: K-3
| 101 students
Tiger Learning Center (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
1817 Smithland
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4460
La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-4460
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
P O Box 218
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4364
Fowler, CO 81039
(719) 263-4364
Grades: 4-6
| 92 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Otero County, CO?
The top ranked public schools in Otero County, CO include Fowler High School, Swink Elementary School and Swink Junior-senior High School.
How many public schools are located in Oterounty?
15 public schools are located in Oterounty.
What percentage of students in Oterounty go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Oterounty are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Oterounty?
Oterounty public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Oterounty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Oterounty include: La Junta Jr/sr High School vs. Rocky Ford Junior/senior High School, Manzanola Junior-senior High School vs. Fowler High School, Fowler High School vs. Manzanola Junior-senior High School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
